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72 12... Unlocking/locking airbag plug connections

WARNING: Read and comply with safety regulations  for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical belt tensioners.
IMPORTANT: An airbag plug connection must be replaced if it is damaged.

Following versions of plug connections on airbag module/gas generator are possible:

Airbag plug connection on gas generator/airbag module offset by 90°: 

There are two ways of unlocking this airbag plug connection on the gas generator/airbag module:

Method 1: 

Simultaneously pull cover (1) upwards at lugs on left and right (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Cover And Lugs
G04728072Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Method 2: 

Insert a narrow screwdriver into recess (1) in housing (2).

Carefully pry cover (3) off (4).

Fig 2: Identifying Recess (1) And Housing (2)
G04728073Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Cover (1) is not positioned higher than housing (2).

The airbag plug connection is unlocked and can now be detached from the gas generator/airbag module.

Fig 3: Identifying Cover And Housing
G04728074Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

After attaching airbag plug connection to gas generator/airbag module, press cover (1) downwards until it rests flat on housing.

Check that it catches properly.

Fig 4: Identifying Connector Cover
G04728075Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Airbag plug connection on gas generator/airbag module is straight (2 versions) 

Version 1: 

Press locking/unlocking plate (1) at edge (4).

Locking/unlocking plate (1) snaps upwards at opposite edge (3) and releases detent lug (2).

Fig 5: Identifying Locking/Unlocking Plate, Edge And Detent Lug
G04728076Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The airbag plug connection is unlocked and can now be detached from the gas generator/airbag module.

Fig 6: Identifying Airbag Plug Connection
G04728077Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

After attaching airbag plug connection to gas generator/airbag module, check whether detent lug (2) is visible in opening of locking/unlocking plate (1).

Only if the detent lug (2) is visible will the airbag plug connection gas generator/airbag module be correctly engaged.

Fig 7: Identifying Detent Lug And Locking/Unlocking Plate
G04728078Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version 2: 

Press locking/unlocking plate (1) on edge (3) and pull plug (2) out of plug housing (4).

Installation: 

Only if the detent lug is visible in opening (5) will the gas generator/airbag module plug connection be correctly engaged.

Fig 8: Identifying Locking/Unlocking Plate, Edge, Plug And Plug Housing
G04728079Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version 3: 

Press lock button (1) and pull out plug (2) up to initial engagement position.

Detach plug (2) from firing pellet.

Installation: 

Insert plug connection in initial engagement position in gas generator/airbag module and engage in final engagement position.

Fig 9: Identifying Lock Button And Plug
G04728080Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Illustration of version 3 with gas generator: 

  1. Initial engagement position
  2. Final engagement position
    1. Lock button
    2. Gas generator
      Fig 10: Identifying Lock Button And Gas Generator
      G04728081Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version 4 - Crash-active head restraint: 

Press locking clip at edge and disconnect plug (1).

Installation: 

Check for correct engagement.

Fig 11: Locating Plug
G04748092Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.