32 34 030 Removing and installing/replacing airbag unit

WARNING: Observe the following instructions to avoid any risk of injury by the airbag unit.

Comply with SAFETY REGULATIONS for handling components with gas generators.
Do not exert any force on the airbag unit.
Use only specified release tool for the airbag unit.

NOTE: Incorrect handling may result in triggering of the airbag unit and thereby cause serious injury.

IMPORTANT: STEERING WHEEL must be replaced if airbag unit has been triggered!
Follow PROCEDURE AFTER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Clamp off BATTERY EARTH LEAD .

Depiction of the airbag locking point on the steering wheel:

Guide for retaining hook
Hole for disassembly
Retaining hook
Steering wheel spring

Fig 1: Identifying Steering Wheel Airbag Locking Point Components

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Depiction of the airbag locking points on the airbag unit

Airbag unit
Retaining hook
Airbag spring groove

Fig 2: Identifying Airbag Unit, Retaining Hook And Airbag Spring Groove

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Sectional view of the steering wheel and the driver's airbag.

Measurement (A): approx. 6 - 6.5 mm.

1 = Retaining hook for airbag

2 = Retaining hook for steering wheel

White arrow = Position of the screwdriver

Fig 3: Steering Wheel And Driver Airbag Sectional View

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

For unlocking the airbag unit, a phillips screwdriver (1), size 2, is required.

The shaft diameter must be 6 - 6.5 mm.

In order to avoid damage to the airbag, a maximum depth to which the screwdriver can be inserted into the disassembly opening must be marked on the screwdriver (1).

To do so, mark the dimension A on the screwdriver using insulating tape (2), for example.

Dimension A = 65 mm

Fig 4: Identifying Screwdriver Dimension Mark (A)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

First remove the right side of the airbag unit.

Turn the steering wheel (1) until the disassembly opening on the rear of the steering wheel is aligned to the steering column release lever.

Installation note:

Carefully push airbag unit in direction of steering column shaft into steering wheel with uniform pressing force until airbag engages noticeably and audibly.

Fig 5: Turning Steering Wheel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unlock the steering wheel release lever (1).

Align the phillips screwdriver tangentially to the steering column axis and insert it into the disassembly opening without rotating it, until the airbag unit is unlocked.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage to the airbag unit.
Do not exceed the earlier marked maximum insertion depth on the screwdriver.

Fig 6: Unlocking Steering Wheel Release Lever

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Turn the steering wheel (1) until the left disassembly opening on the rear of the steering wheel is aligned to the steering column release lever.

NOTE: Hold the airbag module in position (arrow) in order to avoid a relocking of the right side of the airbag while unlocking the left side.

Fig 7: Turning Steering Wheel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage to the airbag unit.
Do not exceed the earlier marked maximum insertion depth on the screwdriver.

Align the phillips screwdriver tangentially to the steering column axis and insert it into the disassembly opening without rotating it, until the airbag unit is unlocked.

The airbag can be pulled out using a little force for support.

Fig 8: Unlocking Steering Wheel Release Lever

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: Danger of injury!
The airbag unit may only be set down with the airbag itself facing up .

Tilt airbag unit (2) to one side.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Remove airbag unit (2).

Installation note:

Make sure electrical wiring is correctly positioned.

Fig 9: Identifying Airbag Unit And Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Position the airbag unit (1) on the steering wheel.

While doing so, note that the retaining hooks of the airbag unit are fitted in the retaining hook guides on the steering wheel and the steering wheel springs are fitted in the spring grooves.

Push the airbag unit (1), carefully and with uniform pressing force, in the parallel direction of the steering column axis into the steering wheel, until the airbag engages both audibly and noticeably.

Fig 10: Identifying Airbag Unit Pressing Direction

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Attention! If the retaining hooks engage one after the other, this leads to a flawed installation!

Check the functioning of the horn.