72 12... Deactivating Front Passenger Airbags With Key Switch: Notes

WARNING: The responsibility for deactivation/activation rests with the customer.
Depending on the assignment of the front passenger seat, the front passenger and side airbags must be (de-)activated in accordance with the Owner's Handbook.

The front passenger airbag can only be deactivated in accordance with the following instructions if the vehicle is equipped with a suitable key switch!

The key switch can be retrofitted if it is missing and has been ordered as an optional equipment.

key switch:

Optional equipment 5DA for MINI
Optional equipment 470 for BMW

Only E83 up to 09/2004:

See deactivation of airbags

Only E83 from 09/2004:

Deactivation using key switch, see following operations

Only R50/R53 up to 04/2004:

See deactivation of airbags

Only R50/R53 from 04/2004 and R52 from series introduction:

Deactivation using key switch, see following operations

The following airbags are deactivated simultaneously with the key switch (1):

Front passenger airbag
Side airbag (front passenger side)
If necessary, knee airbag in US version (front passenger side)

The airbags can only be deactivated/reactivated while the vehicle is stationary and with the door open.

IMPORTANT: The head airbag remains active.

Fig 1: Key Switch

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Deactivation

Turn key switch with ignition key to "OFF" position.
Deactivatable airbags on front passenger side out of operation.

Head airbag on front passenger side remains active.

All airbags on driver's side remain active.

Activation
Turn key switch with ignition key to "ON" position.

Fig 2: Key-Operated Switch Operation
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

All the airbags in the vehicle are activated and are triggered in appropriate situations.