Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Knee Airbags: Notes
For the U.S. version of the E65, there is a new innovation, the knee airbag.
The knee airbag is installed on the driver and passenger side. In the event of a crash, the knee airbags support the knee, especially if the driver or passenger are not wearing seatbelts.
The location of these airbags produce a controlled forward shift of the upper body, which is cushioned by the conventional driver or passenger airbag.
The knee airbag on the driver's side is located below the steering column, it is incorporated into the under-dash trim.
Drivers Knee Airbag
The knee airbag on the passenger side is located in the lid of the glovebox, beneath a cover. The knee airbag is a one-stage airbag with gas generator. The volume is approx. 16 liters.
Passenger Knee Airbag
The airbag module on the driver's side consists of a plastic housing, the gas generator and the airbag. On the passenger side, it consists of a metal housing, the gas generator and the airbag.
For the passenger knee airbag, the glovebox lid is the mounting for the airbag module.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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