2018 BMW 340I

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

The radiator failed due to rocks flying through the grill and smashing the radiator causing coolant to flow out of the radiator which could cause deadly issues if a car has no coolant while operating. Bmw knows this is an issue and refuses to warranty/recall the parts. They know its an issue because after 12/17 every 340i came with a rock guard to protect the radiator but every car before that was just left to be victim of a potentially deadly situation including mine (manufactured 10/17). Bmw refuses to acknowledge the problem but the addition of the rock guard to cars after 12/17 should be enough evidence to show they knew it was an issue. Now all 2016-2018 m sport f30 chassis built before 12/7 are susceptible to this deadly situation and bmw refuses to cover for any damages even though they know it's a serious issue and they won't even cover the rock guard

NHTSA ID

11552110

Incident

Oct 25, 2023

Fuel Tank Filler Hose Collapse - unable to refuel and vehicle remains stranded.

NHTSA ID

11518472

Incident

Apr 3, 2023

RETURNING FROM A LOCAL GROCERY STORE I DROVE INTO OUR GARAGE AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. IMMEDIATELY I HEARD A LOUD POP FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, LIKE FROM A FIRECRACKER, AND I SAW BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AND FROM THE LEFT WHEEL WELL. I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR TO DRIVE OUT OF THE GARAGE. NOTHING WORKED SO I PUSHED THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE BY HAND AND RELEASED THE HOOD LATCH. BY NOW THE HOOD'S EXTERNAL SAFETY LATCH WAS SO HOT I COULD NOT RELEASE IT. WITH THE HOOD CLOSED, I WAS UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE ENGINE FIRE USING A 15 LB CO2 AND A 5 LB ABC EXTINGUISHER. THE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT ALSO WERE UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE UNTIL THEY SAWED THE HOOD IN HALF. THE 2 1/2 YEAR OLD CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. A EXPERT FROM BMW OF NORTH AMERICA INSPECTED THE CAR REPORTING THAT WAS TOO MUCH DAMAGE TO DETERMINE THE FIRE'S CAUSE. BMW NA CALLED TO REPORT THE RESULT NOT THEIR INVESTIGATION AND SAY THAT NO WRITTEN REPORT WAS AVAILABLE, ONLY THE VERBAL VERBAL FONECON.

NHTSA ID

11399787

Incident

Jan 18, 2021

Mileage

20,000 mi

The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

DIESEL FUEL INJECTORS: LTD WTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES

PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE (PCV) EXTENDED LTD WTY 15 YEARS/150,000 MILES

Check Control message (CCM) indicates: (ID 213): Stop, exercising due care. Voltage supply The Service Engine Soon light is on with the following DME Fault Code: 21B209 - Starter alternator / belt for 48V system (OSA_RIEMEN_RISS): Belt betweenCombustion engine and starter generator torn And/or one or more of the following other issues are also occurring: Noise in the area of the belt drive. Odor from the engine compartment. Smoke formation in the area of the belt drive. Drive belt damaged or prematurely worn. Torn drive belt.