ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT
BMW - Air Bag Restraint Systems
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 side impact head protection system when side impact is detected.
Main components of the air bag system include air bag control module (mounted on tunnel under center
console), driver-side air bag module, passenger-side air bag module, side air bag modules, side impact head
protection modules, side air bag crash sensors, seat belt pretensioners, AIR BAG warning light and contact ring
(clockspring).
Air bag control unit is capable of system self-diagnosis. Air bag system components are monitored electrically.
Any interferences in operation can be detected. These interferences (faults) are then stored in air bag control
module memory. Diagnosis can only be performed when DIS-MoDiC tester is connected to vehicle's Data Link
Connector (DLC).
AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT
The air bag control unit is located under center console. Air bag control unit contains an internal safety sensor.
If air bag control unit safety sensor senses an impact, it applies voltage to the air bags. The air bag control unit
also features a self-diagnostic system that monitors the air bag system for faults. If a fault is detected, a code
sets in air bag control unit memory.
CONTACT RING
Contact ring (mounted on bottom of steering wheel) is a continuous loop of wire ribbon that forms an electrical
circuit between the steering wheel and steering column. This wire ribbon winds and unwinds to ensure electrical
contact when the steering wheel is turned.
DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
Driver-side air bag module consists of an inflatable air bag, gas generator and ignitor. The gas generator and
ignitor make up the inflator unit, which is mounted permanently to back of air bag module.
Air bag module consists of an inflatable air bag, 2 gas generators and 2 igniters. Air bag fully inflates in about
35 milliseconds. Gas is then released through a filtered vent on the side of the air bag, causing it to deflate.
PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
WARNING: Accidental air bag deployment is possible. Personal injury may result.
Read and follow all WARNINGS and AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
before working on air bag system or related components.
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2001 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT BMW - Air Bag Restraint Systems
Passenger-side air bag module is installed inside instrument panel, above glove box. It is accessible by
removing the cover or panel on top of passenger-side air bag module.
Air bag module consists of large inflatable air bag, 2 gas generators, and 2 igniters. Air bag fully inflates in
about 35 milliseconds. Gas is then released through a filtered vent on the windshield side of the air bag, causing
it to deflate.
SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS (EMERGENCY TENSIONING RETRACTOR)
Seat belt retractor or Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR) is located in seat belt buckle. When front air bags
deploy, air bag control unit also deploys seat belt retractor which increases seat belt tension and holds front seat
occupant(s) tightly against seat backrest, increasing seat belt effectiveness.
SEAT OCCUPANCY MODULE (SBE)
Output signals from the passenger-side seat occupancy sensor pad are converted from a varying analog signal to
a digital pulse signal by the SBE. This signal is then sent to the air bag control unit to assist it in making
deployment decisions. SBE module is located under passenger seat.
SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR PAD
Front passenger seat cushion is equipped with a foil contact sensor. If front passenger seat is occupied, seat
occupancy detector will send a varying analog signal to the SBE. This signal varies in direct proportion to the
weight or movement of seat occupant.
SIDE AIR BAG MODULES
Side air bag modules are installed behind door trim panel on both front and both rear doors. They are accessible
by removing door trim panel of appropriate door.
Side air bag module consists of an inflatable air bag, gas generator, and igniter. Air bag fully inflates in about
35 milliseconds. Gas is then released through a filtered vent on the back side of the air bag, causing it to deflate.
SIDE IMPACT HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM (HPS)
HPS consists of air bag modules which are installed along both A-pillars, over front doors and extend slightly
beyond B-pillar. Air bag modules are also installed in C-pillars and extend over rear doors. They provide
additional protection for the front and rear passenger in the event of a severe side impact.
HPS module consists of an inflatable tube-shaped air bag, gas generator, and igniter. Air bag fully inflates in
about 35 milliseconds. Gas is then released through a filtered vent causing it to deflate.
COMPONENT LOCATIONS
RESTRAINT SYSTEM COMPONENT LOCATIONS
Component Location
2001 BMW X5 30i
2001 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT BMW - Air Bag Restraint Systems
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. If 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, air bag system is functioning
properly. If AIR BAG warning light illuminates for 6-10 seconds and turns off, then illuminated 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:
z When working on air bag system or components, disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
z Always ensure radio is off before disconnecting battery. This will prevent damage to radio
microprocessor.
z Before straightening damaged metal or arc-welding, disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
z 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 irritates skin.
z Handle sensors carefully. Never strike or jar sensors. All sensors and mounting bracket bolts must be
tightened to specification to ensure proper sensor operation.
z Never use any air bag system component that has been dropped from 2 feet or higher.
z DO NOT use self-powered electrical test equipment, such as battery- powered or AC-powered voltmeter,
ohmmeter, test light etc.
z 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.
z Never expose air bag system components to temperatures greater than 167° (75°C).
z Never expose any air bag system components to cleaning agents such as solvents, gasoline, lye etc.
Contact ring On top of steering column, below steering wheel
Data link connector Under left side of instrument panel
Driver-side air bag module Front face of steering wheel
Passenger-side air bag module Right side of instrument panel, above glove box
Side air bag modules Behind door trim panels
Side impact head protection Under headliner, over doors
Air bag control unit Under center console
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2001 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT BMW - Air Bag Restraint Systems
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. 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 reinitialized.
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)
All Air Bags & Seat Belt Pretensioners
1. Before proceeding, see 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 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.
WARNING: Accidental air bag deployment is possible. Personal injury may result.
Avoid using memory savers when working on air bag system.
