I had an unfortunate crash last week ('03 MCS); 30-40 mph into the side of an SUV that ran a stop sign. The hit was only slightly offset from square on the front of the Mini, maybe 5 degrees to the right. The force was enough to knock the SUV over onto its side and to hit my head on the sun visor in spite of seat belt and shoulder harness, yet my airbags did not deploy.

Any knowledgeable explanation of why not would be appreciated. Without actually firing them, is there any way to test the system? If so, is it a dealer-only kind of test?

The SUV was destroyed, fortunately nobody was hurt. The Mini is repairable; essentially all plastic and sheet metal damage and a minor (1/4") bend at the front of the frame tube. Tough little beast!

 

Might want to check with the 1g section, but I think at your miledge (125k) you'll probably get denied any warantee or safety claims unless there is a recall. You'll probably also want to get the car totaled only after you ahve an investigator valuate your airbag issue. I'd also say, at this point, you may want to take a scalple to your steering wheel and see if an airbag was ever previously deployed.

 

You might try posting in the R53 section, the airbag system is different in the BMW R56.