The 2001 BMW M3 has 4 recalls, the most serious being Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture in a crash, sending metal fragments into the cabin and causing serious injury or death.
The airbag concern covers both frontal inflators: the driver-side inflator can explode and throw metal fragments toward the driver or other occupants, and the passenger-side inflator carries the same risk. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why multiple campaigns exist for what is essentially the same defect. On the mechanical side, the parking brake cable mounting bracket may have been secured with screws that were not properly tightened. Those screws can work loose and fall into the parking brake drum, freeing the bracket and leaving the parking brake unable to hold on that side of the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to chemical breakdown of the propellant inside, which happens after prolonged exposure to high heat, humidity, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
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 passenger side front air bag may build up excessive internal pressure and rupture when it deploys.
What the fix does
BMW dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver-side air bag module may have an inflator that ruptures due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to low humidity, temperature changes, and temperature cycling.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the driver-side air bag module and replace it if necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The two screws that secure the parking brake cable bracket to the backing plate were not tightened properly. The screws could loosen and fall into the parking brake drum.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the parking brake cable screws and tighten them to the correct specification.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
