Driver frontal air bag inflator may rupture
Defect Summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi sedans, and 325xi and 325i sportswagons, 2002-2006 330ci, 325ci, and m3 convertibles and 325i, 330i, and m3 coupes, 2002-2003 m5, 540i, 525i sedan, and 530i sedans, and 540i and 525i sportswagons, and 2003 x5 3.0i and 4.4i sports activity vehicles. please note that the 5-series and x5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. the affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Safety Consequence
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.
Corrective Action
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. the recall began aug 2016. owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417. note: this recall supersedes recall 14v-348 in its entirety. additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. note: on december 17, 2015 bmw removed the model year 2004 x5 3.0i and 4.4i sports activity vehicle from this recall. those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Bmw Of North America, Llc or involving Air Bags.
FAQ: Recall 15V318000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 15V318000?
NHTSA recall 15V318000 was issued by Bmw Of North America, Llc on May 28, 2015. It addresses: Driver frontal air bag inflator may rupture. The recall affects approximately 419,235 vehicles, with the defect involving the Air Bags component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Bmw Of North America, Llc dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 15V318000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
What does "Do Not Drive" mean for this recall?
NHTSA has flagged this recall as Do Not Drive, meaning the defect poses an immediate safety risk and affected vehicles should not be operated until they are repaired. Owners should contact their dealer immediately and may be eligible for free towing or a loaner vehicle while awaiting parts.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.