Airbags

This chapter on the airbags in the BMW 5 Series (VII generation) explains protective functions and safety principles in detail. In addition to front, side, head and knee airbags, it also describes how they deploy in different types of accidents. Optimal protection requires correct seating positions, unobstructed deployment areas and no modifications to airbag components. Warnings emphasize that even correct use does not completely rule out injuries. For sensitive persons, deployment can cause temporary hearing impairment. The front passenger airbag can be deactivated with a key switch when a child seat is used. The status is indicated by a warning lamp. The chapter provides clear instructions for activation, safety checks and behavior in case of fault messages. This is essential safety knowledge for all BMW drivers.

1. 1
   Front airbag, driver
2. 2
   Front airbag, front passenger
3. 3
   Head airbag
4. 4
   Side airbag
5. 5
   Knee airbag

Front airbags

Front airbags protect the driver and front passenger in a frontal collision in which the protection provided by the seat belts alone is no longer sufficient.

Side airbag

In a side collision, the side airbag supports the body in the lateral chest and pelvis area.

Head airbag

In a side collision, the head airbag supports the head.

Knee airbag

Depending on equipment: the knee airbag supports the legs in a frontal collision.

Protective effect

General

Airbags are not deployed in every collision situation, e.g. not in minor accidents or rear-end collisions.

Notes on the optimal protective effect of the airbags

WARNING With an incorrect seating position or an obstructed airbag deployment area, the airbag system cannot protect as intended and deployment may cause additional injuries. There is a risk of injury or death. Observe the notes on the optimal protective effect of the airbag system.

• Keep a distance from the airbags.
• Always hold the steering wheel at the steering wheel rim.

Hands placed at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions to keep the risk of injury to hands or arms as low as possible if the airbag deploys.

Make sure the front passenger sits correctly, i.e. keeps feet or legs in the footwell and does not brace them against the instrument panel.

Make sure occupants keep their heads away from the side airbag.

Do not place other persons, animals or objects between the airbags and occupants.

Do not use the front passenger front airbag cover as a storage area.

Keep the instrument panel and windshield in the front passenger area clear, i.e.

Do not cover with adhesive film or covers, and do not attach holders for e.g. navigation devices or mobile phones.

Do not glue, cover or otherwise modify the airbag covers.

Do not attach seat covers, seat cushions or other objects to the front seats that are not specifically suitable for seats with integrated side airbags.

Do not hang clothing, e.g. jackets, over the seat backs.

Do not make any changes to individual components or the wiring. This also applies to the steering wheel covers, the instrument panel and the seats.

Do not dismantle the airbag system.

Even when all notes are observed, injuries from contact with the airbags cannot be completely ruled out, depending on the circumstances.

For sensitive occupants, the ignition and inflation noise can cause temporary hearing impairment, which is usually not permanent.

Airbag system readiness

Safety notes

WARNING After the airbag system has deployed, the individual components may be hot. There is a risk of injury. Do not touch the individual components

WARNING Improperly performed work can result in failure, malfunction or unintended deployment of the airbag system. In the event of a malfunction, the airbag system may not deploy as intended in an accident of corresponding severity. There is a risk of injury or death. Have the airbag system checked, repaired, dismantled and scrapped by a BMW Service Partner or another qualified service partner or specialist workshop.

Display in the instrument cluster

When ignition is switched on, the warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up briefly to indicate that the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners are ready for operation.

Malfunction

• Warning lamp does not light up when ignition is switched on.
• Warning lamp lights up permanently.

Have the system checked.

Key switch for front passenger airbags

Principle

With the key switch for front passenger airbags, the front and side airbag on the front passenger side can be deactivated when a child restraint system is used on the front passenger seat.

General

The front and side airbags for the front passenger can be deactivated and reactivated with the integrated key from the remote control.

Overview

The key switch for front passenger airbags is located on the outer side of the instrument panel.

Deactivating the front passenger airbags

1. 1
   Insert the key and press it in if necessary.
2. 2
   Hold down and turn to the OFF position until it stops. Pull out the key at the stop.
3. 3
   Make sure the key switch is in the end position so that the airbags are deactivated.

The front passenger airbags are deactivated. The driver airbags remain active.

If no child restraint system is installed on the front passenger seat anymore, reactivate the front passenger airbags so they deploy as intended in an accident.

The status of the airbags is shown by the warning lamp in the roof lining, see page 153.

Activating the front passenger airbags

1. 1
   Insert the key and press it in if necessary.
2. 2
   Press and hold, then turn the key to position ON until it stops. Remove the key at the stop.
3. 3
   Make sure the key switch is in its end position so that the airbags are activated.

The front passenger airbags are activated again and will deploy in the appropriate situations.

Front passenger airbag indicator lamp

The front passenger airbag indicator lamp in the roof headliner shows the operating status of the front passenger airbags.

When the vehicle is switched to ready mode, the lamp lights up briefly and then shows whether the airbags are activated or deactivated.

The airbag system of the BMW 5 Series G30/G31 provides comprehensive protection for driver and passengers. Front, side, head and knee airbags work together to minimize the effects of an accident. The intelligent control ensures that the airbags deploy only when necessary.

Special attention should be paid to the optimal seating position in order to make full use of the protective effect of the airbags. Instructions on correct seating posture and on avoiding obstacles in the airbag deployment area are essential to minimize the risk of injury. The key switch for the front passenger airbag allows flexible adjustment when using child seats.

With this, the BMW 5 Series G30/G31 sets standards in passive safety and underlines the premium character of the vehicle in occupant protection as well.