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

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

WARNING: Observe SAFETY REGULATIONS for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical seat belt tensioners.
Incorrect handling can cause airbags to trigger, resulting in serious injuries.

IMPORTANT: Operations on pyrotechnical devices may only be carried out by authorized experts.
Improper, unauthorized operations may result in serious dangers.
Unauthorized persons are strictly prohibited from performing any operations on this system .

NOTE: For replacement (E84 US version only):
The following BMW part numbers are only permitted to be installed in vehicles with production date up to 09/2011:
2 991 557
2 991 558

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE
Remove FRONT SEAT
Partially detach BACKREST COVER

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

Detach cable strap.

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

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

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

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

G09851271

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip the omega cable clip (1) from seat mechanism (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Omega Cable Clip

G04728086

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew nuts (1).

Installation note:

Replace nuts.

Tightening torques 72 12 02AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Nuts

G04728087

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 bolts out of backrest frame.

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

Installation note:

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

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

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

Fig 4: Pulling Airbag Module

G04728088

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Install nuts and tighten down.

Tightening torques 72 12 02AZ .

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

Installation note:

Make sure wiring harness is correctly laid.

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

G04728089

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.