Air Bag Restraint Systems BMW X3 E83

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), also known as air bag system, is designed to provide increased accident protection for driver and passengers by deploying front air bags and seat belt pretensioners in a front-end collision and side air bags and head air bags when side impact is detected.

Main components of the air bag system include air bag control unit, driver-side air bag module, passenger-side air bag module, side air bag modules, head air bag modules, B-pillar sensors, front door sensors, front sensors, seat belt pretensioners, AIR BAG warning light and contact ring (clockspring).

COMPONENT LOCATIONS

RESTRAINT SYSTEM COMPONENT LOCATIONS

SERVICING

Check AIR BAG warning light operation and diagnostic system for trouble codes at regular service intervals.

SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK

Turn ignition switch to ON position. AIR BAG warning light should illuminate for 6-10 seconds then turn off. If AIR BAG warning light illuminates for 6-10 seconds and turns off, then illuminates again or remains illuminated, a fault in air bag system has been detected. If AIR BAG warning light illuminates while operating the vehicle, fault in air bag system has been detected. If AIR BAG warning light fails to illuminate, this indicates bulb or wiring is faulty.

AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Observe these precautions when servicing the air bag system

1. Disable air bag system when working on air bag system or compoents. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) .
2. Ensure radio is off before disconnecting battery. This will prevent damage to radio microprocessor.
3. Disable air bag system before straightening damaged metal or arc-welding. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) .
4. Wear safety glasses, gloves and long-sleeve shirt when handling deployed air bag modules. Air bag module may contain sodium hydroxide deposits, which could irritate skin.
5. Handle sensors carefully. Never strike or jar sensors. All sensors and mounting bracket screws must be tightened to specification to ensure proper sensor operation.
6. DO NOT use any air bag system component that has been dropped from 2 feet (0.6 m) or higher.
7. DO NOT use self-powered electrical test equipment, such as battery- powered or AC-powered voltmeter, ohmmeter, test light, etc.
8. Handle air bag module with trim cover facing away from your body. Always place air bag module on work bench with trim cover facing up.
9. DO NOT expose air bag system components to temperatures greater than 167°F (75°C ).
10. DO NOT expose any air bag system components to cleaning agents such as solvents, gasoline, lye etc.

DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM

DISABLING SYSTEM

Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . If equipped with MK3 navigation system, turn ignition off and wait one minute for system to complete power-down procedure. On all models, retrieve and record any fault codes. Obtain radio anti-theft code. Record programmed radio stations. Ensure ignition is off. Disconnect and shield the negative battery cable. Battery is located in rear of vehicle, under luggage compartment floor trim panel. Wait at least 5 seconds before servicing vehicle.

ACTIVATING SYSTEM

Ensure ignition is off. Connect negative battery cable. Perform system operation check. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK . Reprogram radio and set clock. On some vehicles, infrared locking system keys must be recoded, power windows and slide/tilt sunroof must be initialized.

DISPOSAL PROCEDURES

DEPLOYED AIR BAG MODULES & SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS

Deployed air bag modules and seat belt pretensioners are not classified as hazardous material; dispose of them like any other part.

All AIR Bags & Seat Belt Pretensioners

Use BMW-developed firing device with corresponding cables. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Move vehicle outdoors to a remote area, away from workshop and people. Close doors and open windows, sunroof and trunk. Ensure all air bag modules are securely installed. Remove loose objects from around air bag modules. Follow firing device instructions to deploy air bag modules or seat belt pretensioners.

UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG-FAULTY UNIT

If diagnostic testing and deploying procedures indicate air bag module and/or seat belt pretensioners is faulty, DO NOT dispose of in usual manner. Contact vehicle manufacturer for proper disposal instructions.

OFF-VEHICLE DEPLOYMENT

Contact manufacturer for specific instructions.

