Removing the airbag unit (sports steering wheel)

WARNING: Pyrotechnic components .
Danger! Immobilization period-threatening injuries!

All work on pyrotechnic parts may be carried out by technically experienced and appropriately trained personnel only.
Replace any damaged part or ones that have been dropped.
For additional information see: SAFETY REGULATIONS ON HANDLING AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS/GAS GENERATORS .

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The steering wheel must be replaced if the airbag unit has been deployed.
Only on M Sport steering wheel: The horn plate (if it can be ordered separately) must be replaced if the airbag unit has been deployed.
For additional information see: PROCEDURE AFTER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AS RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT .

Preliminary work

Refer to DEACTIVATING THE 48 V ELECTRICAL SYSTEM .
Refer to DISCONNECTING ALL BATTERY GROUND LEADS .

WARNING: Airbag unit .
Danger! Immobilization period-threatening injuries!

Before performing any work on the airbag, always disconnect the battery ground lead from the battery.
Airbag unit may only be set down with the cushion (airbag itself) facing upwards.
For additional information see: SAFETY REGULATIONS ON HANDLING AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS/GAS GENERATORS .

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to the steering wheel .
Incorrect handling of the tool may damage the steering wheel .

Make sure the position (angle and inclination) of the tool is correct.
When unlocking, do not use "levering" action. Instead, press in the Torx screwdriver toward the center of steering wheel only.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The procedure/sequence for unlocking the airbag module must be observed! First unlock the right side of the airbag module!

NOTE: Perform the steps on the right and left side.

Feel or measure the mark (1) for unlocking the airbag unit (see following step).
The mark (1) is difficult to detect.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Perform the steps on the right and left side.
Carefully cut the mark (1) with a knife to 4 mm length.
Dimension (A) = 2.5 cm

Dimension (B) = 1.0 cm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Insert the Torx screwdriver (1) T10 diagonally upwards on the right through the cut opening on the rear of the steering wheel up to the stop (until you feel springy resistance).
While unlocking the right-hand side, the airbag unit must be pressed lightly against the stop in the "4 O'CLOCK" area (resistance point in the center between the horn symbol and the lettering "Airbag").
Press the Torx screwdriver (1) T10 inwards on the right in arrow direction until you can hear it disengage twice.
Release the airbag unit. The right side of the module is now unlocked.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Insert the Torx screwdriver (1) T10 diagonally upwards on the left on the steering wheel through the cut opening on the rear of the steering wheel up to the stop (until you feel springy resistance).
While unlocking the left-hand side, the airbag unit must be pressed lightly against the stop in the "10 O'CLOCK" area with your free hand (resistance point in the area of the left horn symbol).
Press the Torx screwdriver (1) T10 inwards on the left on the steering wheel in arrow direction until you can hear it disengage once.
Release the airbag module. Airbag module is not unlocked and can be removed:

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: To provide a better overview: Schematic diagram with airbag unit removed.
In order to unlock the airbag unit, press the Torx screwdriver T10 (1) diagonally upwards in arrow direction to the center of the steering wheel.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Using the Torx screwdriver T10 (1) , press the wire spring (2) and (4) in arrow direction onto the center of the steering wheel. Lock (3) and (5) unlocked.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Unlock and disconnect the plug connections (1) and (2) .
Remove airbag unit (3) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.