72 12... Deactivation of airbags

The following airbags can be (de-)activated:

• Passenger airbag
• Side airbag (front passenger), front
• Side airbag (front passenger), rear

R50/R53 up to 04/2004 and E83 up to 09/2004 only: 

For details of deactivation, see following work steps.

R50/R53 from 04/2004 and E83 from 09/2004 only: 

see DEACTIVATING FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG  with key-operated switch.

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Read and comply with SAFETY REGULATIONS 
• Disconnect battery. See INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY and REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING BATTERY .

Passenger airbag 

• Expose plug connection of PASSENGER AIRBAG 
• Disconnect PLUG CONNECTION 
• Tie back disconnected cable and secure with cable strap (rattling noises)
• Stick on warning signs (see below)
• Code Airbag Control Unit (see DIS)
• Documentation of customer consent and storage in car's file
• Replacement of PASSENGER BELT with  belt force limitation by version without  belt force limitation
  Fig 1: Locating Passenger Airbag Label

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Side airbag, front 

• Expose plug connection of side airbag. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT DOOR TRIM PANEL (LONG VERSION OR FROM 03/2007) or REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT DOOR TRIM PANEL (UP TO 03/2007) .
• Disconnect PLUG CONNECTION  of corresponding side airbags
• Tie back disconnected cables and secure with cable strap (rattling noises)
• Stick on warning signs (see below)
• Code airbag control unit (see DIS)
• Documentation of customer consent and work in car's file
• Entry in car's documents (Germany only)
  Fig 2: Locating Side Airbag Label, Front

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Side airbag, rear 

• Expose plug connection of side airbag. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT DOOR TRIM PANEL (LONG VERSION OR FROM 03/2007) or REMOVING AND INSTALLING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT DOOR TRIM PANEL (UP TO 03/2007) .
• Disconnect PLUG CONNECTION  of corresponding side airbags
• Tie back disconnected cables and secure with cable strap (rattling noises)
• Stick on warning signs (see below)
• Code airbag control unit (via CIP)
• Documentation of customer consent and work in car's file
• Entry in car's documents (Germany only)
  Fig 3: Locating Side Airbag Label, Rear

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Warning sign, passenger airbag 

• Stick on a warning sign with the text "Passenger airbag out of operation" from the inside to the top outer edge of the windshield on the passenger side.

Fig 4: Locating Warning Sign, Passenger Airbag Label

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Warning signs, side airbag 

• Stick on 2 warning signs with the text "Achtung Warning Side-Airbag" and "Side airbag out of operation" to the B-pillars (front side airbag) or C-pillars (rear side airbag) to the nearest free space below the door lock.

Fig 5: Locating Warning Signs, Side Airbag Label

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Passenger Airbag Off light (US version only) 

• Remove AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR (POL) or trim
• Disconnect plug from Airbag Off indicator
• Tie back plug and secure with cable strap (rattling noises)
• Install trim
• Code airbag control unit

Function check (except US version) 

The function of the airbag system is checked when the ignition key is turned in the ignition switch.