I'm curious (s/w airbag)

[sapphireblack]

I recall very well swapping the steering wheel on my E71 for an M Sport which of course meant removing the airbag. Having also done this on an E53 and E63 i knew the procedure well enough. The two connections on the bag itself had little tabs that lifted up with a pick tool or screwdriver to release the plug/s. This was the same on all three vehicles.

I was a bit flummoxed when doing the same work recently on the E70 which like many has had its airbags replaced. I encountered a different pair of plugs so went the longer route and disconnected everything from the steering wheel, so the airbag and loom were one item. Not difficult, but what was a pita was refitting it. The tiny torx head earth strap screw is fiddly to say the least and with one hand holding the airbag in mid-air, i only had one hand to work with.

More out of curiosity, as i dont imagine, I'll be disturbing an airbag again soon, the revised mini loom connections defeated me, i have no idea how to release these revised plugs from the airbag. The original type were easy, anyone know how these newer types are disconnected?

Screenshot_20250805_163727_YouTube.jpg (74.77 KiB) Viewed 294 times

[X5Sport]

Looking at the picture, It looks as if both plugs have a fold-over cover which needs carefully lifting from the left hand end (could be a latch that engages under that end) and the connector may be under there. I would strongly recommend wearing an anti-static strap whilst having a look.

Looking at the only manual I have, it looks as if the connections are completely different!

IMG_3331.jpeg (78 KiB) Viewed 274 times

I wonder if the connector change indicates a post Takata airbag change under recall.

[sapphireblack]

I'm inclined to agree with your thoughts having studied this piccy more closely. I wish I'd been more patient and investigated further at the time, but obviously, i didnt want to break anything. I won't be disturbing it again anytime soon though, that's for sure.

You could well be right regarding the fitment change being a post Takata 'upgrade' and a visual identifier that it has been replaced. Maybe the simple press and lock original connection has also changed underneath, if this is indeed a folding cover of some sort. It means as part of the recall, the mini loom inside the steering wheel was also changed.

I often wonder about all the airbags for sale on eBay. Technically, those listings are offering dangerous merchandise to an unknowing public.

[X5Sport]

I agree. Used car airbags is one part I would never consider buying. OEM replaced ones will have been recovered and disposed of properly. Those on eBay (or any other auction site) I would treat as non-functional.