BMW has issued a recall for its 3-Series and M3 models in the United States and Canade due to a fault detected in the vehicle's airbags. The recall is a part of the massive global Takata airbag recall, which was put into effect in April by Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Mazda, affecting over 3.4 million vehicles worldwide.
At the time of the Takata airbag recall, BMW said it would participate in the issue but did not immediately know how many vehicles were involved. Now however, after conducting its internal investigation the German automaker has released the official numbers.
The recall affects the older 3-Series and M3 built in 2002 and 2003. Models included in the recall are the 2002-'03 BMW 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT sports wagons and M3 coupes and convertibles.
BMW said it will notify owners in May, but it does not expect replacement parts to be available until July. BMW dealers will replace the passenger airbag. The German luxury carmaker also stated that the company has not yet received any reports of accidents or injuries related to the said recall.
“A safety defect in the passenger side frontal airbag may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the airbag,” said NHTSA in its summary of the problem. “In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal airbag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants”.
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