32 34 020 Removing And Installing / Replacing Airbag Unit (Basic Steering Wheel)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 BMW Alpina and 2007 BMW Alpina. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Observe the following instructions to avoid any risk of injury by the airbag unit.

Comply with safety regulations for handling components with gas generators. See 72 00... SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR HANDLING COMPONENTS WITH GAS GENERATORS .
Do not exert any force on the airbag unit.
Use only specified tools for releasing the airbag unit.

NOTE: Incorrect handling may result in triggering of the airbag unit and thereby cause serious injury.

IMPORTANT: Steering wheel must be replaced if airbag unit has been triggered! See 32 33 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING STEERING WHEEL .
Follow procedure after airbag triggering . See 72 12... PROCEDURE AFTER AIRBAG TRIGGERING AS RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect battery negative lead . See 12 00... INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY .
Move steering wheel into vertical position

The following special tools can be used to unlock the airbag unit.

Previous tool . See Fig 1.
New tool . See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tools
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: Danger of injury!
Airbag unit may only be set down with the airbag itself facing upwards .

Unclip airbag unit (1) in lower area and fold towards rear.

Disconnect plug connection (2) and remove airbag unit (1).

Installation:

Make sure electrical leads are correctly positioned.

Snap airbag unit with uniform pressing force plane-parallel in direction of steering column shaft into steering wheel.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connection And Airbag Unit

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Disconnect plug connections on airbag unit and remove connecting cable.

Installation:

Connect plugs to connections of same color on airbag unit.