72 12 050 Remove and install side airbag

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW Z4, 2012 BMW Z4, 2011 BMW Z4, 2010 BMW Z4, and 2009 BMW Z4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Observe SAFETY REGULATIONS for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical seat belt pretensioners.
Follow instructions for UNLOCKING AND LOCKING AIRBAG PLUG CONNECTIONS .
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.

Necessary preliminary tasks

Clamp off BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD
Remove rear panel on front seat
Remove front seat

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

Detach cable tie.

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

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

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

Fig 1: Pulling Plug From Plug Housing

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Unclip cable tie (1) from seat mechanism.

Fig 2: Identifying Seat Mechanism Cable Tie

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Unscrew nuts (1).

Installation:

Replace nuts.

Tightening torques 72 12 03AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Nuts

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IMPORTANT: Feed the wiring harness carefully through the seat and backrest mechanism as the edges of the frame can be sharp.

Installation:

Make sure wiring harness is correctly laid.

Pull airbag module (2) with threaded pins out of backrest frame.

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

Installation:

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

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

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

Install nuts and tighten down.

Tightening torques 72 12 03AZ .

Fig 4: Removing Airbag Module Between Padding And Inner Bag

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

Installation:

Make sure wiring harness is correctly laid.

Engage backrest cover (3) in backrest frame and ASSEMBLE front seat.

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

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