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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. 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 pretensioners.
Incorrect handling can cause airbags to trigger, resulting in serious injuries.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect battery negative lead . See 61 20 900 DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD .
Remove rear panel on front seat . See 52 13 198 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR PANEL ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT BACKREST .
Remove front seat . See SEATS - REPAIR (CONVERTIBLE/COUPE) or SEATS - REPAIR (SEDAN) .

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

Detach cable tie.

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

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

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

Fig 1: Identifying Clip, Plug And Plug Housing

G04727011

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip cable holder (1) from seat mechanism (2).

Fig 2: Unclip Cable Holder From Seat Mechanism

G04728086

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew nuts (1).

Installation:

Replace nuts.

Tightening torques 72 12 02AZ , 72 12 AIRBAG MODULES .

Fig 3: Identifying Seat Mechanism Nuts

G04728087

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Feed the wiring harness carefully through the seat and backrest mechanism as the edges of the frame can be sharp.

Installation:

Make sure wiring harness is correctly laid.

Assemble front seat.