This question is for R56 hardtop with a manual. Trying to replace a deployed airbag. Have read a few tutorials on this and I'm having trouble releasing the spring that holds the airbag in the steering wheel through the small hole at the bottom of the wheel (using T20 torx or flat screwdriver). I have a feeling the spring may have been slightly bent because the screwdriver just goes all the way through. My plan is to either drill out the four bolts that hold metal nitrogen tank (empty) in the middle and see if I can access the spring that way or cut the plastic frame of the airbag itself being careful not to damage the wiring. Any ideas on what would be the best way to approach this?

Thanks!

 

So when I went to replace my steering wheel, I could not get the airbag off at first. You need to make sure that whatever tool you use is long enough to reach all the way in. You also need to press really hard to get it to release, which surprised me. Are you not feeling resistance on anything? Or do you feel your tool being pressed to the spring release bar?

 

Thanks for reply Nathan! It seems one of the four hooks that was holding the airbag frame got stuck. I was able to get it out after a couple of hours.