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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 50 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW M5, 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, 2016 BMW 550i xDrive, 2016 BMW 550i, and 2016 BMW 535i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 .

WARNING: Observe SAFETY REGULATIONS for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical seat belt tensioners.
Incorrect handling can activate airbag and cause injury.
A damaged airbag must be replaced because its protective function is compromised and, in an extreme situation, it can no longer execute its protective function.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect battery negative cable . See 61 20 900 DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD or 61 20 900 DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY EARTH LEAD
Remove rear panel on front seat . See 52 14 198 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING REAR PANEL ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT BACKREST , 52 16 198 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR PANEL ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT BACKREST (SPORT, ELECTRICAL) or 52 17 205 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BOTH REAR PANELS ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT BACKREST (COMFORT)

Detach backrest cover (1) in the marked area.

Fig 1: Identifying Backrest Cover In Marked Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unlock PLUG CONNECTION (1) and disconnect.

Drill out rivet head (2).

Remove airbag module in direction of arrow.

Feed out airbag module from cover (3).

Installation note:

Fully remove rivet remnants.

Airbag module is coded against incorrect assembly.

Fig 2: Identifying Air Bag Module Cover, Plug Connection And Rivet Heads

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.