2021-2023 BMW X5, X6, X7 Knee Airbag Warning TSB

Owners of certain 2021-2023 BMW X5, X6, and X7 models may encounter a BMW X5 knee airbag fault indicated by a check control message for the restraint system and a permanently illuminated red airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. This issue is detailed in BMW Service Information Bulletin SIB 65 27 24.

Symptoms

If your vehicle is affected by this issue, you will likely observe the following:

• A check control message (CCM) indicating a problem with the restraint system (Air bag).
• The "red air bag warning light lights up permanently" in the instrument cluster.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When scanned, the Airbag Control Unit (ACSM) may store one or more of these fault codes:

• 930949: "Knee airbag, driver: Short circuit to negative terminal"
• 93094F: "Knee airbag, front passenger: Short circuit to negative terminal"
• 93094C: "Knee airbag driver's side: Resistance too great"
• 930952: "Knee airbag, front passenger: Resistance too great"

Cause

The root cause of this BMW X5 knee airbag fault is identified as the wiring harness for the knee airbag(s) rubbing against the metal support tubes of the instrument panel. This friction leads to chafing and damage to the wiring over time.

Important Warnings

BMW has issued specific instructions for technicians and owners regarding this repair:

• The dashboard cover does not need to be removed during this repair procedure.
• Both replacement harnesses are to be installed, even if only one side is showing a fault.
• For LCI (life cycle impulse, or “facelift”) models, which have a different ACSM air bag control module design, wire location, and connector number, DO NOT FOLLOW THIS BULLETIN FOR LCI VEHICLES.
• When applying felt tape for protection, the felt must be glued around the edge of the bracket.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair, outlined in SIB 65 27 24, involves accessing and repairing the knee airbag wiring harnesses. The general steps include:

1. Performing a vehicle test using ISTA (Integrated Service Technical Application).
2. Removing the center console to gain access to the Air Bag Control Module (ACSM) connector (A11*2B). Technicians will also check the ACSM module for signs of corrosion.
3. Removing the under-dash trim panels on both the driver's and passenger's sides (referencing Repair Instructions 51 45 184 and 51 45 195).
4. Unplugging the knee airbag connectors (B81B on the driver's side and B771B on the passenger's side) and cutting the existing wiring harness near the connector.
5. Referencing Wiring Diagram 'A11 Crash safety module SP0000064078' to confirm wire color and pin numbers before cutting the four wires at the ACSM connector.
6. Installing new repair wiring harnesses by pinning them into the ACSM connector (A11*2B).
7. Wrapping the new harnesses with abrasion-resistant fabric tape (part number 61 13 6 925 452) and routing them to the knee airbags. The replacement harnesses do not need to follow the original routing path.
8. Protecting the knee airbag wiring from chafing on any support bracket with felt tape (part number 54 34 7 248 700).

Required Tools or Parts

Specific parts and materials are required for this repair:

• 61 12 5 A56 386: Repair wiring for airbag system (Knee air bag) - Quantity 2
• 54 34 7 248 700: Felt strip, self-adhesive (130 x 40 x 3 mm) - Up to 4 pieces, cut to size
• 61 13 6 925 452: Fabric adhesive tape abrasion resistant (25 mm x 25 m) - Up to $5.00 for bulk supply.

Referenced repair instructions include 51 16 165 for center console removal, 51 45 184 for driver's side trim panel removal, and 51 45 195 for passenger's side trim panel removal.

Owner Action

If your 2021-2023 BMW X5, X6, or X7 is displaying a red airbag warning light or a check control message related to the restraint system, it is recommended to contact your authorized BMW dealer. Provide them with the symptoms you are experiencing and mention Service Information Bulletin SIB 65 27 24. The repair involves replacing the chafed wiring harnesses and adding protective measures to prevent recurrence of the BMW X5 knee airbag fault.

NHTSA ID: 11025835