Turning off Airbag on E46

[Jack Jones]

Can't believe what I've just been told by my local BMW dealer. Having recently bought the girlfriend a 318CI cabriolet after deciding one practical car with a baby is enough, I read in the handbook that the passenger side airbag must be disabled before putting a baby in the front, fair enough. It states you are to consult your dealer for more information.

I rang them to be told they can disable it but I must sign a disclaimer (which is fine), however the proceduer would cost between £300 and £400.

Now I'm not a tight a*se but that seems a bit OTT to me, anybody else had a similar conversation or even better, anyone know where else I can get it done in the North West / North Wales.

PS. My local indi garage told the GF it can't be done.

Thanks

[john_p]

Is it a front-facing or rear-facing child seat? I thought front-facing ones were OK even with a passenger airbag?

[Jack Jones]

It's a rear facing one

[Ranger 6]

On the E46 they need to switch off the explosive seat belt tensioners as well as the airbag, hence the disclaimer. It's not switchable from the glovebox as on other models. That's also a good reason why you should never put any baby seat in the front of a modern car whether it's forward or rear facing if you can't switch of the passenger safety system.

Personally, I'd just put the baby in the back - both ours went in the back in our E46s. It's not difficult and certainly an easy solution as the bairn will be in the back after a few months anyway.

[Jack Jones]

I totally agree, it's not that differcult, I guess it's just the constant moaning from the misses. Thanks anyway