Airbags - Deactivation: Overview

Group 72
Safety Restraint Systems

Bulletin Number
72 08 97

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
October 2000
Service Engineering

This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. 72 08 97 dated October 1998.

SUBJECT
Deactivation of Airbags

MODEL
E31, E32, E34, E36, Z3, E38, E39, E46, E52, E53

SITUATION

On November 18th 1997, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a regulation which allows the installation of an airbag on-off switch on all vehicles equipped with FRONT airbags as of January 19, 1998 as long as the owner/operator or passenger falls into one of four risk groups. The risk group definition and owner responsibilities are in Attachment 2 (not shown).

On-Off switches

Customers are often misinformed when making a decision whether to install, or not to install, an airbag on/off switch.

In order for your customer to make a better informed decision, BMW recommends the customer reads "Need an Airbag On/Off Switch? Probably Not", published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

It is recommended that these leaflets be placed in the customer areas of your BMW center.

The leaflets may be obtained free of charge from:

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
1005 N. Glebe Rd.
Arlington, VA 22201
(703)247-1500
e-mail www.highwaysafety.org

The installation or retrofit of airbag on/off switches is not a mandatory requirement. BMW offers a front passenger airbag on/off switch for Z3 roadsters, M roadsters, Z3 coupes, and M coupes manufactured up to April of 1999. Appropriate parts are being released on individual bases by BMWNA Service Engineering, upon receiving a complete documentation from the BMW center.

Temporary deactivation of FRONT airbags

For vehicles where the manufacturer does not provide an on-off switch, NHTSA may authorize the temporary deactivation of FRONT airbags based on the justifications listed in Attachment 1 (Not shown). Owner responsibilities are also listed in that attachment. If a vehicle owner/operator presents an NHTSA letter authorizing deactivation of a FRONT airbag, a BMW center may perform this service. If a temporary deactivation of any airbag is performed, customers should be advised to reconsider their decision on a regular basis and evaluate if circumstances have changed, allowing a reactivation.

Temporary deactivation of side airbags

No NHTSA authorization is required for the deactivation of side (door mounted) airbags, as these airbags are not mandatory equipment. Upon owner request, a BMW center may deactivate side airbags, however there is no mandatory requirement to perform this service. If a temporary deactivation of any side airbag is performed, customers should be advised to reconsider their decision on a regular basis and evaluate if circumstances have changed allowing a reactivation.

BMW Policy Concerning Deactivation

The BMW policy and information regarding airbags is contained in "Child Airbag Letter, Warning Label, and Safety Tips Reference Card" S.I. 72 07 96, dated December 1996.

IN GENERAL, BMW BELIEVES THAT LIFE SAVING AND INJURY PREVENTING BENEFITS OF AIRBAGS IN CONJUNCTION WITH USAGE OF SAFETY BELTS OUTWEIGH THE POSSIBLE RISKS OF INJURY CAUSED BY AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AS LONG AS GUIDELINES CONCERNING KEEPING A SAFE DISTANCE TO AIRBAGS ARE FOLLOWED. THIS MEANS USAGE OF SAFETY BELTS WHENEVER SEATED THE VEHICLE, PROPER, UPRIGHT SEATING POSITION AT ALL TIMES WHILE ENSURING A DISTANCE OF AT LEAST 10 INCHES BETWEEN THE CHEST AND FRONT AIRBAG AND PROHIBITING THE USE OF REAR FACING CHILD SEATS ON THE FRONT SEAT OF ANY VEHICLE. CHILDREN SHOULD ALWAYS RIDE IN THE REAR SEAT AND SHOULD ALWAYS BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED WHENEVER IN THE VEHICLE.

With DIS/MODiC CD version 23.0 or later, a BMW center can perform the deactivation of any airbag (with the exception of E46 front door side airbags) on E31, E32, E34, E36, E38, E39, E46, E52, E53 vehicles, model year 1994 and later.

NOTE:
On E38, E39, E52, E53, and Z3 (from 3/99 production) vehicles, the side airbags can be deactivated individually (left/right), and separately from the Head Protection System airbags (HPS) if so equipped. Deactivation of drivers' and passenger airbags on E46 convertible and E52 (Z8) vehicles is available since the introduction of DIS/MODiC CD 23.0.

The deactivation process requires:

-- Coding of the airbag control module using a special code supplied by BMW, valid only for a specific VIN, for a specific authorized BMW center on a specific date.





-- Depending on model and production date, replacement of safety belts.

-- Fulfilling customer information and vehicle labeling requirements

Reactivation is possible and requires reversing the above steps as applicable.





PARTS INFORMATION





A pre-printed order form is available for your convenience.

For safety belt component part numbers, are listed in Attachment 3 (Not Shown).





Note:
Due to the critical nature of this modification, please use the order form as shown for your parts needs. Fax the order form to 1 (800) 428-8806. The purchase order number must be the last seven digits of the VIN of the modified vehicle car.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

No charges associated with the airbag deactivation or reactivation process are covered under the terms of the BMW New Car Warranty.