BMW 325CI, 325I, 325IT and others: Air bags

Date

May 2, 2013

Filed by

BMW of North America, LLC

Consumer advisory

Do Not Drive (NHTSA consumer advisory in this record).

Vehicles

BMW 325CI (2002, 2003); BMW 325I (2002, 2003); BMW 325IT (2002, 2003); BMW 325XI (2002, 2003); BMW 325XIT (2002, 2003); BMW 330CI (2002, 2003); BMW 330I (2002, 2003); BMW 330XI (2002, 2003); BMW M3 (2002, 2003)

Component

Air Bags

Description of the defect

BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.

Potentially affected

43204

What can happen

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Recall notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Owner notification date

Aug. 9, 2013

Recall type

V (vehicle)

Influenced by

ODI

Recall number

13V172000

What should I do? Car recall: how to check your car and get it fixed

Source: NHTSA · Vehicle record. View the agency notice. The agency notice governs; check it and the company before acting.