Airbag dashboard lid

[Ianmc]

This lid has been loose since purchasing the car (Z3 1997 M44 1.9) around 6 months ago. It seems that there are "lugs" on the front (nearest to occupant) that are not holding the lid in place - think they may be broken. I assume that these are "sacrificial" in that they give way if the airbag deploys, the lid then moving toward the windscreen, retained by the strap (if that makes sense?). This would allow the airbag to do its job.

New lids seem to be available at circa £125 (part number 51458401077). Just wondering if there is a recognised fix for this issue as am a little concerned that any modification to the lid could affect the deployment should the worst happen. Will buy a new lid if needs be, but thought would check with you folks first, before taking the plunge.

Cheers, Ian

 

[jonco]

Cannot answer your actual query Ian, but have you confirmed there is a passenger airbag actually fitted? I have same model (12/97) build and understood there was only a driver's bag fitted as standard then, although passenger side could have been an option.
I have had glove box out for other work and never noticed one. Also under the seat on mine the occupancy cable is not connected.

 

[Ianmc]

Hi Jonco,

Yep, defo have a passenger air bag fitted (you can see it when the lid is lifted) - think the original owner of my car ticked all the option boxes including heated seats, aircon, pax airbag, headlamp washer system, fog lights, on-board computer, cruise control. Lucky me, until they stop working!!
The pax airbag lid is above the glove box with "airbag" embossed on it.

 

[mrscalex]

I have a decent secondhand lid if of interest to you. Please PM me for further details.

 

[jonco]

Hi Jonco,

Yep, defo have a passenger air bag fitted (you can see it when the lid is lifted) - think the original owner of my car ticked all the option boxes including heated seats, aircon, pax airbag, headlamp washer system, fog lights, on-board computer, cruise control. Lucky me, until they stop working!!
The pax airbag lid is above the glove box with "airbag" embossed on it.

That sounds like top spec - I feel poor now