Opinions on dash removal

Themoog2 · Post by **Themoog2** » Tue Apr 23, 2024 10:42 pm

This weekend is when I'm going to replace the heater blower motor so the dash has to come out.
As my X5 has the comfort option everything is moved electricly. So in order to get everything out I have to move the seats and steering wheel therefore the battery must be connected.
But.. to get the airbags out I have to disconnect the battery to avoid error light.
Should I just remove the airbag fuses and leave the battery connected?
What do you think?

Alan Gunn · Post by **Alan Gunn** » Wed Apr 24, 2024 6:00 am

Worth a try pulling the fuse but will that show a fault.
You have a code reader ?? easy to cleat air-bag fault after the job i would think.

Leslie · Post by **Leslie** » Wed Apr 24, 2024 4:24 pm

Disconnect battery don't be taking any chances an airbag will take your head off if you are near it when it deploys accidently .

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Wed Apr 24, 2024 5:34 pm

I agree, pull the battery. No chance of any stray electrical charges upsetting the airbags. That would hurt!

henrym3 · Post by **henrym3** » Wed Apr 24, 2024 8:21 pm

Don’t want to put a spanner in the works but I have removed the steering wheel air bag and door bags several times and never disconnected the battery mainly because it is under the LPG tank and therefore a pita. Not recommending it, just saying.

Themoog2 · Post by **Themoog2** » Thu Apr 25, 2024 7:13 am

Anyway.. Can anyone ID this part? I found it in the passenger footwell when removing the lower panels. It's about 40mm long with a snap pin on it but I can't find where it goes.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Thu Apr 25, 2024 8:39 pm

Has it got a part number on it?

Themoog2 · Post by **Themoog2** » Thu Apr 25, 2024 10:52 pm

Unfortunately not..

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Fri Apr 26, 2024 7:19 am

I’m going to hazard a guess that it’s part of the glovebox and possibly one of the ‘locks’ that limit movement of the lid when opened? Almost certainly not available as a standalone component.

henrym3 · Post by **henrym3** » Fri Apr 26, 2024 12:48 pm

If you do remove the dash do keep us posted as to how difficult it is. Although my fan seems to be behaving itself I m sure I’ll have this problem down the road.

Themoog2 · Post by **Themoog2** » Fri Apr 26, 2024 6:13 pm

Right.. Done it.
Almost. I'm in the process of getting it all back together - lost my mojo cause I'm having a beer. I was in the process of getting the centre console back in.
It's not a difficult job it's just that there are so many parts to remove to get to where you need to be.
I didn't remove the centre console but took all the screws out so it could be moved rearward as it has pins that locate at the bottom of the dash. Mine has rear climate so there are more wires etc the consider.
To get the dash out also requires removing the steering wheel and indicator stalks - I didn't unplug them I just let them hang out of the way.
Obviously all the under dash parts have to go. The main dash is not that heavy, just a bit cumbersome.
When unscrewing the bolts from the heater blower motor don't drop the torx key down in to the matrix..
I disconnected the battery to unplug both airbags but then I connected them back up so I could test the new blower motor before I put everything back together.
Big tip - you will need space. Opening all doors fully is a must.
I'm boozing now but if I think of anything else I'll post.

henrym3 · Post by **henrym3** » Fri Apr 26, 2024 7:12 pm

Which motor did you buy or was it from BMW.

Leslie · Post by **Leslie** » Fri Apr 26, 2024 7:18 pm

Top effort enjoy your well earned beer

Themoog2 · Post by **Themoog2** » Fri Apr 26, 2024 7:22 pm

I bought a Mahle motor circa £100.
Forgot the pic..

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Fri Apr 26, 2024 8:34 pm

Impressive amount of work done

That would have cost a fair bit at a main dealer methinks!

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