Yes..I CAN'T get my airbag out!

knowl · 05-14-2019, 09:23 PM

2015 328xi
Alas....I have tried what seems like hundreds of times to remove my airbag and cannot locate those damn clips. My fingers are raw and I have torn my steering wheel to shreds. The photo attached shows my view of looking at the right side of the steering wheel. Where are those clips???

Thanks for any and all help!

MmmmmM2 · 05-14-2019, 10:55 PM

Why are you removing your airbag??

outofphase · 05-14-2019, 11:25 PM

Holy hell OP! Sorry this is causing you such a headache. Not sure the clips are visible from the angle of the photo you posted.

Not sure if this works with the m-sport wheel but might be worth a try:

upsidedownfunnel · 05-15-2019, 04:08 AM

There are two small holes under your steering wheel. They are somewhat covered by the soft plastic. You need to insert a screwdriver or some other tool (I used a T25 driver) to push a clip over. This is EXTREMELY difficult if you have never done it before.

An easier method might be to remove the steering column shrouds. Then just turn the steering wheel and at a certain angle, you will expose the two metal clips behind the wheel. Then you can take a flathead screwdriver and just pop the clips off from behind the wheel. This is not as easy as it sounds, but it will be easier than the first option above. Also, the airbag will be a little stuck so you also need to actively pull while undoing those clips.

jimbobiggens · 05-15-2019, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel

An easier method might be to remove the steering column shrouds. Then just turn the steering wheel and at a certain angle, you will expose the two metal clips behind the wheel. Then you can take a flathead screwdriver and just pop the clips off from behind the wheel. This is not as easy as it sounds, but it will be easier than the first option above. Also, the airbag will be a little stuck so you also need to actively pull while undoing those clips.

Exactly what I had to do. That video is a great help.

Billfitz · 05-15-2019, 07:07 AM

I tried the video method, found that I couldn't get the clip to open and stay open. I ended up using the video method to see the clip while inserting a T20 torx bit driver through the slits in the wheel, which worked. Using a torx bit driver is critical too, a regular screwdriver isn't the right shape.

redEYEjedi · 05-15-2019, 09:28 AM

I feel this guy did a great job describing the process. I watched the video once and figured it out. Took about 2 hours total including swapping over the multi function buttons and paddle shifters over to my new steering wheel.

Wires · 05-16-2019, 10:09 PM

The smart a$$ in me is saying "if you have destroyed the wheel to get to the clips, you're doing it wrong..."

knowl · 05-18-2019, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wires

The smart a$$ in me is saying "if you have destroyed the wheel to get to the clips, you're doing it wrong..."

Indeed! So I paid someone else to do it. :-)

Gen13 F36 · 05-18-2019, 10:44 AM

Wow that hole is all torn up.😱. Just keep pounding away....lol

Korvo · 05-18-2019, 11:33 AM

It's all about the tool. Some snowblowers or weed whackers come with a tool to change the spark plug that has a Philips driver on it too. The driver was the perfect size, but nothing else in my toolbox worked.

outofphase · 05-25-2019, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdegene

It's all about the tool. Some snowblowers or weed whackers come with a tool to change the spark plug that has a Philips driver on it too. The driver was the perfect size, but nothing else in my toolbox worked.

Agreed. I got lucky and found out that a 3mm electrical coiling rod was the perfect fit. Having a flat top really helps.

eluded · 05-25-2019, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen13 F36

Wow that hole is all torn up.😱. Just keep pounding away....lol

Insert crude comment here

exE36M3 · 05-25-2019, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redEYEjedi

I feel this guy did a great job describing the process. I watched the video once and figured it out. Took about 2 hours total including swapping over the multi function buttons and paddle shifters over to my new steering wheel.

Thanks man. I made that video!

Syc0 · 05-25-2019, 07:23 PM

I feel your pain, i had to get the steering wheel off for a dashboard change. After prodding many things in there a Philips flat head done the trick. flashing a light into the hole helped locate it. You'll feel resistance just as the tip of the driver goes slightly into the hole.

rlmesq · 05-26-2019, 11:59 AM

Kies Motorsports also has a good video. Airbag removal starts around 7:30.

rlmesq · 05-26-2019, 12:00 PM

Anybody know torque settings for the steering wheel nut?

Syc0 · 05-27-2019, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlmesq

Anybody know torque settings for the steering wheel nut?

I believe it's 62Nm

John in VA · 05-27-2019, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syc0

I feel your pain, i had to get the steering wheel off for a dashboard change. After prodding many things in there a Philips flat head done the trick.

Not familiar with this type of screwdriver (I'm in the US) - do you have a picture?

redEYEjedi · 05-28-2019, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John in VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syc0

I feel your pain, i had to get the steering wheel off for a dashboard change. After prodding many things in there a Philips flat head done the trick.

Not familiar with this type of screwdriver (I'm in the US) - do you have a picture?

All in the details.. though we know he meant flat head.

John in VA · 05-28-2019, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redEYEjedi

All in the details.. though we know he meant flat head.

