72 12 000 Removing and installing or replacing airbag module on passenger's side

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 MINI Cooper, 2018 MINI Cooper, 2017 MINI Cooper, 2016 MINI Cooper, and 2015 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: Operations on pyrotechnical devices may only be carried out by authorized experts.
Improper, unauthorized operations may result in serious dangers.
Unauthorized persons are strictly prohibited from performing any operations on this system.

WARNING:

Read and comply with SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .

Failure to observe correct procedures can deploy the airbag and cause injuries.

A damaged head airbag must be replaced.

A damaged head airbag exhibits an impaired protective function and in extreme cases loses its protective function altogether.

Preliminary work needed:

Remove DASHBOARD STORAGE COMPARTMENT (only F55 and F56)
Remove INSTRUMENT PANEL TRIM

Removal:

Release all screws on airbag module.

Remove airbag module from the dashboard.

Fig 1: Locating Screws Of Airbag Module

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Mount the airbag module (1) on the dashboard.

NOTE: Make sure that the airbag module (1) is correctly fitted on the guide (2).

Fig 2: Locating Airbag Module Guide

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The airbag module is fastened using 6 or 11 screws at the factory.
In the case of screw connection with 6 screws, the airbag module must be secured with 12 screws in the service event.
In the case of screw connection with 11 screws, the airbag module must be secured with 11 screws at the same position in the service event.

Fig 3: Locating Screws Of Airbag Module

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If airbag module was secured with 12 screws, e.g. if it was serviced once before, then it must be secured using 12 screws once again.

NOTE: Although the screws were correctly tightened using the torque wrench, it is possible that the screw head (1) is not seated without a gap .

Fig 4: Screw Head Correct Seating Position

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT:

Risk of damage!

Re-torquing using the torque wrench is not permitted!

The prescribed tightening torque must not be exceeded!

The following tightening specifications must be adhered to at all times:

Tighten all screws on the airbag module to the prescribed tightening torque without re-torquing .
Tightening torque 72 12 1AZ .
Check that for all screws (1), the screw head (1) is seated without any gap, for example, by using a thin paper strip (2) as shown in the illustration:
1. Paper strip (2) slides under the screw head (1). The screw (1) is not seated without a gap, screw connection is not correctly seated:
  Loosen screw (1) and tighten it once again to the same, prescribed tightening torque without re-torquing .
  
  Increasing the tightening torque in order to seat the screw head in the correct position is not permitted.
  
  Tightening torque 72 12 1AZ .
2. Paper strip (2) does not slide under the screw head (1). The screw (1) is seated without a gap, screw connection is correctly seated.

Required follow-up work:

Install INSTRUMENT PANEL TRIM
Install DASHBOARD STORAGE COMPARTMENT (only F55 and F56)