POST-COLLISION INSPECTION

When a vehicle has been involved in a collision, certain components of the passive restraint system must be inspected or replaced. See AIR BAG/SRS COMPONENT INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT TABLES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions) . Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. The air bag control unit is located between the front seats, under center console (storage compartment).
2. Remove screws on center console, lift hand brake and remove center console. Disconnect control unit electrical connector, remove control unit mounting screws and remove control unit.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten air bag control unit mounting screws to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications) . Activate air bag system. Perform appropriate coding/programming using proprietary BMW DIS tester as necessary. See «ACTIVATING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__activating-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions). Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Move front seat fully forward. Remove front and rear door sill plates.
2. Grasp bottom of B-pillar trim panel and pull outward, release clips and remove trim panel. Remove B-pillar sensor mounting bolt. (Scheme 1) Loosen B-pillar sensor mounting screw. Raise B-pillar sensor slightly through opening in B-pillar and feed out toward rear. Disconnect harness connector and remove sensor.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten to B-pillar sensor mounting screws specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications). Perform appropriate coding/programming using proprietary BMW DIS tester as necessary. Activate air bag system. See «ACTIVATING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__activating-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

Scheme 1

Contact ring is located on steering column, under steering wheel. Removal and installation information is not available.

Removal & Installation (Basic Steering Wheel)

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions) . Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Using T30 Torx bit, remove 2 air bag module mounting screws from rear of steering wheel. Pull air bag module away from steering wheel and disconnect 2 connectors, then remove air bag module.
2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten air bag module mounting screws to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications) . Activate air bag system. See «ACTIVATING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__activating-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

Removal & Installation (Sports Steering Wheel)

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions). Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Insert screwdriver through opening on rear of steering wheel. (Scheme 2)
2. Press in on spring lock and pull out air bag. (Scheme 3) Repeat process on opposite side. Pull out air bag and disconnect electrical connectors. Open locks on plugs and disconnect plug connections. Remove air bag. Put air bag module in a secure area with trim pad facing upward.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Insert air bag module hooks into spring lock and press air bag module into steering wheel. Activate air bag system. See «ACTIVATING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__activating-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions). Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Pry out AIRBAG emblem, 3 screw covers and remove screws on appropriate front door trim panel. (Scheme 4) Pry off door handle cover and remove screw underneath. Using Trim Panel Wedge (00 9 317) and starting at bottom of door trim panel, careful unclip bottom of trim panel. Carefully unclip door trim panes from top retainers.
2. Unhook door release lever Bowden cable. Disconnect electrical connectors and remove door trim panel. Lay trim panel on clean worksurface. Using trim panel wedge, pry out sound insulation sealing bead. (Scheme 5) Disconnect door lock connector and feed other wires through insulator. Remove insulator. Disconnect front door sensor harness connector, remove mounting screws and remove front door sensor.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten to front door sensor mounting screws specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications). Perform appropriate coding/programming using proprietary BMW DIS tester as necessary. Activate air bag system. See «ACTIVATING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__activating-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions) . Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Move front seat fully forward and upward. Remove lower seat belt anchor bolt, located on outboard seat frame.
2. Remove 2 rear seat track mounting bolts. Move seat fully rearward. Remove 2 front seat track mounting nuts. Unlock and disconnect under-seat harness connector. Protect door sill with protective cover and lift out front seat.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten seat track mounting bolts and NEW nuts and lower seat belt anchor bolt to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications) . Activate air bag system. See «ACTIVATING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__activating-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions) . Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Front sensors are located on left and right frame rails behind radiator support.
2. For left front sensor, remove air filter assembly. For right front sensor, remove windshield reservoir. Disconnect sensor harness connector, remove mounting screw and remove sensor.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten sensor mounting screw to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications) . Activate air bag system. See «ACTIVATING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__activating-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions). Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Remove headliner. See «HEADLINER»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems). Remove appropriate instrument panel trim panel located at base of A-pillar.
2. Remove screw securing front head air bag tether to A-pillar. (Scheme 6) Remove screw securing rear head air bag tether to D-pillar. Remove screws securing head air bag retaining clips. Disconnect head air bag gas generator harness connector, remove gas generator mounting screws and remove head air bag module.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten screws to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications). Ensure air bag does not contact any sharp edges either on body or on clips. Activate air bag system. See «ACTIVATING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__activating-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

