72 12 050 Removing and installing side airbag (basic seat)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 128i, and 2009 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Observe safety regulations for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical seat belt pretensioners.
Incorrect handling can cause airbags to trigger, resulting in serious injuries.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect battery negative lead . See 61 20 900 DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD .
Remove front seat . See SEATS - REPAIR .
Partially detach backrest cover . See SEATS - REPAIR .

IMPORTANT: Make sure airbag wiring harness is exactly routed when installed.

Detach cable tie.

Release airbag wiring harness (2) from cable holders on seat mechanism.

Raise release clip (3) and pull plug (4) out of plug housing (1).

NOTE: If necessary, release yellow plug housing (1) from holder on seat mechanism.

Fig 1: Identifying Airbag Wiring Harness, Clip, Plug And Plug Housing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip Omega cable holder (1) from seat mechanism (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Omega Cable Holder

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew nuts (1).

Installation:

Replace nuts.

Tightening torques, see 72 12 02AZ in 72 12 AIRBAG MODULES .

Fig 3: Identifying Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Feed the wiring harness carefully through the seat and backrest mechanism as the edges of the frame can be sharp.

Pull airbag module (2) with threaded pins out of backrest frame.

Feed out airbag module (2) between padding (1) and inner bag (3).

Installation:

Pull inner bag (3) fully over airbag module (2) and threaded pins.

Insert threaded pins into backrest frame and secure with new nuts.

No inner bag material is permitted to project through the hole in the inner frame.

Install nuts and tighten down.

Tightening torques, see 72 12 02AZ in 72 12 AIRBAG MODULES .

Fig 4: Identifying Airbag Module, Padding And Inner Bag

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Feed out wiring harness (2) of airbag module (1) through seat and backrest mechanism (3) carefully on account of sharp edges.

Installation:

Make sure wiring harness is correctly laid.

Engage backrest cover (3) in backrest frame and assemble front seat. See SEATS - REPAIR .

Fig 5: Identifying Wiring Harness, Airbag Module And Backrest Mechanism

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.