NHTSA Recall 02V223000: Air bags: side/window
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 20,500 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the BMW 323I.
| NHTSA campaign | 02V223000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | E46 |
| Component | AIR BAGS › SIDE/WINDOW |
| Report received | August 9, 2002 |
| Owner notification | October 25, 2002 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
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.
Safety risk
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).
Vehicles covered by recall 02V223000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.