General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

72
. 0.2 Rear Seat Belt Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . 720-8
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..720.2 Rear seat belt assembly (sedan) . . . . . . . . . 720-8
Rear seat belts (sedan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .720-9
Front Seat Assembly . . . . . . . . . . '720-4 Rear seat belt assembly (Sport Wagon) . . . 720-9
Front seat belt tensioner, Rear seat belts (Sport Wagon) . . . . . . . . . 720-10
removing and installing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..720.4
Front seat belt assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .720.6
Front seat belt reel. removing and
installing (sedan and Sport Wagon models) .720.6
I Seat Belts

This section covers repairs to the following seat belts sys-

tems. See the table below.

IMultIple Restraint Systems I

Years
311 996 - 811 997

Multiple Restraint System electronics integrate seat belt op-

erations and airbag deployment. Airbag repair information is
covered in 721 A i r b a g System (SRS).

Troubleshooting
T h e seat belt reel should lock when driving quicltly through
curves, during severe braking or in case of a collision. T h e au-
tomatic reel does not require any servicing and should never
b e opened.

- In case of an accident, follow the seat belt troubleshooting

procedures presented in the table below.

Troubleshooting procedures
Problem Probable cause Repairs
Damage to seat belt. Accident in which bumper impact absorbers Replace complete automatic seat belt.
were permanently deformed. Also checlt and replace, if necessary, seat
belt mounting on car body and seat belt
mounting on seat runner.
Belt creased, unraveled, pinched, cut or Seat belts aged or worn. Replace complete automatic seat belt.
melted. Belt buckle or belt loclt plastic casing
worn, damaged or missing.
Seat belt bucltle is not ejected with spring Seat belt loclt mechanism worn or Replace seat belt lock.
pressure when red button on seat belt loclt is damaged.
pressed.
Seat belt automatic reel does not lock when Automatic reel defective. Replace reel assembly.
pulled out suddenly.
Seat belt automatic reel jams when pulled Automatic reel loose. Tighten reel mounting bolt.
out. Return spring broken inside reel. Replace reel assembly.
Seat belt does not retract automatically Automatic reel loose. Tighten reel mounting bolt.
(see
>--- note below). Return spring brolten inside reel. Replace reel assembly.
I I
Automatic belt soueaks when fastened or I~xcessivefriction in belt guides. I Replace reel assembly.
Automatic reel loose. Tighten reel mounting bolt
Return
~-~~
~ sorino
, -
broken inside reel.
I
Replace reel assembly.
'
Seat belt pyrotechnic tensioner triggered. Accident triggered pyrotechnic deployment. Replace complete automatic seat belt.
Also check retaining bracket of belt
 Seat Belts

NOTE-
The rear bench seat belt strap may not retract fully due to in-
creased friction between strap and seat cover. A small re-
maining loop in belt strap when fully retracted is acceptable.

WARNING-
* For maximum protection from injury, seat bells should be
replaced as a set (including all hardware), if they are sub-
ject to occupant loading in a collision.
Seat belts should not be modified or repaired. The seat
belt mounting points should not be changed or modi-
fied.
Do not bleach or dye seat belt webbing. Webbing that
is severely faded or redyed will not meet the strength
requirements of a collision and must be replaced.
Clean belts with a luke-warm soap solution only:
Seat belts should be periodically inspected for webbing
defects such as cuts or pulled threads.
* Immediately after replacing a damaged or worn seat
belt, destroy the old belt to prevent it from being used
again.
 --

Seat Belts

Front seat belt tensioner, removing and

installing
The front seat belt loclts are equipped with pyrotechnic (ex-
plosive charge) automatic tensioners. These tensioners are
designed to automatically retract and tension the seat belt by
55 mm (approximately 2 inches) in the event of an accident.

WARNING-
Pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners are powerful devices and
should be handled with extreme care. Incorrect handling
can trigger the tensioner and cause injury
BMW recommends that all repair or replacement work
on pyrotechnic devices must be carried out by a quali-
fied BMW technician.
Be sure to disconnect the battery and wait 5 seconds
before attempting to work on pyrotechnic devices.
Pyrotechnic devices cannot be repaired. Always re-
place them.
Never treat pyrotechnic components with cleaning

- agents or grease.
Do not expose pyrotechnic components to tempera-
tures above 75% (167°F).
Pyrotechnic components can only be tested electrically
when installedusing the BMWService Tester (DISplus,
G T I , or MoDiC).
Do not fire a pyrotechnic gas generatorprior to dispos-
al. It must be fired by a special disposal company or
shipped back to BMW in the packaging of the new com-
ponent.
During body straightening and welding with an electric
arc welder, always disconnect the battery and the con- -
nection to the pyrotechnic gas generators.

