Vehicle recall 02V223000 · August 9, 2002
BMW 323i and 328i
On certain 4-door passenger vehicles, the side air bag system could deploy in certain non-crash impacts, such as when contacting large potholes or curbs at substantial speeds.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- On certain 4-door passenger vehicles, the side air bag system could deploy in certain non-crash impacts, such as when contacting large potholes or curbs at substantial speeds.
- Consequence
- This could cause the side air bag and head protection system to deploy without an actual side crash or impact severe enough to cause significant visible damage to the vehicle. Unexpected deployment of the side air bag could cause serious injury if the occupant's head is resting near the side air bag.
- Remedy
- Dealers will recalibrate the central air bag control module to reduce the possibility of such a non-crash deployment. Owner notification began October 25, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
- Notes
- Also, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 02V223000
- Reported to NHTSA
- August 9, 2002
- Filed by
- BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Manufacturer campaign
- E46
- Owner notification
- October 25, 2002
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 20,500
- Initiated by
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
- Components
- Air bags › Side/window
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
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