Removing airbag

[414M3]

Hey guys, I'm trying to install my EAS extended shift paddles but I'm having a really hard time removing the airbag. I'm following their video instruction but the airbag won't seem to come out no matter how hard I press on the release hole with a screwdriver.

Any tips?

[tinman831]

Originally Posted by 414M3

Hey guys, I'm trying to install my EAS extended shift paddles but I'm having a really hard time removing the airbag. I'm following their video instruction but the airbag won't seem to come out no matter how hard I press on the release hole with a screwdriver.

Any tips?

Were you actually able to find the slits in the vinyl cover where you can insert the screwdriver? This was the first thing that got in my way. If you can get that far, there should be a space between the plastic and vinyl covers were you can see inside the airbag. This will help you visualize where the release is. There's a picture of what the inside looks like here on the forums. I'll see if I can find it.

[tinman831]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19680

[414M3]

Originally Posted by tinman831

Were you actually able to find the slits in the vinyl cover where you can insert the screwdriver? This was the first thing that got in my way. If you can get that far, there should be a space between the plastic and vinyl covers were you can see inside the airbag. This will help you visualize where the release is. There's a picture of what the inside looks like here on the forums. I'll see if I can find it.

Actually looking back on it I think I was pressing in the wrong spot. Let me take a look again tomorrow morning. Is the slit in the back of the wheel?

[ERinEC]

Can someone assist here? How far in must the screwdriver be inserted to reach the release?

Where is this tab located? Is the spring located at 3 o'clock or more towards 10 or 12 o'clock when looking at the wheel?

I've been wresting around with this for almost an hour and I'm ready to put my hand through the windshield.

[EJT86]

It's tough until you figure out where the tab exactly is if you push the screwdriver in straight into the hole it's at that angle if your not exact you can feel around alil in that area for it it's a protruding tab so if it feels like a solid "wall" that's not it. Once you pop out one side to pop out the other you may need to slightly push in that same side so it's straight enough to pop out the other side. Took me 30 minutes to do it the first time and 5 minutes the second time

[EJT86]

It's on the body of the wheel about 5 and 7 o'clock use your bare finger and you'll feel a soft spot indent that's it

[414M3]

Take a bright flashlight and feel for the squishy part, that's the flap. Once you see it (took me a few hours lol), you'll realize how easy it is to find.

[Route 16]

Also, I did switch my entire wheel with the airbag with another wheel with it's airbag. Both horns on both cars worked before the swap. My steering wheel on his car worked with the horn. But when his steering wheel and airbag went on my car, the horn does not work. But there are no error lights and all the functions of the buttons work. What am I missing. Pins are where they need to be. Is it a ground on the horn somewhere? I have no clue, any ideas?

[ERinEC]

Originally Posted by EJT86

It's on the body of the wheel about 5 and 7 o'clock use your bare finger and you'll feel a soft spot indent that's it

You're referring to the slit in which to insert the screwdriver, yes? Mine are located near the shift paddles.

[EJT86]

Yes

[thekurgan]

It help to remove the cover where the buttons are, so you can see the spring.

[ERinEC]

Originally Posted by thekurgan

It help to remove the cover where the buttons are, so you can see the spring.

Great - this is what I'll try later (and considered doing last night).

Thanks for everyone's input!

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by ERinEC

Great - this is what I'll try later (and considered doing last night).

Thanks for everyone's input!

There are 3 screws, T-20 IIRC, and 2 screws T-20 to remove the button housing(s) from the back of the cover.

The entire cover can be removed around the airbag carefully. The spring is seen in the lower half of the airbag, on each side, this way, you're not just fishing around in there with a screwdriver.

[EJT86]

Originally Posted by ERinEC

Great - this is what I'll try later (and considered doing last night).

Thanks for everyone's input!

It's possible to do but you'll risk breaking or damaging the trim so your aware

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by EJT86

It's possible to do but you'll risk breaking or damaging the trim so your aware

It's more than durable if you use care around the airbag; it's really not an issue.

[414M3]

EAS has a good video on removing the steering wheel. Look up the video on how to install their extended shift paddles.

[ERinEC]

Originally Posted by thekurgan

There are 3 screws, T-20 IIRC, and 2 screws T-20 to remove the button housing(s) from the back of the cover.

The entire cover can be removed around the airbag carefully. The spring is seen in the lower half of the airbag, on each side, this way, you're not just fishing around in there with a screwdriver.

Trim is off, but I do not see any spring. I have a 2011 E92 if that makes any difference

Help!

[UBER ///M3]

Originally Posted by ERinEC

Trim is off, but I do not see any spring. I have a 2011 E92 if that makes any difference

Help!

You don't have to take the trip off in order to get the airbag out. The spring loaded rod (thats just what I call it) has to be pushed with a small flat head just perfectly and it will release each side of the airbag. I had to watch this in order to understand what to "feel" for. Once you push the rod, the airbag will pop out and release. Then do the other side the same way. I hope this helps brother.

[ERinEC]

UBER ///M3 - thanks for posting this vid.

I was finally was able to get it to release.

How the fvuck you remove the airbag without taking the trim off first is a mystery to me though.

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by ERinEC

UBER ///M3 - thanks for posting this vid.

I was finally was able to get it to release.

How the fvuck you remove the airbag without taking the trim off first is a mystery to me though.

Trial and error I guess, lots of scratched up areas until you feel for it. Trim off makes it easier and it has to come off anyway if you're replacing a wheel.

[UBER ///M3]

Originally Posted by ERinEC

UBER ///M3 - thanks for posting this vid.

I was finally was able to get it to release.

How the fvuck you remove the airbag without taking the trim off first is a mystery to me though.

Awesome bro and no problem..yesh trial and error I was feeling and feeling then got it down pat in case any friends want to swap out paddles, wheels, or whatever...glad to help bc this rod pissed me off so much before I knew what I was searching for to push haha

Originally Posted by thekurgan

Trial and error I guess, lots of scratched up areas until you feel for it. Trim off makes it easier and it has to come off anyway if you're replacing a wheel.

yeah exactly man, you're 100 pecrent right on that one and just the perfect size flathead and angle...I did it over and over until I mastered it once I got it out the first time...guess bc of my OCD haha