- Disconnect battery negative (-) cable in trunk.

CAUTION-
Prior to disconnecting the battery, read the battery discon-
nection cautions given in 001 General Warnings and Cau-
tions.

- Remove front seat as described in 520 Seats.

 Seat ~ e l t s l

< Remove tensioner cover:

Cut wire ties (A).

- Release wiring harness from tensioner cover clip (B).

Release tensioner cover locks (C) and slide cover down to
remove.

- When reinstalling:
Replace wire ties to relieve tension on pyrotechnic belt ten-
sioner harness connector.

Tightening
. - torques
Front seat to floor (M10) 42 Nm (31 it-lb)

Seat belt to seat 48 Nm (35 It-lb)

Tensioner mounting bracitet to seat rail 24 Nm (18 it-lb)
Tensioner to mounting bracket 48 Nm (35 it-lb)
I Seat Belts

a Front seat belt assembly

1. Seat belt buckle
2. Seat belt stop button
3. Seat belt
4. Seat belt height adjuster
5. 6-pillar cross brace
6. Seat belt reel mounting bolt
7 . Seat belt anchor mounting bolt
8. Seat belt lock with pyrotechnic
tensioner
9. Tensioner mounting bolt

Front seat belt reel, removing and installing

(sedan and Sport Wagon models)
- Detach battery negative (-) cable in trunk.

~~-~

Prior to disconnecting the battery, read the battery discon-

nection cautions given in 001 General Warnings and Cau-
l tions. I
- Remove front seat as described in 520 Seats

4 Gently pry up front and rear plastic door sill protector strips
to remove.
 Seat Belts

Remove lower B-pillar (door pillar) plastic trim

Pry carefully along bottom of trim to disengage clips from
pillar.
Slide trim down (arrow) and out to remove.

4 Carefully pry bottom of upper door post trim away from post
to release clips.
Slide upper trim panel down (arrow) to remove.

-Remove automatic reel from B-pillar:

Remove upper seat belt anchor bolt (A).
Remove cross-brace mounting bolts (B).
Remove sound insulation at base of 8-pillar.
Then remove automatic seat belt reel mounting bolt (C).
Lift out reel.

If it is necessary to remove sliding seat belt height adjuster,

unscrew mounting bolts from B-pillar.
720-8
I Seat Belts
When Installing automatic reel housing to 5-pillar, slide tab
into locating slot (arrow).

Remainder of installation is reverse of removal

Tightening
- - torques
.

Front seat to floor (M10) 42 Nm (31 ft-lb)

Seat belt to seat 48 Nm (35 ft-lb)
Seat belt to height adjuster 31 Nm (23 it-lb)
Seat belt reel to €3-pillarbottom 31 Nm (23 ft-lb)
Sliding height adjuster to €3-pillar 24 Nm (18 ft-lb)

Rear seat belt assembly

(sedan)
1. Center shoulder belt reel
assembly (if equipped)
2. Right shoulder belt lock
3. Lap-belt assembly
4. Left shoulder belt lock
5. Bolt MlO
(tighten to 31 Nm, 23 ft-lb)
6. Left shoulder belt reel assembly
7. Center shoulder belt lock
(if equipped)
8. Bolt M12
(tighten to 48 Nm, 35 ft-lb)
 -- -

Seat Belts

Rear seat belts (sedan)

- Remove rear parcel shelf to access shoulder belt assembly
mounting bolts. See 513 Interior Trim.

- Remove rear seat cushion to access rear seat belt lock

mounting bolts. See 520 Seats.

- When installing seat belt lock straps:

Install right lock strap (which is shorter) underneath middle
lock strap.
Install left lock strap underneath middle lap belt strap.
Metal strap ends must rest against stop on floor under-
neath seat.

Rear seat belt assembly

(Sport Wagon)
1. BoltMlO
(tighten to 31 Nm, 23 ft-lb)
2. Right shoulder belt reel
assembly
3. Center belt lock
4. Right belt lock
5. Left belt lock
6. Center shoulder belt reel
assembly
7. Left shoulder belt reel assembly
8. Bolt M I 2
(tighten to 48 Nm, 35 ft-lb)
720-10
Seat Belts

Rear seat belts (Sport Wagon)

- Center shoulder belt:
Remove shoulder belt guide trim at top of seat backrest.
Feed belt out through slot in trim. Working in cargo com-
partment, partially remove backrest cover to access shoul-
der belt reel.
Remove shoulder belt reel mounting bolt inside backrest.

