The 2011 BMW 330XI has 3 recalls, the most serious being two separate airbag inflator defects where the driver's airbag can explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, risking serious injury or death.
Both airbag concerns involve the driver's frontal inflator. One affects the original factory-installed inflator, while the other applies specifically to vehicles where the original steering wheel was swapped for a sport or M-sport steering wheel that carries a similarly defective inflator. In either case, a crash that triggers airbag deployment can cause the inflator to rupture violently rather than inflate the bag. The third recall covers the wiring and electrical connectors that control airflow for the heating and air conditioning system. That wiring can overheat, melting the connectors and creating a fire risk that can develop even while the vehicle is parked and unattended.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's air bag inflator in certain replacement sport or M-sport steering wheels can explode when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver frontal air bag inflator may explode due to chemical breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Replace the driver air bag inflator. On X5 and X6 models, only the inflator is replaced. Repair is free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring and electrical connectors that control airflow in the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
