Restraint Systems - Air bag Activation/Deactivation: Overview

SI M 72 02 03
Safety Restraint Systems

December 2003
Service Engineering

SUBJECT
Deactivation/Reactivation of Airbags

MODEL
R50, R53

SITUATION

Temporary deactivation of FRONT airbags

NHTSA may authorize the temporary deactivation of FRONT airbags based on the justifications listed in Attachment 1 of this SI. Owner responsibilities are also listed in that attachment. If a vehicle owner/operator presents an NHTSA letter authorizing deactivation of a FRONT airbag, a MINI dealer may perform this service. If a temporary deactivation of any airbag is performed, customers should be advised to reconsider their decision on a regular basis and evaluate if circumstances have changed, allowing airbag reactivation.

Deactivation of SIDE airbags and Head Protection System (HPS) is not permitted.

NOTE:
In the MINI, there is no ON/OFF switch available for airbags.

IN GENERAL, MINI BELIEVES THAT THE LIFE SAVING AND INJURY PREVENTING BENEFITS OF AIRBAGS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH USAGE OF SAFETY BELTS, OUTWEIGH THE POSSIBLE RISKS OF INJURY CAUSED BY AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AS
LONG AS GUIDELINES IN KEEPING A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE AIRBAGS ARE FOLLOWED. THIS MEANS USAGE OF SAFETY BELTS WHENEVER SEATED IN THE VEHICLE, PROPER, UPRIGHT SEATING POSITION AT ALL TIMES WHILE ENSURING A DISTANCE OF AT LEAST 10 INCHES BETWEEN THE CHEST AND FRONT AIRBAG AND PROHIBITING THE USE OF REAR FACING CHILD SEATS ON THE FRONT SEAT OF ANY VEHICLE. CHILDREN SHOULD ALWAYS RIDE IN THE REAR SEAT AND SHOULD ALWAYS BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED WHENEVER IN THE VEHICLE.

ACTION
Using DIS CD version 32.0 or later, MINI dealers can perform the deactivation of airbags on R50, R53 vehicles.

The deactivation process requires:

^ Coding of the airbag control module using a special code supplied by MINI, A DIVISION OF BMW NA, valid only for a specific VIN, for a specific authorized MINI dealer, on a specific date.

^ For front airbags, replacement of safety belts.

^ Fulfilling customer information and vehicle labeling requirements. Reactivation is possible and requires reversing the above steps as applicable.

PARTS INFORMATION








Note:
To order the MD numbers please use the "Order Form" on the TIS web site

WARRANTY INFORMATION

No charges associated with the airbag deactivation or reactivation process are covered under the terms of the MINI New Car Warranty

ATTACHMENTS

view PDF attachment M7202O3NHTSARules.
view PDF attachment M72O2O3Brochure.
view PDF attachment M72O2O3Authorization.
view PDF attachment M720203Request.