- Outboard shoulder belt:

Remove roof-pillar (C-pillar) trim.
Remove center shoulder belt.
- Lift up rear seat cushion(s) to access rear seat belt loclc
mounting bolt(s).

- When installing seat belt loclc straps:

Install right belt loclc strap (which is shorter) underneath
center belt lock strap.
Install left belt loclc strap underneath center lap belt strap.

- Metal strap ends must rest against stop on floor underneath

seat.
 721 Airbag System (SRS)

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .721-2
. Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .721-8
E39Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .721-3. Driver airbag. removing and installing . . . . . 721-8
Two-stage airbag (MRS 111) . . . . . . . . . . . ..72 1.4 Passenger airbag. removing and installing . 721-9
Airbag indicator light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..72 1.4 Door mounted side-impact airbag.
.
Warninas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .721.5 removina and installina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721-10
Head protection airbag components . . . . . 721-1 1
Airbag Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . '721-6 Head protection airbag (HpS) . . . . . . . . . . 721-12
MRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721-6
.
MRS airbag system diagram . . . . . . . . . . . .721.6
MRS control module. replacing . . . . . . . . ..72 1.7
Side-impact crash sensor.
removing and installing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..72 1.7
721-2
l ~ i r b System
a~ (SRS)

This repair group covers airbag components and replace-

ment. Airbag system repairand fault diagnosis is not covered.
Diagnostics, component testing, and airbag system repair
should be carried out by trained BMW service technicians.

Individual airbag system components can only be tested elec-

tronically when installed in the car. BMW service testers DIS
or MoDiC or equivalent must be used for diagnostic work.

WARNING-
Special test equipment is required to retrieve airbag fault
codes, diagnose system faults, and reseffturn off the air-
bag indicator light. The indicator light will remain on until
any problem has been corrected and the fault memory has
been cleared.

Airbags are part of the BMW Multiple Restraint System

(MRS). Three versions of MRS are available in E39 models.

Multiple Restraint Systems

311996-811 997 MRS

911997-311 999 MRS II
311999-2002 MRS Ill

MRS and MRS II include the following restraint components:

Driver and passenger front airbags (MRSIMRS II)

Passenger front two-stage airbag (cars manufactured
from 911998).
The seat occupancy sensor (SBE) is used for detection of
a passenger in the right front seat. MRS uses the SBE in-
put to determine seat belt tensioner and/or front airbag de-
ployment thresholds.
Side impact airbag for driver and front passenger
(MRSIMRS II)
Leftlright side impact crash sensors (MRSIMRS 11)
Side impact airbag for rear passenger (MRS II) (optional)
Head Protection System (HPS) for driver and front passen-
ger (MRS II)
Battery Safety Terminal - BST (MRS II)
Hall Sensor seat belt switches (MRS II)
Front pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners
Fuel pump cut off message
 721-3
Airbag System (SRS)

MRS Ill adds the following features:

MRS Ill employs "smart" technology. Smart technology re-

fers to the control module's programming for the deploy-
ment of the airbags, in stages depending on the severity of
the impact.
Two-stage a~rbagfor ooln drver and passenger Alloivs for
a softer c~snioningelfecl when the airbags are l r ggered at
lighter impact,
MRS Ill satellite sensors use 2 wire connectors
Rear side airbags arrive de-activated from the factory and
can only be activated upon written request from the cus-
tomer.
Rear seat head protection is available when ordered with
optional rear seat side airbags.

E39 Airbags
Driver airbag
Passenger airbag
Head Protection System (HPS)
Inflatable Tubular Structure
(ITS) (MRS II and MRS Ill)
Front side impact airbag
Rear door side impact airbag
(optional) (MRS I1and MRS Ill)
I Airbag System (SRS)
Two-stage airbag (MRS Ill)
Beginning with 2000 model year (911999 production) the front
airbags were changed to a two-stage style airbag. This en-
sures that the force of airbag inflation is not greater than nec-
essary to provide protection. The airbags are designed to
Drovide "soit" de~lovmentif the acceleration sensor detects a
iow-speed impact, and "hard deployment in higher speed im-
pacts.

NOTE-
A two-stage passenger airbag was used on cars built be-
tween 9/1998 and 3/1999. This pre-smart technology airbag
used two ignition stages. Stage one is designed to ignite first
during an impact. Stage two ignites after a timed period, as
programmed in the MRS I1control module.