I didn't know - that's why I asked.

MmmmmM2 · 05-28-2019, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F30ZHP

Why are you removing your airbag??

No one ever answered my question.

05-14-2019, 09:23 PM	#1
knowl Registered 2 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 328i X Mineral Grey Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Madison Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	Yes..I CAN'T get my airbag out! 2015 328xi Alas....I have tried what seems like hundreds of times to remove my airbag and cannot locate those damn clips. My fingers are raw and I have torn my steering wheel to shreds. The photo attached shows my view of looking at the right side of the steering wheel. Where are those clips??? Thanks for any and all help! Attached Images Last edited by knowl; 05-14-2019 at 09:33 PM.. Reason: Add photo
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05-14-2019, 10:55 PM	#2
MmmmmM2 Colonel 2589 Rep 2,432 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Claremont, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 Mazda CX-5 [0.00] 2021 BMW M2C [0.00]	Why are you removing your airbag??
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05-14-2019, 11:25 PM	#3
outofphase dad bod 387 Rep 382 Posts Drives: 2015 335i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (1)	Holy hell OP! Sorry this is causing you such a headache. Not sure the clips are visible from the angle of the photo you posted. Not sure if this works with the m-sport wheel but might be worth a try: __________________ '15 F30 Estoril Blue 335i xDrive \| 8HP \| Stock Turbo \| 420 awhp / 451 awtq \| 11.85 @ 115 mph E30 JordanTuned on BM3 \| XDI-60 HPFP \| Fuel-It! lines + sensor \| VRSF FBO \| GFB DV+ \| XHP \| Vörsteiner VFF-107s \| Dinan Springs
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05-15-2019, 04:08 AM	#4
upsidedownfunnel Colonel 1996 Rep 2,499 Posts Drives: 2014 335i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: SoCal iTrader: (4) Garage List 2014 BMW 335i [0.00]	There are two small holes under your steering wheel. They are somewhat covered by the soft plastic. You need to insert a screwdriver or some other tool (I used a T25 driver) to push a clip over. This is EXTREMELY difficult if you have never done it before. An easier method might be to remove the steering column shrouds. Then just turn the steering wheel and at a certain angle, you will expose the two metal clips behind the wheel. Then you can take a flathead screwdriver and just pop the clips off from behind the wheel. This is not as easy as it sounds, but it will be easier than the first option above. Also, the airbag will be a little stuck so you also need to actively pull while undoing those clips.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-15-2019, 07:07 AM	#6
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,080 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	I tried the video method, found that I couldn't get the clip to open and stay open. I ended up using the video method to see the clip while inserting a T20 torx bit driver through the slits in the wheel, which worked. Using a torx bit driver is critical too, a regular screwdriver isn't the right shape.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-15-2019, 09:28 AM	#7
redEYEjedi Lieutenant Colonel 769 Rep 1,755 Posts Drives: G05 / F31 / E91 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (11)	I feel this guy did a great job describing the process. I watched the video once and figured it out. Took about 2 hours total including swapping over the multi function buttons and paddle shifters over to my new steering wheel. Attached Images __________________
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05-16-2019, 10:09 PM	#8
Wires Brigadier General 1646 Rep 4,876 Posts Drives: 2016 340i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	The smart a$$ in me is saying "if you have destroyed the wheel to get to the clips, you're doing it wrong..."
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05-18-2019, 10:44 AM	#10
Gen13 F36 Brigadier General 1599 Rep 3,748 Posts Drives: 428i Gran Coupe Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (1)	Wow that hole is all torn up.😱. Just keep pounding away....lol
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05-18-2019, 11:33 AM	#11
Korvo Respect My Authoritah 368 Rep 873 Posts Drives: 2014 335i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (2)	It's all about the tool. Some snowblowers or weed whackers come with a tool to change the spark plug that has a Philips driver on it too. The driver was the perfect size, but nothing else in my toolbox worked. __________________ 2014 335xi M-Sport 6MT: Estoril Blue II, MHD Stage 2+ , Dinan Exhaust, Dinan CAI, ER Catted DP, ER Chargepipe, AA FMIC.
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05-25-2019, 07:23 PM	#15
Syc0 New Member 1 Rep 12 Posts Drives: F32 435d XDrive Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: London iTrader: (0)	I feel your pain, i had to get the steering wheel off for a dashboard change. After prodding many things in there a Philips flat head done the trick. flashing a light into the hole helped locate it. You'll feel resistance just as the tip of the driver goes slightly into the hole.
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05-26-2019, 11:59 AM	#16
rlmesq Lieutenant Colonel 1039 Rep 1,509 Posts Drives: 2018 440i M Sport Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Chico, CA iTrader: (0)	Kies Motorsports also has a good video. Airbag removal starts around 7:30.
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05-26-2019, 12:00 PM	#17
rlmesq Lieutenant Colonel 1039 Rep 1,509 Posts Drives: 2018 440i M Sport Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Chico, CA iTrader: (0)	Anybody know torque settings for the steering wheel nut?
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