The 2003 BMW M3 has 4 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag defect affecting both the driver and passenger frontal airbags, where the inflators can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
All three airbag recalls trace to the same underlying hazard: the frontal airbag inflators use a propellant that can detonate with excessive force in a crash, tearing apart the inflator housing. This affects both the driver and passenger sides, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles. The fourth recall involves the power windows, where the anti-pinch feature may not work correctly and the window can close on an occupant's hand or arm without reversing.
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 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.
At a glance
What can fail
The window's anti-pinching device, which prevents the window from closing on objects, may not work properly.
What the fix does
The dealer will inspect and replace the electronic control unit for the window anti-pinching device if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
