Is it possible for a mechanic to replace airbags, change modules and reprogram the vehicle?

MKRAVEN

MEMBER
2011 BMW 328XI
3.0L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

I had a minor accident, but the airbags have blown, and the side mirrors have shattered, no other damage to the vehicle. The insurance company will probably won't repair it because they are going to estimate that the repair will cost more than the value of the car. Is it possible for a mechanic to replace airbags, change modules and reprogram the vehicle? If yes how much would it approximately cost?

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,256 POSTS

Yes, it is possible, you may be able to get the airbags used from eBay. Did all of the airbags go off, seat, head etc, or just the front airbags? Here is how to change out the module and how to replace the seat airbags. Labor will depend on the airbags that need to replaced. Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.

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Tuesday, April 25th, 2023 AT 9:05 AM

MKRAVEN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hello, thank you for the help, I'll upload a photo of the car. Basically, yes, the two passenger and the driver front airbags have gone off and I really love the car so I can't total it. I have to try to do as much as I can myself. I do not think I can change and reprogram the module, Which has to be done by the mechanic, but I can try to take out the blown off airbags. Is that something I can do easily in my garage?

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Tuesday, April 25th, 2023 AT 8:47 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,256 POSTS

Yep, you can change the module out yourself, if you get stuck upload images of the problem, and I will help walk you through the repair. Here are more instructions on how to remove the airbags and replace them with new/used units.

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