Removal & Installation (3 Series Coupe)
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2002 BMW Z3, 2002 BMW M3, 2002 BMW M Roadster, 2002 BMW M Coupe, and 2002 BMW 330xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Lower windows. Remove edge guards from all door openings. Remove front and rear grab handles. Remove A-pillar trim on both sides. Remove B-pillar trim on both sides and suspend on shoulder belt. Remove C-pillar trim on both sides
- Remove sun visors and interior lights. Close sun roof. Press in on sun roof trim retainers and remove trim, if equipped with sunroof. Lower front of headliner, push back and disconnect on metal fold. Remove headliner from side of vehicle.
- Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL . Remove steering column switch. Remove instrument cluster retaining screws and remove instrument cluster. Remove center console. Remove glove box. Remove passenger-side air bag module. See PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE . Remove instrument panel trim and screws underneath. Remove radio. Remove heater/AC control unit. Remove hood release lever. Remove left and right kick panels.
- Remove left and right instrument panel under covers. Remove screws on front left and right sides of instrument panel. Remove bolts on bottom left and right of instrument panel (in footwell area). Lift out right and left instrument panel end covers. Lift instrument panel rearward and disconnect electrical connectors. Remove instrument panel.
- Disconnect HPS gas generator electrical connector. Remove nut securing gas generator to instrument support tube and remove gas generator. Remove A-pillar mounting bolt securing HPS tether to A-pillar. See Fig 1 . Remove rear mounting bolt securing HPS tether to roof. Remove B-pillar retaining screw and bracket.
- Remove rear A-pillar retaining screw and bracket. Remove front A-pillar retaining screw and bracket. Unclip A-pillar wiring harness from retainers. Remove rear A-pillar retaining screw and bracket. Remove front A-pillar retaining screw and bracket. Unclip A-pillar wiring harness from retainers.
- To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure air bag does not contact any sharp edges either on body or on clips. Tighten air bag bolts and retainer screws to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Activate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .