[Mattattack]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

I am trying to install new paddle shifters on the I8 and am having difficulty removing the airbag and steering wheel.

I tried to follow other BMW instructions via youtube, and have yet to be successful.


Anyone have an idea on how to remove the airbag and steering wheel?


Much thanks in advance.


Matt

[Amgeater2]

Originally Posted by Incogleo

I am trying to install new paddle shifters on the I8 and am having difficulty removing the airbag and steering wheel.

I tried to follow other BMW instructions via youtube, and have yet to be successful.


Anyone have an idea on how to remove the airbag and steering wheel?


Much thanks in advance.


Matt

I know I am not answering your questions but what paddle shifter are you going with ? I have toy around with the idea but never really look into it..

[Mattattack]

Originally Posted by Amgeater2

I know I am not answering your questions but what paddle shifter are you going with ? I have toy around with the idea but never really look into it..

https://www.autotecknic.com/product-p/atk-bm-0164.htm


I bought these. They should fit fine. Just can't get the steering wheel off to install them. I'll put pics up on my IG once I can get them installed

[stressdoc]

There is an excellent DIY in the E90 section, assuming the basics are the same.

[skinrock]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

There is an excellent DIY in the E90 section, assuming the basics are the same.

Was going to say...

On my E90, it was basically two small holes on the rear side that you stuck a punch in to release the airbag clips. The holes were self-healing.

And you shouldn't have to remove the wheel.

[Mattattack]

Originally Posted by skinrock

Was going to say...

On my E90, it was basically two small holes on the rear side that you stuck a punch in to release the airbag clips. The holes were self-healing.

And you shouldn't have to remove the wheel.

I tried that, but for some reason the air bag wouldn't release. Not sure how hard I should be pulling on it, but I was pulling pretty hard...

[Mattattack]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

There is an excellent DIY in the E90 section, assuming the basics are the same.

thanks. I'm gonna check it out. tried the DIY from Youtube university, but have been unsuccessful so far.


Really doesn't seem like a thing I should be taking to the shop for.

Imma figure this thing out

[Aye-eight]

Originally Posted by Mattattack

thanks. I'm gonna check it out. tried the DIY from Youtube university, but have been unsuccessful so far.


Really doesn't seem like a thing I should be taking to the shop for.

Imma figure this thing out

Have you considered just asking a service guy in confidence?

[skinrock]

Originally Posted by Mattattack

I tried that, but for some reason the air bag wouldn't release. Not sure how hard I should be pulling on it, but I was pulling pretty hard...

From what I remember, you shouldn't have to pull that hard. Once you release the clamps, it should noticeably pop out...there should be a big enough gap to get your fingers behind the airbag itself and pull it out.

If it hasn't popped out even a little, I don't think you wanna be pulling on it

[Mattattack]

Originally Posted by Aye-eight

Have you considered just asking a service guy in confidence?

i did. and they all told me to push in the 2 holes and it will pop out.

[Mattattack]

Originally Posted by skinrock

From what I remember, you shouldn't have to pull that hard. Once you release the clamps, it should noticeably pop out...there should be a big enough gap to get your fingers behind the airbag itself and pull it out.

If it hasn't popped out even a little, I don't think you wanna be pulling on it

yeah...imma mess with it again tonight. hopefully the airbag doesn't pop in my face

[Amgeater2]

Originally Posted by Mattattack

yeah...imma mess with it again tonight. hopefully the airbag doesn't pop in my face

disconect the battery brother at no point you should be doing any of that with the airbag active

[Amgeater2]

Originally Posted by Mattattack

https://www.autotecknic.com/product-p/atk-bm-0164.htm


I bought these. They should fit fine. Just can't get the steering wheel off to install them. I'll put pics up on my IG once I can get them installed

ohhh I like those, please please upload pics when you are done !! may do them also !!

[Aye-eight]

Originally Posted by Amgeater2

disconect the battery brother at no point you should be doing any of that with the airbag active

Very good advice!

[F5506m]

Curious how do you dis-connect the battery on an electric car?

[MalibuBimmer]

There will be one of two endings. Either a happy ending with the new paddles installed (which we all hope is the case) or a mess and possibly an exploding airbag, either when performing the work (assuming the battery disconnect doesn't work) or after the work when the battery is reconnected.

Under those circumstances, if I have not had any factory training, I'd take the vehicle in and let the trained professionals do it. We're talking about a $140K+ car here and one of its safety features.

But that's just me.

[zagaboo]

I vote for the happy ending.

[Mattattack]

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

There will be one of two endings. Either a happy ending with the new paddles installed (which we all hope is the case) or a mess and possibly an exploding airbag, either when performing the work (assuming the battery disconnect doesn't work) or after the work when the battery is reconnected.

Under those circumstances, if I have not had any factory training, I'd take the vehicle in and let the trained professionals do it. We're talking about a $140K+ car here and one of its safety features.

But that's just me.

Lol. I haven't had a chance to re-attempt it yet... but i will give it one final hurrah before taking it to a shop.


Wish me luck!

[Aye-eight]

Originally Posted by F5506m

Curious how do you dis-connect the battery on an electric car?

The power pack for the e-motor is disconnected when the ignition is off. The normal starter battery, which also supplies all the car's systems at standstill, like a normal car, can be disconnected. As witnessed by the fact that after having certain services performed in the shop, your trip counter etc. are reset.

At the very least, you can pull the fuse that protects the airbag circuit.

[stressdoc]

I did it 3 times on 3-series, once you get the trick of finding the invisible holes and the right tool (slender phillips worked for me), it is not hard nor risky. Happy ending!

[ElSpa]

will the M3/M4 steering wheel fit on the i8 ?

[Louv]

Originally Posted by Mattattack

yeah...imma mess with it again tonight. hopefully the airbag doesn't pop in my face

But set up a video camera, and keep it rolling... just in case.