The 2005 BMW M3 has 3 recalls, all involving Takata 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.
Both the driver-side and passenger-side frontal airbag inflators are affected. When either airbag deploys in a crash, excessive pressure inside the inflator can cause it to burst, scattering metal fragments toward the driver and other occupants. Prior repair attempts for some of these filings did not fully resolve the issue, which is why multiple campaigns exist for what is the same underlying defect. This is one of the most widely documented airbag safety issues in automotive history, and the risk is present any time the airbags are called upon to deploy.
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.
