2000 BMW 3 Series

Issue: On certain cars, exposure to moisture over time could cause the driver-front airbag not to inflate properly in a crash. In some cases, this could cause an airbag not to fully inflate, while in others it could cause it to deploy with more force than normal. It could also cause the inflator to rupture. If the airbag inflator ruptures, small pieces of metal could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag and prevent its proper function. Note: This recall affects cars built between May 22, 1999 and June 20, 2000. While the car was not built with an affected airbag inflator, it may have had one installed if the steering wheel airbag was replaced. Safety Risk: In a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the driver-front airbag may not inflate properly or the inflator could rupture. This could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail. There may be a significant delay before replacement parts are available. BMW will send you a second letter once replacement parts are available and instruct you to take your car to a dealer to inspect the driver-front airbag inflator. If the inflator requires replacement, a newly design part will be installed. Note: BMW has not advised owners of vehicles affected by this recall to stop using their cars.

On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment during a crash where deployment is warranted, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger airbag. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2013148.

On certain 323I, 328I, 528I, 528IT, 540I, 540IT, 740I, 740IL, 750IL and M5 vehicles, the brake light switch capacitor housing may be cracked and in high humidity conditions the capacitor and switch housing could become overheated and deformed. As a result, a short circuit or an open circuit could occur in the switch. This could cause the switch to remain either in the "brake lamps off" position or the "brake lamps on" position. If the switch remains in the "off" position, the brake lamps will be rendered inoperative. Conversely, if the switch remains in the "on" position, the brake lamps will be continuously illuminated when the ignition switch is in the "on" position. Correction: Brake lamp switch will be replaced with an improved switch.