Removal & Installation (Front)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 BMW 545i, 2004 BMW 530i, and 2004 BMW 525i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING SYSTEM under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Remove headliner. See HEADLINER .

NOTE: Retainers behind head air bag module holders can break off. These retainers serve as a production aid and are not important for repairs

Remove all screws from head air bag module holders and feed holders out of sheet metal flange. See Fig 1 . Remove screw from rear head air bag module tether. Remove screw from front head air bag module tether. Remove screw from gas generator and carefully feed gas generator out of guides toward rear, unlocking and disconnecting harness connector in process. Remove head air bag module from vehicle.
To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure air bag module does not contact any sharp edges either on body or on holders. Tighten nuts and screws to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Activate air bag system. See ACTIVATING SYSTEM under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

Fig 1: Head Air Bag Module Retaining Elements

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.