Front Head protection air bags (Inflatable Tubular Structure. ITS)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 151 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW X5, 2006 BMW M3, 2006 BMW 330Ci, 2006 BMW 325Ci, and 2005 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The head airbags are similar to the ITS bags used on the MRS II system. They are mounted from the "A" pillar up along the headliner and are anchored behind the "B" pillar. The ITS bags of the MRS III system are the cold gas inflation type. The head protection airbags are always triggered along with the front side (thorax) bags.

Fig 1: Identifying Front Head Protection Air Bags (1 Of 2)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 2: Identifying Front Head Protection Air Bags (2 Of 2)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

E38 and E39 Rear Head Protection System

Rear Head protection is available on E38 and E39 sedans ordered with optional rear side airbags.

The airbags are a cushion (not an ITS) that is deployed from behind the C-pillar trim. The HPS will not be de-activated along with the side airbags from the factory since there is no danger to small children sitting out of position.

A vehicle with rear HPS can be identified by observing "HPS" embossed in the C-pillar cover.

Fig 3: Identifying E38 And E39 Rear Head Protection System

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.