BMW of North America is recalling 574,000 3-series cars with Takata airbags. Affected are model-year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles.
The Takata supplied passenger-side airbag can produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the airbag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the airbag, sending shrapnel into the car. This is part of a sweeping Takata safety defect that is now affecting at least eight major automakers.
An interim notice will be mailed to BMW owners in August 2014. A second notice will be mailed when an adequate supply of airbags is available, currently said to be in October 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.safercar.gov. This is an expansion of NHTSA Recall 13V-172.