WARNING: Air bag module and seat belt pretensioners must be deployed before
disposal. Disposing of undeployed components may violate federal, state
and-or local laws. This also applies to vehicles that are to be scrapped.
WARNING: If components will not deploy using the following procedures, contact
vehicle manufacturer for disposal instructions.
2001 BMW X5 30i
2001 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT BMW - Air Bag Restraint Systems
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 ETR 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
AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT
Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . The air bag control unit is located between the
front seats under center console.
2. Remove screws on center console, lift hand brake and remove center console. Remove rear fan under
center console. Remove control unit cover screws and remove cover. Disconnect control unit electrical
connector, remove control unit mounting screws and remove control unit.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Activate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING
AIR BAG SYSTEM . If installing a new air bag control unit, it must be re-encoded.
DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Insert screwdriver through opening on rear side
of steering wheel. See Fig. 1 .
WARNING: Accidental air bag deployment is possible. Personal injury may result.
Read and follow all WARNINGS and AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
before working on air bag system or related components.
2001 BMW X5 30i
2001 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT BMW - Air Bag Restraint Systems
2. Press down on spring loaded clip and pull out air bag. See Fig. 2 . 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 locks and press air bag module
into steering wheel. Activate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG
SYSTEM .
Fig. 1: Releasing Driver - side Air Bag Module
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. ID=
2001 BMW X5 30i
2001 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT BMW - Air Bag Restraint Systems
Fig. 2: Releasing Driver - side Air Bag Module Retaining Clips (Air Bag Module Removed For Clarity)
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. ID=
FRONT SEATS
Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See
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
bolts. 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 and lower seat belt anchor bolts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Activate air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
HEADLINER
Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See
2001 BMW X5 30i
2001 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT BMW - Air Bag Restraint Systems
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Lower windows. Remove edge guards from all
door openings. Remove front and rear grab handles. Remove A-pillar trim on both sides. Remove B-pillar
trim on both sides and suspend on shoulder belt. Remove C-pillar trim on both sides. Remove D-pillar
trim on both sides.
2. If equipped with sunroof, open and raise sunroof panel to highest setting. Remove bellows starting from
center and working toward front and rear. Remove sunroof panel screws. Raise rear of sunroof panel until
setting lever can be levered out of retaining pin on sunroof panel. Release retaining screw until assembly
opening is free. Raise setting lever and unhook from slide.
3. Remove left and right sun visors with holders. Remove interior lights. Remove front headliner bracket
and remove screws underneath bracket. Remove all door rubbers holding headliner. Push back on
headliner to release sliding clips. Remove headliner through rear of vehicle.
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Activate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING
AIR BAG SYSTEM .
PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
2. Insert Plastic Wedge (00 9 323) on both sides of passenger-side air bag cover, release catches, lift cover
up and place on instrument panel. See Fig. 3 . Disconnect Orange passenger-side air bag module harness
connector. Remove air bag module retaining nuts and remove air bag module from instrument panel.
Remove air bag cover and cover bracket.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Be careful not to pinch wiring harness. Tighten passenger-side air
bag module retaining nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Activate air bag system.
See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
NOTE: If passenger-side air bag module has been deployed, passenger-side air bag
cover must also be replaced.
2001 BMW X5 30i
2001 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT BMW - Air Bag Restraint Systems
Fig. 3: Removing Passenger Air Bag Module
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. ID=
SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS (EMERGENCY TENSIONING RETRACTOR)
Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove front seat. See FRONT SEATS .
2. Disconnect seat belt pretensioner connector from under seat harness connector. Disconnect seat belt
buckle switch connector. Remove seat belt pretensioner mounting bolt. Remove seat belt pretensioner.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten seat belt pretensioner mounting bolt to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Activate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR
BAG SYSTEM .
SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
2. Using Trim Tool (00 9 321), remove decorative strip from appropriate door trim panel. Using trim fool,
pry out footwell light from bottom of door. Pry out power window switch assembly from door panel.
Remove door trim panel retaining screws.
2001 BMW X5 30i
2001 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT BMW - Air Bag Restraint Systems
3. Using Trim Tool (00 9 317), release door trim panel retaining clips. Remove and discard side air bag
module mounting screws. Disconnect side air bag module harness connector and remove module from
vehicle.
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Use NEW micro-encapsulated side air bag module mounting
screws. Tighten to mounting screws specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Activate air bag
system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
SIDE IMPACT HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM (HPS)
Removal & Installation (Front)
1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove headliner. See HEADLINER .
Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL .
2. Remove steering column adjustment switch. Remove instrument cluster retaining screws and remove
instrument cluster. Remove glove box. Remove passenger-side air bag module. See PASSENGER - SIDE
AIR BAG MODULE . Remove center console.
3. Remove hood release lever. Remove left and right kick panels. Remove decorative trim on instrument
panel. Remove left and right instrument panel under covers. Remove screws on front left and right sides
of instrument panel. Lift instrument panel trim up and rearward. Disconnect electrical connectors.
Remove instrument panel trim.
4. Disconnect HPS gas generator electrical connector. Remove gas generator nuts and remove gas generator,
located on side of instrument panel frame. See Fig. 4 . Remove gas generator tube retaining bracket screw
and bracket. Remove front A-pillar retaining screw securing HPS tether to A-pillar. Remove rear
retaining screw securing HPS tether to C-pillar. Release A-pillar retaining clips with air bag module.
Release roof frame retaining clips. Remove HPS air bag assembly.
5. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten air bag and gas generator nuts to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Ensure air bag does not contact any sharp edges either on body or on
clips. Activate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
2001 BMW X5 30i
2001 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT BMW - Air Bag Restraint Systems
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Description
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