51 45 055 Removing and installing/replacing airbag cover on passenger side

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW X3, 2009 BMW X3, 2008 BMW X3, 2007 BMW X3, and 2006 BMW X3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

64 1 020 RELEASE HOOK

WARNING: Each time the passenger airbag is triggered, it is necessary to replace its airbag cover.
We cannot guarantee that the retaining straps of the airbag cover will not be damaged when the airbag is triggered.
If a damaged airbag cover is reused, we cannot guarantee that the retaining straps will work properly.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect battery negative lead

Lever out airbag cover (1) with special tool 64 1 020.

Fig 1: Special Tool (64 1 020)

G04788797

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: If necessary, remove felt.

Fig 2: Airbag Cover

G04788798

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Remove adhesive residue and clean adhesive area with isopropanol.

Apply 5 mm dia. butylene tape (Terostat 2460) on left and right in groove.

A = 30 mm ± 2

B = 15 mm +5/-0

C = 40 mm ± 2

Fig 3: Adhesive Area

G04788799

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Clean adhesive area on airbag cover (3) with isopropanol.

Remove backing paper from butyl.

Lug (2) of airbag cover (3) must snap into groove (1) in instrument panel.

Fig 4: Airbag Cover And Groove

G04788800

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) and remove airbag cover (2).

Tightening torque: 72 12 10AZ, see 72 12 AIRBAG MODULES

Fig 5: Screws And Airbag Cover

G04788801

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Make sure turning lock of fitting (1) is correctly seated in bore hole.

Fig 6: Lock Of Fitting

G04788802

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.