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Home >> BMW >> 2021 >> i3 Range Extender >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Suspension >> Wheel Alignment >> Steering And Wheel Alignment -- Repair (I01) >> 32 34 Driver's Front Airbag >> 32 34 030 Removing and installing/replacing airbag unit

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 .

Preliminary work needed: 

Depiction of the airbag locking point on the steering wheel:

  1. Guide for snap-in hooks
  2. Hole for disassembly
  3. Snap-in hooks
  4. Steering wheel spring
G11145373Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Depiction of the airbag locking points on the airbag unit

  1. Airbag unit
  2. Snap-in hooks
  3. Airbag spring groove
G11145374Courtesy 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. Snap-in hooks for airbag
  2. Snap-in hooks for steering wheel

White arrow = Position of the screwdriver

G11145375Courtesy 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

G11145376Courtesy 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.

G11145377Courtesy 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.
G11145378Courtesy 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.
G11145379Courtesy 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.

G11145378Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
WARNING: Injury hazard!
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.

G11145381Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note: 

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

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.

Check the functioning of the horn.

G11145382Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.