Airbag Deactivation - Z4M Coupe

[GillyD]

Don't know if this is useful info for anyone, but I've just been told that BMW no longer make the deactivation parts for the Z4MC. I'm looking for a good Z4MC which is becoming quite frustrating and made more so by the realisation that I'm limited to cars which are already fitted with the switch. I have all the instructions (in German) and part no's. Phoned Wayside BMW in MK and their Parts Dept said all are now discontinued.

[mmm-five]

I suppose you could disable the occupancy sensor in the seat, so that it believes there's no-one sitting in it.

Maybe DIY a little switch to enable/disable as required.

[playalistic]

If this is to fit a child seat I would be cautious of using one of the bypass modules. At best they're flakey and this is an area I wouldn't be comfortable messing with should my sprog be onboard... Fact is you wouldn't know if the bag would fire/not fire until an accident occurs.

BMW refused to fit the retrofit kit stating liability so this has to give you some concern I would imagine...

[GillyD]

I shall be looking for a car with the switch fitted. I certainly wouldn't want to mess around with airbag deployment. I had a deactivator retrofitted on a Z4MC a couple of years ago, but as I said, they've stopped making the parts according to BMW MK

[scz4]

I assume this is only needed for rear facing seats i.e. up to 9 months old?

[playalistic]

scz4 said:

I assume this is only needed for rear facing seats i.e. up to 9 months old?

Depends. With forward facing seats and non-disabled airbags you should move the seat as far away from the dash as possible. But, as most cars have door or curtain airbags now also they're not recommended.