The 2010 BMW 335xi has 3 recalls, the most serious being two separate airbag inflator defects where the driver-side airbag can explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, raising the risk of serious injury or death.
Both airbag concerns involve the driver-side inflator: one affects the original steering wheel's inflator module, and the other applies to vehicles where the original steering wheel was replaced with a sport or M-sport wheel carrying the same explosive failure risk. Because both can produce the same outcome, any 335xi with a prior steering wheel replacement should be treated as potentially subject to both issues. On the electrical side, the wiring and connectors that control airflow through the heating and air conditioning system can overheat, melt the surrounding connectors, and potentially start a fire, including when the car 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.
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Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
