UPDATE: Yesterday, (July 16, 2014) it was announced that this recall has expanded to all 3 Series cars manufactured between May 1999 and August 2006, not just in the regions originally mentioned below.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and BMW N.A. will be issuing a limited regional recall of select BMW e46 3 Series vehicles due to defective frontal airbags in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Which BMW models are affected by the recall?

BMW e46 3 Series model year 2001-2005 325i, 325xi and 330xi, and 2001-2006 325Ci and 330Ci, currently registered in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and equipped with Takata-brand airbag inflators.

What causes the defective frontal airbags?

The frontal airbags made by Takata contain a faulty propellant and can deploy irregularly, and/or rupture with metal fragments striking occupants. Some reports speculate that the airbag failure may be linked to high humidity areas/regions.

Are there any known accidents attributed to the defect?

This is a large recall spanning across several automakers: Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Chrysler and Ford, over several months. Currently, there are eight reports of airbags exploding and two associated deaths, none of which were BMW vehicles.

What do I do if my car is one of those affected?

BMW will be notifying all owners affected by the recall in August 2014. The frontal airbags will be inspected and replaced, free of charge.

If your BMW is part of this recall and you have not been notified, call your local, independent BMW repair shop to schedule an appointment to have your BMW checked and serviced for the defect.

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