In the event of an impact, the airbag cushions the forward movement of the driver's body and protects the upper torso.
The airbag buffer system is activated from a precisely defined frontal impact force.
The illustration shows the impact direction zone in which the system is triggered.
In case of minor accidents, if the car rolled over, side or rear impacts, only the seat belt provides your safety.
The presence of an airbag in a car does not relieve the obligation to wear seat belts.
Airbag indicator light in instrument cluster
The indicator shows that the system can be used from the moment the ignition key is turned to position 1.
The system is ready to go:
- The Airbag lettering lights up for approx. 6 seconds and then turns off again.
The system is faulty:
- the inscription does not light up;
- the inscription glows for approx. 6 seconds, goes out for a short time and lights up again;
- the inscription flashes while driving for 5 minutes and then lights up continuously.
In this case, there is a danger that the system will not work in the event of an accident. Contact a BMW Service Center immediately and request an inspection.
System actuation
The airbag, located under the soft steering wheel trim, inflates with air, ruptures the programmed destruction site and inflates over the steering wheel.
The whole process takes only a few fractions of a second.
When the airbag is deployed, the driver does not experience the sensation of impact - on the contrary - the pop, quick inflation and release of air, due to the short reaction time, are lost in the bustle of the emergency event.
The driver must sit on the seat at an appropriate distance from the steering wheel, since the airbag inflates with considerable speed and force. Keep your head and upper body as far away from the steering wheel as possible while driving.
When the airbag system is activated, the working gas and a small amount of flue gas are released. These gases are not harmful to health and are not a sign of a vehicle fire.
Safety
It is forbidden to make any structural changes to the electrical wiring and to individual components of the device.
This also applies to the steering wheel trim, which must not be glued, re-fitted, altered or processed in any way, as well as the steering wheel itself, which must not be removed.
Repairs to the airbag system may only be carried out by a BMW workshop.
Work not carried out properly may result in failure or accidental operation of the system and, as a result, injury.
When scrapping the airbag generator, be sure to follow the safety regulations drawn up by BMW, which can be consulted at any BMW workshop.
To ensure reliable operation of the system, be sure to observe the inspection test periods indicated on the self-adhesive plate in the glove box.