How do I replace the SRS module behind the glove compartment?

Tiny
CHRISTOPHER SA
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  • 1993 BMW 320I
  • 2.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 130,000 MILES
Use the 323/325i as you don't have the 320i in the USA and its the same chassis.

I have the SRS light on in the dashboard and its been this way for 9 years! When I start driving the SRS light blinks and then after a number of minutes it just stays on.

I got a used SRS module with the same part number as the old one in my car. It is located behind the glove box.

I have been having one helluva time trying to remove this SRS module (I have removed the glove box after some hassle). I have removed the bolts on each side closest to the glove box but the ones on either side at the furthest point from the glove box are a bit** to get to. I have tried to remove the plastic frame that holds various plugs on the left of the frame and undid and removed the hex bolt right at the back of the plastic frame. But I am still having trouble removing this as it needs to be removed to get to the hex bolts at the back on either side.

Any ideas? Do you have any explanations in your system as to what needs to be done to get to these two hex bolts? I have searched for a few hours on the 'net but nothing came up, hence my post here.

Note: I have come across some videos that show how to get the SRS light to be turned off but that involves connecting two wires in one of the fuse areas but I am not too happy about doing that. I just prefer to put another one in, take the old one out and have someone open it up and take a look at it, if just for learning how these things work and to see if any components need to be changed out (I have access to an electronics genius).
Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 AT 12:37 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
CHRISTOPHER SA
  • MEMBER
  • 236 POSTS
Got it to accept another image.
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Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 AT 1:29 PM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER SA
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The last image.
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Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 AT 1:30 PM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER SA
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One more to show the problem - the tab area indicated by the arrow at the top left.
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Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 AT 1:33 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
This module is held in by a carriage, (plastic) which you should be able to push down on the locks to help replace the carriage and slide it out from under the dash. Also, the problem is most likely a clock spring failure which is the problem 9 times out of 10. Here is the SRS wiring diagram so you can see what I am talking about and how the system works. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
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Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 AT 1:58 PM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER SA
  • MEMBER
  • 236 POSTS
Hi Ken,
Thank you or the quick response.

I have tried pushing down the plastic carriage/frame but there is very little maneuvering room in this area and I was not able to get it out of here. The zip tie on the left that holds the bundle of wires in place goes through a little hole in the bottom right corner of the 'box' which the bottom arrow is pointing to with the caption 'Plugs and modules attached to the plastic frame'. This box is attached to the plastic frame. I can't get it off, even though it looks like clips/locks hold it in place.

Looking at the last picture above, it does look like this box thingy should unclip/unlock from the frame. It is too dark to do anything today so I will try tomorrow during the daytime so that I can see what I am doing.
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Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 AT 2:08 PM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER SA
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Well, I was able to get to the back bolts, although it was not done by taking that plastic frame off. I couldn't find a way to unclip those boxes on the left. I was able to maneuver the frame so that I got access to the back bolts.

I replaced the SRS module but when I attached the plugs and attached the battery lead that I had taken off and started the car up the same problem happened - the SRS light on the dashboard flashed for about 5 minutes then went to a steady solid red.

Needless to say, I wrote to the seller to return the item.

Is it possible to use the car without the module plugged in? I have been thinking of taking apart the original module and seeing if it can be fixed by the electronics genius friend I have.
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Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, most of the time the problem will be the clock spring behind the steering wheel.
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Thursday, November 21st, 2024 AT 10:50 AM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER SA
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Do you have a picture of this spring? I just want to make sure it's the right item.
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Thursday, November 21st, 2024 AT 2:02 PM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER SA
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Thanks for that Ken. I will let you know how it goes.
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Friday, November 22nd, 2024 AT 12:32 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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You are welcome, have a good weekend.
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Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 AT 9:09 AM

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