WASHINGTON, D.C. -

BMW of North America is recalling more than 42,000 vehicles in the U.S. for an issue dealing with the passenger-side frontal air bag.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said 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 are being recalled.

The move is meant “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,” NHTSA said.

“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,” officials said.

Multiple news reports indicate this U.S. action is part of a global recall involving roughly 220,000 BMW units.

The air bags in question are manufactured by Takata, which just last month made headlines in a series of recalls detailed here by Auto Remarketing.

Details on U.S. Recall

According to a document from BMW included on the NHTSA website, the majority of vehicles included in the U.S. recall  (27,440 units) are of the 2002–2003 BMW 3-Series Sedan variety.  Breaking down the rest, 5,295 units are 2002-2003 3-Series Convertibles and 4,670 units are 2002-2003 3-Series Coupes.

The 2002–2003 M3 Coupes make up 1,830 of the units recalled, with the 2002–2003 3-Seires Sports Wagon’s total at 1,535 units.  The document indicates 1,300 units of 2002–2003 M3 Convertibles are being recalled.

The BMW document on the NHTSA site indicates that the “percentage of vehicles estimated to contain the condition is much less than 1 (percent).”

BMW plans to begin notifying owners of the safety defect this month. It is expected that replacement parts will be ready in July; once that happens, BMW will get back in touch with owners and have them schedule a free replacement of the passenger air bag with a dealer.

To contact BMW customer service, call (800) 525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
 

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