72 12... Deactivation of airbags

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW M5, 2009 BMW M5, 2009 BMW 550i, 2008 BMW M5, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING:

The responsibility for (de-)activation rests with the customer.
The airbags should always be deactivated if the front passenger seat is fitted with a child seat.
Customer consent must be documented.
Observe notes and instructions on (de-)activation procedure.

The following airbags can be (de-)activated:

Passenger airbag
Side airbag (front passenger), front
Side airbag (front passenger), rear

IMPORTANT: Head airbag on passenger side remains active.

R50/R53 up to 04/2004 and E83 up to 09/2004 only:

For details of deactivation, see following work steps.

R50/R53 from 04/2004 and E83 from 09/2004 only:

See DEACTIVATING FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG WITH KEY SWITCH

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Read and comply with SAFETY REGULATIONS
Disconnect BATTERY

Front-passenger airbag:

NOTE: Seat occupancy detector remains connected.

Expose plug connection of passenger airbag.
Disconnect plug connection.
Tie back disconnected cable and secure with cable strap (rattling noises)
Stick on warning signs
Code airbag control unit (see BMW Diagnostic System)
Documentation of customer consent and storage in car's file
Entry in car's documents (Germany only)
Replacement of passenger belt with belt force limitation by version without belt force limitation

Fig 1: Identifying Passenger Airbag

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Side airbag, front:

Expose plug connection of side airbag
Disconnect plug connection of corresponding side airbags
Tie back disconnected cables and secure with cable strap (rattling noises)
Stick on warning signs (see below)
Code airbag control unit (see BMW Diagnostic System)
Documentation of customer consent and work in car's file
Entry in car's documents (Germany only)

Fig 2: Identifying Side Airbag, Front
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Side airbag, rear:

Expose plug connection of side airbag
Disconnect plug connection of corresponding side airbags
Tie back disconnected cables and secure with cable strap (rattling noises)
Stick on warning signs (see below)
Code airbag control unit (via CIP)
Documentation of customer consent and work in car's file
Entry in car's documents (Germany only)

Fig 3: Identifying Side Airbag, Rear
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Warning sign, passenger airbag:

Stick on a warning sign with the text "Passenger airbag out of operation" from the inside to the top outer edge of the windshield on the passenger side.

NOTE: Remove the warning sign when the passenger airbag is reactivated.

Fig 4: Identifying Warning Sign, Passenger Airbag

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Warning signs, side airbag:

NOTE: Remove warning signs when reactivating side airbags.

Fig 5: Identifying Warning Signs, Side Airbag

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Passenger Airbag Off light (US version or SA only):

Remove AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR (POL) or trim
Disconnect plug from Airbag Off indicator
Tie back plug and secure with cable strap (rattling noises)
Install trim
Code airbag control unit

Function check airbag warning light (except US version):

The function of the airbag system is checked when the ignition key is turned in the ignition switch.

FUNCTION CHECK CHART

Warning lamp lights up:		Coding
Warning lamp lights up:		before	after
1.	Airbag warning lamp lights up continuously if an airbag is deactivated	X
2.	Airbag warning goes out after several seconds when airbags are deactivated		X
3.	Airbag warning goes out after several seconds when airbags are activated	X	X

NOTE: A coding of the airbag control unit must be carried out so that the warning lamp goes out again after deactivation.