Recall 13V-172: 2002–2003 BMW 325ci, 2002–2003 BMW 325i and 7 more
BMW of North America, LLC recall for air bags, reported to NHTSA on May 2, 2013, covering about 43,204 vehicles.
The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.
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.
Recall details
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
|---|---|
| Component | Air Bags |
| Recall started by | NHTSA (Office of Defects Investigation) |
| NHTSA campaign number | 13V172000 |
Vehicles in this recall
| Vehicle | Model years | |
|---|---|---|
| BMW 325ci | 2002, 2003 | All years |
| BMW 325i | 2002, 2003 | All years |
| BMW 325IT | 2002, 2003 | All years |
| BMW 325xi | 2002, 2003 | All years |
| BMW 325XIT | 2002, 2003 | All years |
| BMW 330ci | 2002, 2003 | All years |
| BMW 330i | 2002, 2003 | All years |
| BMW 330xi | 2002, 2003 | All years |
| BMW M3 | 2002, 2003 | All years |
Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V-172?
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.
How is recall 13V-172 fixed?
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.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.