BMW Repair: BMW airbag removal, airbag systems, flat head screw


Question
How do you remove teh drivers side steering wheel air bag from a 2004 525i (E60).  I found the hole under the steering wheel but dont know if it requires a special tool and how you remove it.  Also, does the airbag light reset after I replace the deployed air bag or do I need special equiptment to re-set it?  Thanks.

Answer
Dickson, Carry out all work on airbag systems with the battery disconnected. I wanted to get that out there even though it sounds like the bag has deployed for safety sake. Take a long skinny flat head screw driver and insert it in the small hole on the back side of center spoke. Have the narrow edge of the screw driver pointed toward you as you sit in the driver's seat not the wide flat of the screw driver. Tilt the head of the driver toward you a little (handle toward the dash. Push the driver in until you feel a springy resistance (you are trying to depress a spring). Push the driver toward the sky against the spring and you will see one side of the bag pop out-continue pressing harder and the other side will release. Remove the color coded connectors on the back of the bag. Any BMW involved in an airbag deploying accident needs to have the airbag controler unit replaced. Dealer will need to clear SRS system fault to turn out the airbag light.
-Evan