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.
Side Airbag
For many years now, the side airbag has been used at BMW as an important integral part in occupants safety and protection systems. The task of the side airbags is to minimize the risk of injury to the driver/front passenger in the trunk/torso area in the event of a side impact.
The side airbag is located folded up with the gas generator in an aluminium housing with plastic cover, the airbag module. The airbag module is secured in the inner door panel behind the door trim panel. The door trim panel has a tear seam through which the side airbag emerges in the event of a crash.
The side airbag is triggered in response to a sufficiently strong pulse from the side. The side airbag emerges through the tear seam and inflates between the door and occupant. The air cushion between the door and occupant provides controlled damping and therefore reduces load/strain on the occupant.
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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.