Hello everyone, I bought my first MINI Cooper S (2004 chili red) damaged to the front end and I'm in the middle or repairing but I need some help getting the drivers airbag out. I found a link to a DIY to replace the steering wheel with the JCW wheel but the pictures were very shoddy so I was wondering if anyone had any tips or pointers? I found the "dimples" on the back part of the wheel where I had to pierce and i've been prodding at it with a screw driver trying to find the "spring" part thats supposed to release the airbag but i'm not finding it anywhere. Again any help is much appreciated. Thanks

 

Nevermind. I got it. I think its time for me to do a more clear DIY.

 

I've attached a few pics. Hopefully they will help someone else. The first picture is the back of the airbag, it has hook type things that hold it in. The second picture somewhat shows the spring that you have to push against. The third picture I tried to show how you have to go in with the torx(best bet) to push on the spring. If you see the little hole to the left of the left side of the spring, thats how far past you have to push the spring to get the airbag off. If anyone has any questions send me a message and I can try to help you.

 

Here ya GO!
One on each side

 

Ha! beat me to it!!

 

haha! Thanks though! Ahh! another Wisconsinite?

 

I just looked at the pics of your S. Hit in the EXACT same spot as mine. What a coincidence. I didn't think id have so much suspsension damage :(

 

Yeah mine got a new, lower control arm, strut, axle, knuckle.
The lower control arm from ebay for $75 is brand new and great!

 

I actually found a used on on ebay with a bushing for 50ish i believe and it looks to be in good shape. I thought my damage was going to be as minimal as it sounds yours was but upon further inspection, I found a cracked oil pan and my transmission mount was busted so I just finished putting that in the other day. I'm not sure how that got broken, looks as if it was bottomed out or something and pushed the transmission up. I just hope its all okay once I get the chance to drive it. It's so hard to have it sitting in the driveway waiting for parts, i just want to drive it!