If the driver’s airbag is deployed, the inflator might burst if it was subject to high air humidity, high temperatures and substantial temperature fluctuations over a number of years. This may result in the ejection of metal parts, which could cause injury or death to the driver and the passengers.
Recalled vehicles were produced between July 1999 and January 2003. Only vehicles for which the inflator of the driver’s airbag has been exchanged as part of a service are affected.
Source: Alert 9/2017 A12/0266/17
Update 20. 12. 2019
Recall extended – see the Alert BMW 3-Series E46 (1999 – 2003)