FIXONIC
Repair starts here.Sign inCreate account Live auctionsRepair HubRepair guides
SellSavedMy Fixonic
FIXONICrepair marketplace
Home/ Repair guides/ 1992-1999 BMW 3 Series Driver Side Airbag Repla…
Official iFixit API visual reference

1992-1999 BMW 3 Series Driver Side Airbag Replacement

Use this guide to replace the driver side...

iFixit Library 1992-1999 BMW 3 Series Moderate No estimate Guide 65663
Open the authorised source
Licensed iFixit integration

This attributed iFixit guide is displayed through Fixonic's recorded commercial API permission. iFixit remains the independent source and author of the procedure.

Guide overview

Before you begin

Use this guide to replace the driver side airbag in your BMW E36. This procedure was done on a US 1997 M3 with the four spoke steering wheel.

Step 1

Repair step

No step image supplied by iFixit.
Phillips #2 Screwdriver
TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Phillips #2 Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide
View item
T30 Torx Screwdriver Bit
TOOL USED ON THIS STEP T30 Torx Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide
View item
  • This step is not necessary, but it made it easier for me to get at the steering column trim mounting screw. Feel free to skip this if you'd like.
  • Remove the two screws securing the upper edge of the knee bolster.
  • Pull the upper edge down to give access to the underside of the steering wheel.
Step 2

Repair step

No step image supplied by iFixit.
Phillips #2 Screwdriver
TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Phillips #2 Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide
View item
T30 Torx Screwdriver Bit
TOOL USED ON THIS STEP T30 Torx Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide
View item
  • Remove the lower steering column trim mounting screw.
  • Remove the lower steering column trim.
Step 3

Repair step

No step image supplied by iFixit.
  • Make sure that the battery has been disconnected for at least 30 minutes before continuing further to ensure that the airbag light does not come on.
  • Disconnect the orange SRS connector.
Step 4

Repair step

No step image supplied by iFixit.
Phillips #2 Screwdriver
TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Phillips #2 Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide
View item
T30 Torx Screwdriver Bit
TOOL USED ON THIS STEP T30 Torx Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide
View item
  • Completely loosen the two T30 Torx screws behind the steering wheel while supporting the airbag unit from the front.
  • Make sure to support the airbag to prevent it from falling out.
Step 5

Repair step

No step image supplied by iFixit.
  • Lift the airbag unit up and away from the steering wheel.
  • Disconnect the orange harness connector from the rear of the airbag unit.
  • The airbag should now be free to be removed.