Air Bag Restraint Systems BMW Z4 E85/E86

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, knee air bags and seat belt pretensioners in a front-end collision, and side 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, left and right knee air bag modules, side air bag modules, side air bag crash sensors, seat belt buckle 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 working on air bag system

1. When working on air bag system or components, disable air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) . Wait at least 5 seconds before servicing vehicle.
2. Always ensure radio is off before disconnecting battery. This will prevent damage to radio microprocessor.
3. Before straightening damaged metal or arc-welding, disable air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) .
4. Always 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. Never 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. Always 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. Never expose air bag system components to temperatures greater than 167°F (75°C).
10. Never 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 . 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. 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.

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.

ON-VEHICLE DEPLOYMENT (SCRAPPED VEHICLES ONLY)

Note. If components will not deploy using the following procedures, contact vehicle manufacturer for disposal instructions.

All AIR Bags & Seat Belt Pretensioners

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions) . Move vehicle outdoors to a remote area, away from workshop and people. Disconnect and shield negative battery cable. Close doors and open windows, sunroof and trunk. Ensure all air bag modules are securely installed. Remove loose objects from around air bag modules.
2. Disconnect air bag control unit 30- or 50-pin harness connector. Air bag control unit is located underneath center console between front seats. Attach Firing Device (62 1 270) and Cable (62 1 210) to 30-pin connector or Cable (62 1 310) to 50-pin connector. Connect firing device to 12-volt battery placed 33 feet (10 m) to rear of vehicle.
3. Press firing device switch to deploy air bags and pretensioners. If Cable (62 1 310, 50-pin connector) is used, only air bags and pretensioner on one side of vehicle will deploy. To deploy remaining air bags and pretensioner, connect cable to free connector and repeat this step.

UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG-FAULTY UNIT

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

OFF-VEHICLE DEPLOYMENT

Information is not available. 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/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions). Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Unlock storage box lid and open about 5.9" (150 mm). (Scheme 1) Slide a 0.07" (1.9 mm) wire about 2.4" (60 mm) long into bore and release lid.
2. Release screws on bearings. (Scheme 2) Pull lid with bearings out of mountings in direction of arrow. Remove expansion rivets on storage box cover, then unclip and remove cover. Detach emergency release cable from mount and feed cable out from guide. Disconnect electrical connectors. Remove 2 screws from upper rear storage box panel opening.
3. Pry out cover in lower portion of rear storage box panel and remove screws underneath. Pry out plugs and remove screws on lower left and right sides of rear storage box panel. (Scheme 3) Pry out clips on top of panel and remove panel in direction of arrows.
4. Remove 2 screws from top of storage box and 2 screws from bottom of storage box. Pry out left and right side trims and pull out and remove storage box. Cut carpet and fold to one side. (Scheme 4) Unlock and disconnect air bag control unit harness connectors. Remove 3 mounting nuts and remove air bag control unit in direction of arrow.
5. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure arrow on top of air bag control unit points toward front of vehicle. Tighten air bag control unit mounting nuts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications). Perform appropriate coding/programming using proprietary BMW DIS tester. Activate air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system).

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

B-PILLAR SENSORS

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions). Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Disengage clips and carefully remove appropriate door scuff plate.
2. Release door seal at rear trim panel. Carefully pull downward on rear trim panel and remove. Unlock and disconnect B-pillar sensor harness connectors. (Scheme 5) Remove 3 mounting screws and remove sensor in direction of arrow.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten B-pillar sensor mounting screws to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications). Perform appropriate coding/programming using proprietary BMW DIS tester. Activate air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system).

Scheme 5

Information is not available.

DOOR SENSORS

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions) . Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Using a ball of butyl, remove screw cover from door opener trim panel and remove screw underneath.
2. Using trim tool and starting at bottom, carefully remove door pull handle trim. Remove 2 screws and remove door pull handle. Using trim tool, pry out AIRBAG emblem from door trim panel and remove screw underneath.
3. Loosen clips and remove door trim panel, disconnecting cables and connectors as necessary. Unlock and disconnect door sensor harness connector. Remove 2 screws and door sensor.
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure door sensor seal is correctly seated. Tighten door sensor mounting nuts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications) . Perform appropriate coding/programming using proprietary BMW DIS tester. Activate air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) .

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions). Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Insert screwdriver through opening on rear side of steering wheel. (Scheme 6)
2. Press down on spring lock and pull out air bag. (Scheme 7) Repeat process on opposite side. Pull out air bag and disconnect electrical connectors. Open locks on plugs and disconnect plug connections. Remove air bag.
3. To install, insert air bag hooks into spring locks and press into steering wheel. Activate air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system).

