The 2002 BMW M3 has 4 recalls, all involving Takata frontal airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
These four recalls cover the same category of defect across different filing scopes, but the real-world risk is the same throughout: airbag inflators on both sides of the front seat can explode with excessive force rather than deploy normally. When that happens, the metal housing can fracture and scatter shrapnel toward the driver, front passenger, or anyone else nearby. The defect affects both the driver-side and passenger-side frontal inflators, meaning neither occupant in the front row is insulated from the risk. Because prior repair attempts on some of these inflators did not fully resolve the underlying problem, multiple rounds of recall activity have addressed this vehicle over the years. Owners of both the M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible configurations are included in these recalls.
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 dual-stage driver front air bag can allow moisture inside. Over time, moisture can cause the inflator to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front driver air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
