BMW Recall: Takata Airbag in 374,891 Vehicles in Germany
One of the largest Takata recalls in Germany: BMW is calling in the 1 Series, 3 Series, M3, X1 and X3 (campaign production period 2006 to 2015) – the driver airbag is replaced completely.
BMW has started one of the largest Takata recalls in Germany: it affects the 1 Series, 3 Series (including M3), X1 and X3 within the campaign’s production period 2 January 2006 to 30 June 2015 (each series’ own build period applies). According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), the cause is a defect in the driver airbag inflator.
The key figures
- KBA reference number: 15308R, BMW recall code 0032730300
- Germany: 374,891 vehicles
- Worldwide: almost 1.5 million vehicles
- KBA publication: 11 May 2026
Which models are affected?
The KBA names the 1 Series, 3 Series, M3, X1 and X3 and restricts the campaign to the series E81, E82, E87, E88 (1 Series), E90–E93 (3 Series, M3), E84 (X1) and E83 (X3). The 2006–2015 group period applies to the campaign as a whole; some series were only built in shorter periods (the X1 only from 2009, the E-series of the 1 and 3 Series until 2013, the X3 until 2010). Only the VIN shows whether your exact vehicle is covered.
What happens at the workshop?
The driver airbag is replaced completely with a new module. The measure is free of charge for owners and is carried out at any authorised BMW workshop.
Are there further BMW recalls?
Yes. On 28 August 2026 the KBA published the campaign 15309R for the 3 Series and M3 of the E46 series (production period 3 November 1998–24 August 2006; 356,451 vehicles in Germany, 774,269 worldwide). It is officially documented; as the defect the KBA names a Takata inflator with an overpressure reaction on deployment. The KBA also lists further BMW Takata campaigns, for example 14133R (2016–2017) as well as 14056R and 15775R, which only apply to vehicles with a converted steering wheel. All campaigns with periods and restrictions are on the BMW recall page; figures of different campaigns must not be added together.
How to check your vehicle
Use the search on this site for a first indication. Only a lookup with the vehicle identification number (VIN) at BMW or at an authorised workshop is binding.
Sources
- autohaus.de: Und wieder Takata-Airbag – BMW ruft 1er-, 3er- und X-Modelle zurück
- ADAC: Defekte Takata-Airbags – Mega-Rückruf bei BMW
- KBA-Rückrufdatenbank (Referenzen 15308R, 15309R)
Research as of 6 November 2026. Only information from the manufacturer and the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) is binding. The linked sources are mostly in German.