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Removal & Installation (Driver-side)

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions). Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Remove 6 screws and pull pedal cover out. Disconnect footwell light connector and remove pedal cover.
2. Remove 4 knee air bag module mounting screws. (Scheme 8) Unlock and disconnect knee air bag module connector. Using trim tool inserted at holding points, pry out air bag module.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Use NEW knee air bag module mounting screws and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications). Activate air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system).

Removal & Installation (Passenger-side)

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions). Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Open glove box. Press on glove box locks and continue to fold glove box down and remove.
2. Unclip glove box at both pivot bearings and remove glove box. Unlock and disconnect knee air bag module connector. Remove 6 knee air bag module mounting screws. (Scheme 9) Feed knee air bag module in direction of arrow out through glove box opening.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Use NEW knee air bag module mounting screws and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications). Activate air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system).

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG DEACTIVATION SWITCH (PASSENGER-SIDE)

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions). Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Remove screw cover and screw from right upper corner of fresh air grille.
2. Open cup holder and remove screw from lower left corner of fresh air grille, then remove fresh air grille. Unlock and disconnect passenger-side air bag deactivation switch connector. Press switch catches and remove switch in direction of arrow. (Scheme 10)
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure switch connector is at top of switch. Activate air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system).

Scheme 10

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions). Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Open glove box. Press on glove box locks and continue to fold glove box down and remove.
2. Using trim tool, pry out glove box housing at retaining points and remove. (Scheme 11) Remove mounting screws and remove retaining plate in direction of arrow. (Scheme 12) Unlock and disconnect passenger-side air bag module harness connector. (Scheme 13) Remove mounting screws and air bag module.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Use NEW passenger-side air bag module mounting screws and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications). Activate air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system).

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

SAFETY BATTERY TERMINAL

Note. Safety battery terminal is replaced together with complete cable up to the positive battery terminal in the engine compartment.

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions) . Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Disconnect positive battery cable and remove battery.
2. Remove nut and release positive battery cable terminal from junction box located in engine compartment. Raise and support vehicle. Remove right rear tire and wheel assembly. Remove necessary clips, clamps and ties and remove positive battery cable through battery well.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten wheel lug bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications) . Activate air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) .

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions) . Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Remove appropriate front seat and place on work surface. See «SEATS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems) .
2. Open cable strap for plug on seat belt pretensioner. Disconnect electrical connector from seat belt pretensioner. Remove seat belt pretensioner mounting bolt. Note position of seat belt pretensioner on seat. Remove seat belt pretensioners.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten seat belt buckle pretensioner mounting bolt to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications) . Activate air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) .

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions) . Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Remove trunk mat, then release clips and remove trunk lower trim panel.
2. Close convertible top, if open. Open trunk lid. Move convertible top compartment floor downward. Feed cover out of convertible top compartment floor towards rear. Unclip convertible top floor upward out of mounting. Feed convertible top floor out of center mount toward rear and remove.
3. Loosen screw and carefully remove center mount toward rear and disconnect harness connector. Remove trim from behind roll bars. Remove left and right wheel arch side panels. Remove partition trim panel.
4. Move seat to fully forward position. Remove shoulder belt-to-seat anchor bolt. Unclip and remove shoulder belt covers at base of roll bar. Release expansion river and lift seat belt retractor cover to one side. Remove retractor mounting bolt, disconnect harness connector and remove seat belt retractor.
5. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten seat belt retractor mounting bolt to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications) . Activate air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) .

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions) . Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Press catch and lift out appropriate headrest.
2. Move seat fully forward. Remove shoulder belt anchor bolt and position shoulder belt aside. Remove rear seat track mounting bolts. Move seat fully forward. Remove seat track mounting nuts. Disconnect electrical connectors and remove seat.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Use NEW seat track mounting nuts. Tighten nuts and bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications) . Activate air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) .

1. Before proceeding, see «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__air-bag-safety-precautions) . Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-system) under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Using a ball of butyl, remove screw cover from door opener trim panel and remove screw underneath.
2. Using trim tool and starting at bottom, carefully remove door pull handle trim. Remove 2 screws and remove door pull handle. Using trim tool, pry out AIRBAG emblem from door trim panel and remove screw underneath.
3. Loosen clips and remove door trim panel, disconnecting cables and connectors as necessary. Unlock and disconnect side air bag module harness connector. Remove 3 mounting screws and side air bag module.
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Use NEW side air bag module mounting screws and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__torque-specifications) . Activate air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/z4/e85e86-2002-2005/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-systems__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) .

DIAGNOSTICS

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

WIRE REPAIR

Individual pairs of firing circuit wires may be repaired using 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

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
• SEATS