United Bimmer Community - BMW Forum - Steering Wheel & (ZAE) Airbag Removal

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Steering Wheel & (ZAE) Airbag Removal

Alright, my future ownership of this vehicle is riding on this project. There's a bit of a crisis here with the current heat in NC and no working A/C. So, the bottomline is that the evaporator and expansion valve need replacement and that means total dashboard dismantling. Since the bolts connecting the valve to the evaporator are rusted through, both parts gotta go. Obviously, the steering wheel is the first step and that means "safely" removing the airbag. I've read that this can be dangerous if the appropriate precautions aren't followed. Has anybody got some advice on how to proceed, besides disconnecting neg. battery terminal and waiting the SRS control module ten minute discharge period? Thx!

Nope. You've got it. I have pulled mine several times for different reasons.

If you take it completely apart:
There are a couple of spacer rings in it. Take note of their positions and orientations.
A short piece of 3/4" PVC pipe is the best tool for re-installing the snap ring. Use the steering wheel bolt to press the PVC which presses the snap ring into its groove.