May 9, 2013—BMW is recalling about 220,000 vehicles worldwide to fix a flaw in their passenger-side frontal air bag, according to a document filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The recall affects certain BMW 3-series cars from model years 2002 and 2003, including 325i, 325xi, 300i and 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT sports wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles.
According to the document, in the event of a crash, the bags’ inflator could rupture and send metal fragments or plastic shrapnel flying at the passenger.
The NHTSA said the recall will affect around 42,000 vehicles in the U.S.
BMW hopes to have the replacement parts available in July.
According to a Reuters report, the BMW recall is part of a wide recall of airbags made by supplier Takata Corp. Last month, 3.4 million vehicles worldwide made by Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Mazda were also recalled due to faulty Taka airbags.