Rear side airbag (non-foldable backrest), removing and installing

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required 

• Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing and Information System VAS 5051 A
• Closing pliers VAS 6273

1 - Zip fastener

2 - Driver-side and passenger-side rear side airbags

• Removal:

• Disconnect the battery ground (GND) strap →
  • 27 BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL
  • 27 - BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL for ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - GENERAL INFORMATION
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• Remove rear seat bench: Vehicles through 10.04 → Seatbench, removing and installing - vehicles up to 10.04 , vehicles from 11.04 → Seatbench, removing and installing - vehicles from 11.04 .
• Remove rear seat backrest → Fixed backrest, removing and installing .
• Pry out side clamping strips - 3  - using a screwdriver.

• Pry out lower clamping strip - 9  - using a screwdriver.
• Slide cover - 8  - at bottom over bracket - 7  -.
• Turn back cover in area of side airbag - 2  -.
• Unzip - 1  - protective cover of side airbag - 4  -.

• Open securing clip at side airbag connector - 5  - and disconnect connector.
• Turn back cover and upholstery in area of side airbag - 2  - far enough so the back side of the side airbag is accessible.
• Remove nuts - 6  - (2x).
• Remove side airbag - 2  -.

• Installing: 

• Install side airbag - 2  - in reverse order of removal.
• Fasten zip - 1  - at protective cover for side airbag - 4  -, using closing pliers VAS 6273.
• Switch on ignition.

• Connect the battery ground (GND) strap →
  • 27 BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL
  • 27 - BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL for ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - GENERAL INFORMATION
  .

3 - Side retaining strips

4 - Protective cover for side airbag

5 - Connector for side airbag

6 - Nuts (2x)

7 - Support

8 - Cover

9 - Lower retaining strip