Airbag indicator light

The MRS control module detects and stores system status

The airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster displays

the status of the airbag system when the ignition key is in "ac-
cessory" or ON positions.

System normal: lndicator light comes on briefly, then goes

- out.
System malfunction: lndicator light fails to come on.
System malfunction: lndicator light comes on briefly, goes
out and lights up again.

The airbag indicator light also comes on if the seat belt pyro-
technic tensioners have been triggered.
 Airbag System (SRS)~

Warnings
When servicing airbag equipped cars, the following precau-
tions must be observed to prevent personal injury.

.
WARNING-
If the airbag indicator light is on, there is a risk that the air-
bags will not be triggered in case of an accident Be sure
to have the system inspected and repaired immediately
Airbag(s) are inflated by an explosive device. Handled
improperly or witliout adequate safeguards, the system
can be very dangerous. Special precautions must be
observed prior to any work at or near the airbags.
0 The airbag is a vehicle safety system. Serious injury
may result if system service is attempted by persons
unfamiliar with the BMW MRS and its approved service
procedures. BMW advises that all inspection and ser-
vice be performed by an authorized BMW dealer.
Always disconnect the battery and cover the negative
(-) battery terminal with an insulator before starting di-
agnostic, troubleshooting or service work not associat-
ed with the airbags, and before doing any welding on
the car.
0 After disconnecting the battery, wait 5 seconds before
beginning work on airbag components.
* If an airbag has been activated due to an accident,
BMW specifies that airbag components be replaced.
For more information on post-collision airbag service,
see an authorized BMW dealer.
Do not fire an airbag unit prior to disposal. It must be
fired by a special disposal company or shipped back to
BMW in the packaging of the new components.
When removing a fired airbag unit, avoid contact with
the skin; weargloves. In case ofskin contact, wash with
water.
Do not allow airbag system components to come in
contact with cleaning solutions or grease. Never sub-
ject airbag components to temperatures above 167°F
(75°C). When reconnecting the battery, no person
should be inside the vehicle.
Always place an airbag unit that has been removed
from its packaging with the paddedside facing upward.
Do not leave an airbag unit unattended.
0 If the airbag unit or airbag control module has been
dropped from a height of '/? meter (I//: ft.) or more, the
airbag unit should not be installed.
 721-6
I Airbag System (SRS)

MRS
The MRS control module contains the electronic crash sensor
for frontal impact. Sensors mounted on the driver and pas-
sengerfloor are used for side impacts. The MRS control mod-
ule is located between the front seat under the center
console.

MRS airbag system

diagram
1. Driver's side airbag
2. Passenger's side airbag
3. Right side impact sensor
4. Seat occupancy sensor pad
5. Right side impact airbag
6. SBE control module (analog to
digital converter)
7. Passenger pyrotechnic seat belt
tensioner and seat belt mi-
croswitch (Hall sensor MRS Ill)
8. MRS control module
9. Driver pyrotechnic seat belt ten-
sioner and seat belt microswitch
(Hall sensor MRS Ill)
10. Left side impact airbag
11. Left side impact sensor
 Airbag System (SRS)~

MRS control module, replacing

- Disconnect negative (-) cable from battery and cover nega-
tive terminal with insulating material.

CAUTIOI\C
Prior to disconnecting the battery, read the battery discon-
nection cautionsgiven in001 General Warnings and Cau-
tions.

- Remove center console between front seats. See 513 lnteri-

o r Trim.

Remove module mounting nuts (arrows) and lift up control

module. Disconnect electrical harness connector.

Installation is reverse of removal.

Be sure that MRS control module ground cable is attached
to the module mounting stud.

Side-impact crash sensor, removing and

installing
- Make sure ignition key is OFF.

- Remove front seat. See 520 Seats.

Remove plastic door sill trim by lifting to release clips at one

end, then sliding off. Fold up carpet towards rear seat floor. If
necessary, remove floor level heater duct.
 721-8
(Airbag System (SRS)

4Remove electrical harness connector from crash sensor (A).

Remove sensor retaining screws (6) and remove sensor.
Note direction of sensor before removing.

- Installation is reverse of removal,

NOTE -
Arrow on sensor must point to door sill.

Driver airbag, removing and installing

- Disconnect negative (-) cable from battery and cover nega-
tive terminal with insulating material.

WARNING-
After disconnectingthe batter)! wait 5 seconds before begin-
ning work on airbag components.

