Tens of thousands of vehicles are being recalled because of an issue that can be a detriment to safety in the event of a crash. The problem could make itself known when a side frontal collision takes place. To make sure that your passengers are protected, please heed the recall directives if you own one of the vehicles.
The recall was announced by BMW and affects 325ixT and 325iT Sports Wagons, M3, 325Ci, and 330Ci convertibles and coupes, and 325xi, 330xi, 325i, and 330i sedans of the 2002 and 2003 model years. Slightly more than 42,000 automobiles are impacted by the recall.
Each of the aforementioned vehicles could suffer from an issue wherein internal pressure within the side frontal airbags on the passenger side can build to an unsafe degree. Should a crash lead to this airbag being inflated, the device that causes inflation could potentially rupture. The metal fragments which make up that inflator could thus careen outward into the cabin. If they make contact with persons in the vehicle, it could lead to a laceration.
Although owners should hear from BMW as to the issue at some point this month, the announcement notes that replacement components will likely not be available until July. Once those parts arrive, owners will be able to bring their automobiles in to a dealer to receive free repairs.