If you don't want to repair them you can buy new trim pieces, they're not too expensive..

LEFT WINDSHIELD PANEL COVER - HELLGRAU 51438243689 $40.18
RIGHT WINDSHIELD PANEL COVER - HELLGRAU 51438243690 $42.97

LEFT WINDSHIELD PANEL COVER - HELLBEIGE 51438250217 $40.18
RIGHT WINDSHIELD PANEL COVER - HELLBEIGE 51438250218 $40.18

LEFT WINDSHIELD PANEL COVER - PASTELLGR 51438259237 $40.18
RIGHT WINDSHIELD PANEL COVER - PASTELLGR 51438259238 $40.18

LEFT WINDSHIELD PANEL COVER - SCHWARZ 51438259239 $40.18
RIGHT WINDSHIELD PANEL COVER - SCHWARZ 51438259240 $40.18

No, they run down the length of the pillar - look like a rolled up plastic bag. The drain lines for the sunroof are also located in this area.

Not bad price at all.... I would just replace them if they start to bubble

I guess that kills that ideal again:(

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to go for the work myself. It sounds like the airbag is very isolated from the trim piece. That's the info I needed. I was curious if the trim had a complex mounting system that helped the airbag to deploy. Doesn't sound like it. Just remove and replace.

Interesting that the right side trim piece is a couple of dollars more :dunno:

I'll pick 'em up this week, .. along with a couple of rear trunk hatch shocks for my Z3 Coupe.

Since you have to fix anyway, have you considered putting in a sued roof liner and pillars, maybe a few other peices as well just to add a little flare?

My e46 M3 and a few friends had the same problem.

Yeah, I realize it could just happen again.

I am into upgrading some trim pieces with leather, but I have my energies / sights set on redoing the door panel inserts in a cinnamon nappa leather (the interior is beige). Oh.. that, and covering the back half of the door handles with black pebbled leather (eliminate paint peeling problem for good).