72 12 045 Removing and installing/replacing left or right AHPS2 head airbag

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 528xi, 2010 BMW 528i, 2009 BMW 528xi, 2009 BMW 528i, and 2008 BMW 528xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Read and comply with safety regulations for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical belt tensioners.
Incorrect handling can activate head airbag and cause injury.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove luggage compartment trim on side panel. See 51 47 210 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TRUNK TRIM PANEL ON LEFT SIDE PANEL or 51 47 220 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TRUNK TRIM PANEL ON RIGHT SIDE PANEL .
Disconnect battery cable . See 12 00... INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY .
Follow instructions for disconnecting and connecting battery. See 12 00... INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY
Remove roofliner . See 51 44 011 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING HEADLINER (WITH SLIDE / TILT SUNROOF) , 51 44 011 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ROOFLINER (LONG VERSION WITH SLIDE/TILT SUNROOF) or 51 44 001 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING HEADLINER (WITHOUT SLIDE/TILT SUNROOF) .

Fig 1: Identifying Holders And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release all screws (1) of holders.

Tightening torque 72 12 03AZ . See 12 AIRBAG GENERATOR/AIRBAG .

Feed all holders (2) out of sheet metal flange.

NOTE: The retainers behind the holders can break off. These retainers serve as an installation aid during series production and are not important for repairs.

Release rear screw.

Tightening torque 72 12 04AZ . See 12 AIRBAG GENERATOR/AIRBAG .

Remove rear AHPS2.

Fig 2: Locating Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release front screws (1 and 2).

Tightening torques:

Screw 1 72 12 04AZ . See 12 AIRBAG GENERATOR/AIRBAG .
Screw 2 72 12 06AZ . See 12 AIRBAG GENERATOR/AIRBAG .

Carefully feed gas generator out of guides towards rear, unlocking and disconnecting plug (3) in the process.

Remove gas generator completely.

Fig 3: Locating Plug And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Security version:

Gas generator (1) is mechanically modified, spare part changed.

Fig 4: Identifying Gas Generator

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: View of retaining screw with anchor fitting of AHPS2 head airbag:

Anchor fitting, AHPS2 head airbag
Lock washer
Retaining screw

Fig 5: Identifying Lock Washer, Anchor Fitting And Screws
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Observe the following when replacing grommet:

Catches (1) must not be damaged
Pay attention to guide lug (2) when feeding into body

Fig 6: Identifying Guide Lug And Catches
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.