72 12 000 Removing and installing/replacing airbag module on passenger side

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW M3, 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: Read and comply with safety regulations . See 7200... SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR HANDLING COMPONENTS WITH GAS GENERATORS ; 72 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION ; 7212... NOTES ON SCRAPPING VEHICLES WITH GAS GENERATORS (AIRBAG SYSTEM) or 7212... PROCEDURE AFTER AIRBAG TRIGGERING AS RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical belt tensioners.
Incorrect handling can activate airbag and cause injury.

Necessary preliminary tasks

Disconnect BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD
Remove GLOVEBOX

Car and airbag module up to 03/2006

Unlock PLUG CONNECTION (1) and disconnect.

NOTE: Secure airbag module on passenger side (3) against falling out.

Unscrew nuts (2).

Tightening torque 72 12 01AZ .

Remove airbag module on passenger side (3) towards bottom.

Fig 1: Identifying Airbag Module On Passenger Side With Plug Connection And Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Car + airbag module from 03/2006

Unlock PLUG CONNECTIONS (1) and disconnect.

NOTE: Secure airbag module against falling out.

Unscrew nuts (2).

Tightening torque 72 12 01AZ .

Remove airbag module in downwards direction.

Fig 2: Identifying Airbag Module Nuts And Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement in car up to 03/2006 only, with airbag module from 03/2006

NOTE: Before installing the airbag module on the passenger side (2), it is necessary to fit the accompanying firing cable (4) and secure it with the accompanying foam sticker pads (5).

Insert plug connections (1) and (3) (pay attention to color coding).

Attach accompanying foam sticker pads (5) as follows:

Fig 3: Identifying Passenger Side Airbag Module With Firing Cable And Foam Sticker Pads

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

One foam sticker pad (5) each to both outer edges (A) and (B) of airbag module on passenger side (2)
One foam sticker pad (5) in the middle so as to leave a free length L = 190 ± 10 mm up to cable entry into the firing cable plug (4)

Clip firing cable plug (4) into installation position in car.

NOTE: Subsequent installation is the same as for the car and airbag module from 03/2006 version.