Hi all, I have a question. I'm replacing my lower spoke on the steering wheel to install the john cooper works carbon fiber one. I popped out the stock without removing the airbag cover. Now, I can not force the cooper works back in because the space is so thin. Any ideas or experience in doing that? Please help.

 

It will go in, although it is far easier to remove the airbag.
There are 2 spring loaded latches holding the airbag on. You access these from the 2 indentations on the backside of the steering (I use a T25 torx handle to release the latches. Remember to disconnect your battery first if you go this route.

 

It will go in? How's that?? Shall I force it in between the space under the airbag cover?? I'm afraid it would get broken.

 

It will go in but, you will end up blowing the horn by lifting the lip of the horn button. Get the top edge started by wiggling it into place and then the rest will fall right in !

 

When removing the airbag cover are there any safety precautions to take to prevent the bag from going off? I assume disconnecting the battery is a good idea but are there any fuses that can be pulled or disconnects made to ensure it's safe.

 

Disconnect the battery. The wheel airbag is self contained, so I can't see you doing anything detrimental to it or yourself. Once you physically remove the airbag, be careful removing the 2 wires on the back. There is a locking tab on each that you need to carefully pry up in order to release the wires. It's a very simple process. Just take your time and be careful.

 

I helped a fellow NAMer replace his std wheel with the JCW one this weekend and had no problems with the airbag. We simply removed the negative battery lead and then made sure that we were careful while handling the airbag module itself I actually broke one of the tabs on MY center spoke cover while trying to get it back on with the airbag attached. However, the broken tab hasn't caused me any problems

HTH

 

Airbag Removal Instructions

 

I had the same thing yesterday. I do not know why I ge the feeling that the broken upper left tab makes the trim not well fixed, I think it's a little bit popped out and it feels like not OEM. Also a question, what is the size of the screw that fixes the lower trim? 20?

 

Shooler, I went the first way and it went in. The problem is I broke one of the upper tabs. After this, I feel that the trim is a little popped out and not well fixed. I feel sorry for not looking like 100% OEM. I like how it looks.

Here's a picture


I'll send the right and left MFSW controls for painting very soon.

 

I just had the steering column replaced by the dealership and they had to poke two holes in cover that is directly behind the steering wheel. I can see that it in the instructions for airbag removal but it seems very un-MINI like to leave two holes like that...is that normal? Is the covering not normally replaced when they put everything back together? Quite annoying for me...