How to Remove the Steering Wheel Airbag on a BMW 5 Series?
2 Answers
BMW 5 Series steering wheel airbag removal method is as follows: 1. Disconnect the ground wire for more than 30 seconds before removing or installing the airbag. 2. There are two small covers on both sides of the steering wheel. Remove the left and right small covers to reveal two bolts. Use a screwdriver to remove the fixing bolts, then disconnect the airbag wiring harness to remove the steering wheel airbag. Here is some information about the steering wheel airbag: 1. Function: When a car collides with an obstacle (called the primary collision), and the occupant collides with interior components (called the secondary collision), the airbag rapidly inflates a gas-filled cushion between the primary and secondary collisions. This allows the occupant to "land on the cushion" due to inertia, thereby cushioning the impact and absorbing collision energy to reduce the severity of occupant injuries. 2. Working Principle: The airbag's gas generator contains sodium azide (NaN3) or ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3). Upon receiving the detonation signal, it instantly produces a large amount of gas to fill the entire airbag.
When it comes to removing airbags, as a car owner, I dare not be careless. Airbags are life-saving devices, and improper handling could lead to explosions and injuries. The first step is to disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery and wait at least 30 minutes for static electricity to dissipate—most BMW 5 Series models have hidden screws or clips under the steering wheel airbag, which can be gently loosened with a T20 screwdriver. Avoid using excessive force to prevent damaging the cover. Behind the airbag module, there are wiring harness connections; remember their positions before disconnecting to avoid issues during reassembly. I tried it myself once, but after nearly making a mistake, I decided to go to a professional repair shop—they have the right tools and extensive experience. The airbag system involves safety sensors, so checking for wire aging during regular maintenance can prevent unexpected failures, which is crucial for long-distance driving safety.
