Pilot lamp AIRBAG
The lamp on the instrument panel indicates that the system is ready for operation after turning the ignition key to position 1.
The system is ready to go:
The control lamp lights up for a while (6 seconds), after which it goes out.
The system is faulty:
- The control lamp does not light up
- The control lamp, lit up for 6 seconds, goes out and lights up again
- While driving, the lamp flashes for about 5 minutes, then stays on.
In this case, there is a danger that the system will not work in the event of an accident.
For safety reasons, the system should be checked by BMW Service.
System operation
In the event of a collision, the air bag located under the trim in the center of the steering wheel instantly fills with gas. Inflated above the steering wheel, it prevents the driver from moving forward and protects the upper part of his body. The whole process takes a fraction of a second.
Usually, the driver does not feel a shock when the airbag is filled with gas, on the contrary, the explosion of the squib and the airbag filling, due to the very short reaction time, pass almost imperceptibly against the background of the accident.
Attention: Sit in the seat as you like, but at the same time as far as possible from the steering wheel and dashboard.
Always hold the steering wheel by the rim.
The AIRBAG system is only activated in the event of a frontal collision with a hard obstacle at speeds above 20 km/h or at higher speeds with more pliable obstacles.
The figure shows the area in which the airbags are deployed upon impact.
In small accidents and during rollovers, side or rear impacts, the protective function is carried out exclusively by seat belts.
The AIRBAG system does not preclude the use of seat belts.
When the system is activated, along with gas, a slight emission of smoke occurs. It is not harmful to health and is not the result of a car fire.
It is forbidden to modify the elements and electrical equipment of the system. This is especially true of the soft steering wheel cover, which must not be glued, pulled or otherwise modified, and the steering wheel itself, which is not recommended to be removed by yourself.
Repair work on the AIRBAG system must only be carried out by a BMW Service Centre.
Improper repair work may cause malfunction or unintentional operation of the system and result in personal injury.
When disposing of the air bag and the gas generator, follow the safety instructions provided by BMW, which can be obtained from the after-sales service.
There is a sticker in the glove box indicating the check times that must be observed.