Airbag problem??
 

Hi, I have a 2005 X5 Sport and noticed the other day that there was a horizontal mark on the horn section of the stearing wheel. Just to the right of the BMW emblem.

I can actually feel a horizontal slit across the whole section - I know this is the airbag section and guess that this is the weak slit put into the plastic. But, should it be boken? The slit on the left side of the BMW emblem doesn't seem broken but can be felt.

I would really appreciate some feedback on this - is this normal? Should I get it checked out?

Many thanks.

Pressing around the roundel on mine you can tell there are perforations for the air bag release but it should not be an open seam...I never noticed the various perforations until just now. IMO take it to the dealer.

Thanks for your reply. Yes, it is an open seam on one side but not the other. I'll take it to the dealers tomorrow and see what they say - I probably know the answer already -.......it wont effect the operation of the air bag...... In which case, my reply will be - ..........hop in and we'll test that shall we? CHANGE IT NOW !!!!

Regards

Can you take a photo of it?

Here are some photos. There is certianly a seal break on the right side of the cover/airbag.

Anyone have any idea how to remove this cover?

Regards.

http://members.lycos.co.uk/bmwx5/wheel1.JPG


Anyone have any idea how to remove this cover?

http://members.lycos.co.uk/bmwx5/wheel2.JPG

Personally, I wouldn't want to mess around with the cover. Either live it it or replace it if you can't stand the sight of the small slit. Last thing you want is an airbag that can't deploy properly if you start messing around trying to fix a cosmetic flaw.

If you only notice it when pressing, I would think that is normal...the "skin" covering would have to be thin by design...I don't see these seams unless I press around, but previous post offers sound advice IMO, there's an explosive inflation charge in there, right?

Thanks for your good advice. I will give the dealers a ring tomorrow to see if this is normal - the mark is there when not pressing, but it's not as obvious. My main concern is not from the aesthetic point of view, but rather - if there is a piece of broken off plastic or something, I don't want it flying into my face should the airbag deploy one day.

Regards.

Check Your Airbag - Before It's Too Late!!!!
 

My dealer are replacing the airbag free of charge!! They said that they have seen many of these over the last few months.