32 34 020 Removing And Installing/Replacing Airbag Unit (Basic Steering Wheel)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW 750i, 2008 BMW 750Li, 2007 BMW 750i, 2007 BMW 750Li, and 2006 BMW 750i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Observe the following instructions to avoid any risk of injury by the airbag unit.

Comply with safety regulations for handling components with gas generators. See 72 00... SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR HANDLING COMPONENTS WITH GAS GENERATORS .
Do not exert any force on the airbag unit.
Use only specified tools for releasing the airbag unit.

NOTE: Incorrect handling may result in triggering of the airbag unit and thereby cause serious injury.

IMPORTANT: Steering wheel must be replaced if airbag unit has been triggered!
Follow procedure after airbag triggering . See 72 12... PROCEDURE AFTER AIRBAG TRIGGERING AS RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect battery negative lead . See 61 20 900 DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD .
Move steering wheel into vertical position

The following special tools can be used to unlock the airbag unit.

Previous tool
New tool

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (32 3 170)
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: Danger of injury!

Airbag unit may only be set down with the airbag itself facing upwards.

Unclip airbag unit (1) in lower area and fold towards rear.

Disconnect plug connection (2) and remove airbag unit (1).

Installation:

Make sure electrical leads are correctly positioned.

Snap airbag unit with uniform pressing force plane-parallel in direction of steering column shaft into steering wheel.

Fig 2: Identifying Airbag Unit And Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Disconnect plug connections on airbag unit and remove connecting cable.

Installation:

Connect plugs to connections of same color on airbag unit.