E46 - Horn/Airbag boss removal

[ParanoidAndroid]

Had a funny one last night, although probably not so funny for my neighbours

About 500 yards from home I started to hear a bit of a rattle coming from the steering wheel boss, strange. Then just as I turned into my estate the horn blasted, and then again as I turned into my drive! Given it was about 00:40, not the best thing to be happening in a quiet residential road

Anyway, I can only assume the horn mechanism has fallen off somehow and turning the wheel is activiting it. How simple is it to remove the steering wheel/airbag boss and take a look? Assume I'll need to disconnect the battery to avoid triggering the airbag? Can't drive the car as it is so need to fix.

The car is an E46 Sport Touring if that makes a difference.

Cheers
Graham

[E30M3SE]

Disconnect -ve terminal of the battery, on the back of the wheel there are to rubber stopper, remove them. Insert 2 long thin screwdrivers into the holes and locate the spring, simultaneously push in on the spring the air bag should pop out.

[ParanoidAndroid]

Thanks, any idea where the horn mechanism is? Assume it's on the back of the airbag boss rather than in it?

[E30M3SE]

It won't be in the airbag, that is a sealed unit.

[roofer]

[ParanoidAndroid]

Thanks for the help guys. Took the airbag boss out using info above, seemed a screw which looked to be holding th plastic trim at the side of the steering wheel had come out. Obviously rattling around inside the wheel and I guess shorting out setting the horn off. Replaced screw and tighted the other side as well (was loose), replaced airbag and all seems well now.

Cheers
Graham