CAUTION-
Prior to disconnecting the batter)! read the battery discon-
nection cautionsgivenin001 General Warnings and Cau-
tions.

4Multifunction (MFL) steering wheel:

. Working behind steering wheel, completely loosen Torx
screws (T30) while holding airbag in place.
Support airbag unit to prevent it from falling out.
 721-9
Airbaq System ~ S R S ) ~

4 Sport steering wheel:

Insert screwdriver through opening in rear of steering
wheel and push against spring tension to release airbag
unit lock.
Repeat procedure on other side of steering wheel.
Lift off airbag unit and detach electrical harness connec-
tors.

WARNING-
Store the removedairbag unit with the horn pad facing up.
If stored facing down, accidental deployment could propel
it violently into the air, causing injury.
Once an airbag is removed, the car must not be driven.
Do not connect the battery with the airbag disconnect-
ed. A fault code will be stored, setting off the airbag in-
dicator light Special tools are needed to reset the fault
memory
Once the airbag unit is installed and all other service
procedures have been completed, start the engine and
check that the airbag indicator light goes out. If the in-
dicator light stays on, the airbag system will not func-
tion as designed. Have the system diagnosed and
repaired by an authorized BMW dealer.

- Installation is reverse of removal.

M F L steering wheel: Torque airbag using specification list-

- ed below.
Sport steering wheel: Press airbag unit mounting pins into
spring loclts in steering wheel until they snap in firmly.

CAUTION--
Do notpinch airbag harness in center of steering wheel when
installino airbaa.

Tightening torque
Airbao to steerino wheel IMFL) 8 Nm (71 in-lb)

Passenger airbag, removing and installing

- Disconnect negative (-) cable from battery and cover nega-
tive terminal with insulating material.
--

WARNING -
After disconnecting the batteg wait 5 seconds before begin-
nina work on airbaa components.

Prior to disconnecting the battery, read the battery discon-

nection cautionsgiven in001 General Warnings and Cau-
 721-10
/Airbag System (SRS)

4 Pry up cover from top of passenger side airbag on dash-

board.

4 Remove airbag mounting bolts (arrows)

- Lift airbag and disconnect electrical harness connector. Re-
move airbag.

WARNING-
Store the removed airbag unit with the soft pad facing up. If
stored facing down, accidental deployment couldpropel it vi-
olentlv into the ail: causino inium

- Installation is reverse of removal. Make sure wiring harness

is not pinched when installing airbag unit in dashboard.

Tightening- torques
Passenger alr bag to 10 NM (88 in-lb)
dashboard (Me)

Door mounted side-impact airbag,

removing and installing
- Disconnect negatlve (-) cable from battery and cover nega-
tive terminal with insulating material.

CAUTION-
Prior to disconnecting the battea read the battery discon-
nection cautions given in 001 General Warnings and Cau-
tions.

- Remove inside door panel as described in 41 1 Doors

 721-11
Airbag System (SRS)~

Front door airbag:

Remove airbag mounting bolts (arrows).
Disconnect electrical harness connector.

CAUTIOI\C
When removing andinstalling the airbag unit, pay attentionto
the routing of the electrical harness to avoid kinks or breaks
in the wire.

Installation is reverse of removal,

Rear door airbag:

Detach electrical harness connector.
Remove mounting bolts and remove airbag from door.
- Installation is reverse of removal.
Route electrical harnesses as they were before.
Use new wire ties as necessary.
Use new self-locking mounting bolts.

Tightening torque
Side-impact airbag to door 8.5 Nm (75 in-lb)

Head protection airbag

components
1. B-pillar deflection plate
2. Head protection airbag
3. Cable holder
4. Gas generator
721-12
Airbag System (SRS)

Head protection airbag (HPS)

4 Replacement of a head protection airbag (HPS) is an exten-
sive operation, including removal of the following:
Complete dashboard
Complete headliner
Windshield pillar (A-pillar) trim
Door pillar (B-pillar) trim
- Before starting work on the HPS airbag, disconnect negative
(-) cable from battery and cover negative terminal with insu-
lating material.

Prior to disconnecting the battery, read the battery discon-

nection cautionsgiven in001 General Warnings and Cau-
tions.

Tightening torque
HPS airbag to body 11 Nm (8 ft-lb)
HPS airbag mounting bracket 2.5 Nm (22 in-lb)
to A or B-pillar
HPS gas generator to 4 N m (35 in-lb)
dashboard reinforcement (M6
self-tapping screw)