What NHTSA investigated
The subject vehicle's air bag electronic control module contains programmable logic for deploying the side-impact air bags.bmw revised the module several times over the span of the model years 1999 through 2002 (identified as MRS2.CA, MRS2.BB, MRS3, MRS3+ and MRS4).ALTHOUGH model year 1999.5 vehicles with version MRS2.BB had 6.5% of the subject population, it accounted for 29% of the total reports received.the MRS2.BB exposure adjusted report rate was almost 4 times higher than other 3 series air bag module versions.in august 2002, BMW initiated a recall campaign for 20,500 model 323I and 328I vehicles with version MRS2.BB (NHTSA recall # 02V223000).IN addition to experiencing a lower rate of non-crash deployments, most of the non-recalled vehicles also showed evidence of significant pothole/curb impact with some having additional undercarriage contact/scrape or suspension damage.see additional information
The recall that followed
Vehicles covered
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| BMW | 3 SERIES | 1999–2002 |
Source
From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.