Scheme 6

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions). Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Remove left and right sun visors and counter supports. Remove all grab handles.
2. Detach door weatherstrip around trim panels at all doors. Remove AIRBAG emblem from left A-pillar trim panel. Remove screw and A-pillar trim panel by sliding it up out of slot in instrument panel trim panel. Repeat for right A-pillar trim panel.
3. Grasp bottom of left B-pillar trim panel, pull outward to release clips and remove trim panel. Remove seat belt anchor bolt at rear of front seat track. Release expansion rivets at bottom of upper B-pillar trim. Pull trim panel off while feeding seat belt through slot in panel. Repeat procedure for right B-pillar trim panels.
4. Remove AIRBAG emblem from left C-pillar trim panel. Remove screw and C-pillar trim panel. Repeat for right C-pillar trim panel. Remove luggage compartment side trim flap. Remove 2 left D-pillar mounting screws. Pull trim panel out from top while pushing up from bottom and remove trim panel. Repeat for right D-pillar trim panel.
5. Using Release Hook (64 1 020), lever out luggage compartment light. Disconnect harness connector and remove light assembly. Using Trim Panel Wedge (00 9 317), Lever out front headliner trim panel in direction of arrow. (Scheme 7) Disconnect harness connector and remove front panel.
6. Using trim panel wedge, lever out front ceiling light, disconnect harness connector and remove light assembly. Using release hook, lever out both side ceiling light assemblies. Remove dividing net mounts as necessary.
7. Fully recline both front seat backs. Remove roller cover from luggage compartment. Fold both rear seat backs fully forward. Remove weatherstrip from both rear doors.
8. With help of an assistant, unclip clips in sunroof frame area. Extend rear headliner toward bottom, out of guide. Turn headliner and remove toward rear of vehicle.
9. To install, reverse removal procedure. Replace all broken clips. Activate air bag system. See «ACTIVATING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__activating-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

Scheme 7

PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE

Note. If passenger-side air bag module has been deployed, passenger-side air bag cover must also be replaced.

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions) . Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Open glove box and fold back fuse carrier. Disconnect passenger-side air bag module harness connector.
2. Using Release Hook (64 1 020), lever out passenger-side air bag module cover. Remove screws securing air bag module cover retaining straps. Remove 2 nuts securing air bag module and remove air bag module.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Be careful not to pinch wiring harness. Tighten passenger-side air bag module retaining nuts and cover retaining strap screws to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications) . Activate air bag system. See «ACTIVATING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__activating-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions). Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Remove front seat. See «FRONT SEATS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems).
2. Release catches and remove connector housing from under front seat. Open connector housing and disconnect connectors. Remove seat belt pretensioner anchor bolt. (Scheme 8) Remove seat belt pretensioner feeding wire harness through seat frame
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten seat belt pretensioner anchor bolt to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications). Activate air bag system. See «ACTIVATING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__activating-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

Scheme 8

Removal & Installation (Front & Rear)

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions). Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Pry out AIRBAG emblem, 3 screw covers and remove screws on appropriate front door trim panel. (Scheme 4) Pry off door handle cover and remove screw underneath. Using Trim Panel Wedge (00 9 317) and starting at bottom of door trim panel, careful unclip bottom of trim panel. Carefully unclip door trim panes from top retainers.
2. Unhook door release lever Bowden cable. Disconnect electrical connectors and remove door trim panel. Lay trim panel on clean worksurface. Remove and discard side air bag module mounting screws. Disconnect side air bag module harness connector and remove module from vehicle.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Install NEW side air bag module mounting screws and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications). Activate air bag system. See «ACTIVATING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__activating-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions) . Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.
2. Remove driver-side air bag module. See «DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems) . Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Remove steering wheel retaining bolt or nut. Mark steering wheel hub in relation to steering shaft for installation reference. Remove steering wheel.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Be sure steering wheel retaining pins snap into recesses. Tighten steering wheel retaining bolt or nut to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications) . Activate air bag system. See «ACTIVATING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__activating-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

WIRE REPAIR

Repair only those cables which show visible signs of damage. If no visible damage can be identified, entire cable must be replaced. Use only BMW air bag cable kits. Only one crimping connector can be installed into a single wire. Wires cannot be lengthened as a result of the repair. Damaged wire or connectors in door wiring harness must be repaired by replacing the entire door wiring harness.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

DIAGNOSTICS

Air bag system diagnostic information is not available. All air bag system diagnosis must be carried out using proprietary BMW tester.

WIRING DIAGRAMS

Wiring diagrams are not available.

See also:
• AIR BAG/SRS COMPONENT INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT TABLES
• AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
• SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
• DISABLING SYSTEM
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
• ACTIVATING SYSTEM
• HEADLINER