BMW is recalling some 220,000 vehicles worldwide from model years 2002 and 2003 as part of a wider recall affecting airbags made by supplier Takata. The BMW recall follows those announced by Japanese OEMs.

BMW is recalling model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal airbag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the airbag.

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal airbag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.

BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in May. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger airbag, free of charge.