72 12 050 Removing and installing side airbag (front seat)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 BMW 330xi, 2006 BMW 330i, 2006 BMW 325xi, 2006 BMW 325i, and 2006 BMW 323i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Observe safety regulations for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical seat belt tensioners.
Incorrect handling can cause airbags to trigger, resulting in serious injuries.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect battery negative lead
Remove front seat
Partially detach backrest cover

IMPORTANT: Make sure airbag wiring harness is exactly routed when installed.

Disconnect cable straps.

Release airbag wiring harness (2) from cable holders on seat mechanism.

Raise release clip (3) and pull plug (4) out of plug housing (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Airbag Wiring Harness, Clip, Pull Plug And Plug Housing

G04727011

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: If necessary, release yellow plug housing (1) from holder on seat mechanism.
Unclip Omega cable holder (1) from seat mechanism (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Omega Cable Holder

G04728086

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew nuts (1).

Installation:

Replace nuts.

Tightening torques 72 12 02AZ. See RESTRAINT SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 3: Identifying Nuts

G04728087

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull airbag module (2) with threaded pins out of backrest frame.

Feed out airbag module (2) between padding (1) and inner bag (3).

Fig 4: Pulling Airbag Module

G04728088

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Pull inner bag (3) fully over airbag module (2) and threaded pins.

Insert threaded pins into backrest frame and secure with new nuts.

No inner bag material is permitted to project through the hole in the inner frame.

Install nuts and tighten down.

Tightening torques 72 12 02AZ. See RESTRAINT SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

IMPORTANT: Feed out wiring harness (2) of airbag module (1) through seat and backrest mechanism (3) carefully on account of sharp edges.

Installation:

Make sure wiring harness is correctly laid.

Engage backrest cover (3) in backrest frame and assemble front seat.

Fig 5: Identifying Wiring Harness, Airbag Module And Backrest Cover

G04728089

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.