The 2001 BMW M3 has 4 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag defect affecting both the driver and passenger frontal inflators, which can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
All three airbag recalls trace to the same underlying problem: the frontal airbag inflators contain a propellant that can destabilize over time, building excessive internal pressure. When an inflator ruptures in a crash, it can scatter sharp metal fragments toward the driver, front passenger, or anyone nearby. This affects both the driver-side and passenger-side frontal airbags, and the risk applies to coupe and convertible versions of this vehicle.
The remaining recall involves the parking brake. Two screws securing the parking brake cable bracket to the backing plate may not have been tightened properly at the factory. If those screws loosen and fall into the brake drum, the bracket loses its anchor point and the parking brake can no longer engage on that side of the vehicle, reducing or eliminating the vehicle's ability to hold on an incline when parked.
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.
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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.
