BMW 7 Series: Deactivating Front Passenger Airbags With Key-Operated Switch

WARNING: The responsibility for deactivation/activation rests with the customer.

Depending on the occupation of the front passenger seat, the front passenger and side airbags must be (de-)activated in accordance with the Owner's Handbook.

The passenger airbag can only be deactivated in accordance with the following instructions if the vehicle is equipped with a suitable key-operated switch! The key-operated switch can be retrofitted if it is missing and has been ordered as an optional equipment.

Key-operated switch:

• SA 5DA

The following airbags are deactivated simultaneously with the key-operated switch (1):

• Passenger airbag
• Side airbag (passenger side)
• If necessary, knee airbag in US models (passenger side)

The airbags can only be deactivated/reactivated while the vehicle is stationary and with the door open.

IMPORTANT: The head airbag remains active.

Fig. 23: Identifying Key-Operated Switch

Deactivation

1. Turn key-operated switch with ignition key to "OFF" position.

Deactivatable airbags on passenger side out of operation.

Head airbag on passenger side remains active.

All airbags on driver side remain active.

Fig. 24: Identifying Key-Operated Switch ON And OFF Position

Activation

2. Turn key-operated switch with ignition key to "ON" position.

All the airbags in the vehicle are activated and are triggered in appropriate situations.

Indicator lamp

When the ignition key is turned in the ignition lock, the function of the airbag system is checked and the warning lamp in the center console lights up for several seconds.

1. The warning lamp is permanently ON when the passenger airbags are deactivated

2. The warning lamp goes out after a few seconds when the passenger airbags are activated

Fig. 25: Identifying Warning Lamp

NOTES ON SCRAPPING VEHICLES WITH GAS GENERATORS (AIRBAG SYSTEM)

The gas generator is a pyrotechnical component and is for the most part permanently mounted on the following components:

• Airbag module
  • Driver's/passenger airbag
  • Side airbag
  • Head airbag
  • Knee airbag
• Automatic electric reel
• Belt end fitting tensioner
• Belt buckle tensioner
• Safety battery terminal
• Active head restraint

In accordance with accident prevention regulations and specific national regulations, gas generators must be rendered unusable before they are scrapped. This is necessary because pyrotechnical objects can cause injury if improperly activated (e.g. scrapping with flame cutters).

With vehicles which are scheduled for scrapping, it is always essential prior to draining and further stripping work to ensure that all the gas generators in the vehicle are fired. The fired gas generators can then be scrapped together with the vehicle.

Gas generators that have not fired constitute a hazard (also to the environment)!

Firing failure

If correct firing is not possible, the relevant components must be removed and disposed of by special waste disposal companies! Comply with SAFETY REGULATIONS for handling airbag system components.

If a triggering operation has failed:

• Disconnect the triggering device from the battery and
• Wait a few minutes before approaching the vehicle

The components of an airbag system must always be disposed of. Such components must not be sold on as used parts.

Firing

Triggering of the gas generators may only be carried out by expert personnel and under the supervision of a responsible person. Other standard accident prevention regulations (safety goggles, ear defenders etc.) must also be observed.

The gas generators must be fired from the outside in this vehicle which has been earmarked for scrapping. In this process

• the doors must be closed
• the rear lid must be open
• the side windows must be open and
• the sunroof must be open

To fire the gas generators, use the firing device with the appropriate cables (follow instructions).

WARNING: Once gas generators have been fired, observe a ventilation period of 10 minutes with the doors opened. Only then is it permitted to continue work inside the vehicle.

Wear protective goggles and protective gloves when handling a fired gas generator! The burning of solid fuel will heat up the airbag unit - danger of burning hands! Wash skin with water after contact with fired gas generators!

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