The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 17V-047 (17V047000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module |
| Report date | January 20, 2017 |
| Owners notified | March 15, 2017 |
| Vehicles affected | 230,117 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 2000 BMW 323
- 2001 BMW 323
- 2002 BMW 323
- 2000 BMW 325
- 2001 BMW 325
- 2002 BMW 325
- 2000 BMW 330
- 2001 BMW 330
- 2002 BMW 330
- 2001 BMW 530
- 2001 BMW 540
- 2000 BMW M3
- 2001 BMW M3
- 2002 BMW M3
- 2001 BMW M5
- 2002 BMW M5
- 2001 BMW X5
- 2002 BMW X5
- 2003 BMW X5
Plus 7 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the air bags
- 2000 BMW 323 airbag problems 2
- 2002 BMW 323 airbag problems 1
- 2001 BMW 325 airbag problems 7
- 2002 BMW 325 airbag problems 6
- 2002 BMW 330 airbag problems 1
- 2001 BMW 530 airbag problems 1
- 2001 BMW 540 airbag problems 2
- 2001 BMW M3 airbag problems 1
- 2002 BMW M3 airbag problems 7
- 2001 BMW M5 airbag problems 3
- 2002 BMW M5 airbag problems 1
- 2001 BMW X5 airbag problems 16
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 17V-047 repair free?
Yes. BMW dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 230,117 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is it safe to drive?
No — the manufacturer says owners should not drive affected vehicles until the repair is done. Contact a dealer to arrange towing.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.