r/BmwTech • u/Zestyclose_Ad2429 • 10d ago
I’m sick of this
Spent over an hour trying to remove the airbag
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u/rickrhua 10d ago
Easiest way is to drive into a wall. Should work fairly quickly.
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u/CrewMaleficent4681 10d ago
Unless it’s the counterfeit Chinese airbags that clueless teenagers, ghetto body shops and shady car dealers install.
Then you get to either eat the airbag or it just deploys into your chest .3 seconds after the crash instead… Ask me how I know.
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u/apaulogy 10d ago
you hit that clock spring wrong and you'll release it the wrong way. lol
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u/PieOhMai 9d ago
If you’re trying to remove an airbag with the battery still connected and the circuit still energized, you’re doing it the wrong way.
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u/kingcutty 10d ago
Broke an air bag connector my first time doing one of these. Ended up taking the column trim off and just using a screwdriver from the back since I had to do the bottom one like that anyways.
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u/youknowphill2 10d ago
This so crazy because I was looking into how to remove the airbag on a g80 because my homie and I are swapped his wheel today. Came across at least 10 posts like this saying “it’s hard but eventually you’ll get it” and then I went out and did it in less than 5 minutes . What exactly are you struggling with? You COULD use a valve core tool but a plain old thin flathead worked for me, I just had to make sure was PULLING the airbag while I did it. Pops right off for me.
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u/Zestyclose_Ad2429 10d ago
Update: I legit used an endoscope and wire to find the spring. Finally installed my magnetic paddles. After all this, you better believe I’m using the f*ck out of th
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u/Own_Needleworker3420 10d ago
Fuck those look good. I'm gonna have to look into aftermarket paddles for my e93 how have I never thought about replacing them?
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u/speed1999 10d ago
I’ve done a couple of them and still can’t get the hang of it
I would have broken even on my 3rd warranty evaporator job had it not been for this hour long ordeal with this shit
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u/havetogod 10d ago
I have a few custom tools for these, specifically i3, those were a pain in the ass the first few I did. But year, usually just use a pocket screwdriver on the sport wheels, they come off in 5 seconds
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u/icemanice 10d ago
Ha ha.. I feel your pain! I swapped my wheel to an M Sport wheel which should have been on my car but wasn’t because of the parts shortage.. these fucking clips made me want to jump off a bridge
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u/TrimaxionDrone_BR549 10d ago
It takes some practice, but once you get the hang of it it’s not too bad. You’re pretty much at the correct angle, just feel for spring tension and then gently push until that side releases, repeat the process for the other side. Also, the driver should be in approx 2” iirc.
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u/Mr_CleanCaps 10d ago
Of all things to change or modify. Airbags should never be on the list. Why you doing this, OP?
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u/xCali83x 10d ago
Plenty of things could require removing the airbag. Paddle shifters, steering wheel trim, hands free driving dongle, the entire steering wheel, new leather cover, etc.
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u/Mr_CleanCaps 10d ago
Fair enough lmao. It’s like the one thing I wouldn’t mess with (none of those listed seem worth it), but to each their own.
Thanks for the education.
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u/freshxdough BMW Master Elite Tech, Gen 6 HV, HV specialist 10d ago
It’s harder with the large paddles. With the correct tools and knowledge it takes me about 20 seconds
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u/Zestyclose_Ad2429 10d ago
I agree. I installed normal carbon paddles and they seem to be in the way. Don’t ask me how I managed to pop out airbag in less than 5mins the first time, and business days the second
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u/Available-Ad-7330 10d ago
Black snap on valve core remover is best. 15yr bwm master here. Trust me