How to remove airbag for steering wheel install

[kmarei]

i just changed my steering wheel to the newer PSW non-electric one
i followed the PSW DIY, which was great, but this part was not shown well in the pictures, and it was the hardest part
so i took some pics

what you are trying to do is to press these 2 metal bars in, to release the airbag.
one on each side

right side


left side


front showing where you need to insert the screw driver (shown with 2 screwdrivers just to highlight, you can do one at a time)


and this is what the hole looks like from the back


to me it's always easier to do something if i can visualize it, so i hope this helps you guys

[THE TECH]

Thanks for that!

[DOOBEE]

This should be added to the PSW DIY. Just installed my V1 on Saturday and I agree this was a bit of a challenge. I didn't know what I was searching for with the screwdriver inside. Took a minute but I eventually found something springy to push on and the airbag released easily.

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by DOOBEE

This should be added to the PSW DIY.

done!

[tlp]

Good photos. This goes without saying but always disconnect the battery and let things de energize before mucking with the airbags. Also make sure that screwdriver tip orientation is horizontal and not vertical.

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by tlp

Good photos. This goes without saying but always disconnect the battery and let things de energize before mucking with the airbags.

that too
and if your car blows up while doing this, you can't come and sue me cuz i put some pics on the internet

[mmm def]

i changed my 335 wheel out to an M3 wheel, worst part was poking holes in the back of the old wheel to get to the clips. boo.

[kmarei]

dont need to poke holes
they are already there in the steering wheel
its a small rubber flap that closes when you pull out the screw driver

[rye m3]

Originally Posted by kmarei

dont need to poke holes
they are already there in the steering wheel
its a small rubber flap that closes when you pull out the screw driver

That's the tricky part. There are no holes. I'm really glad I read the last page of the sticky. I didn't see the holes and figured there was some change in the '011 wheels. They have neat little flaps - you basically push the screwdriver through the vinyl in those spots, where you can tell it is soft. After that, piece of cake.

[dnvrdrvr]

Originally Posted by rye m3

That's the tricky part. There are no holes. I'm really glad I read the last page of the sticky. I didn't see the holes and figured there was some change in the '011 wheels. They have neat little flaps - you basically push the screwdriver through the vinyl in those spots, where you can tell it is soft. After that, piece of cake.

Agree with rye - there weren't any holes in my OEM wheel OR in the Performance Wheel (non-electronic, blue stripe) I replaced it with. Had to feel around on the back for indentations and push the flathead through the "skin" of the wheel.

That said, without kmarei's photos, I wouldn't have been able to figure it out. Thanks!!