1997-2000 BMW 5 Series Front Airbag
Specifications
Position
Front
Donor year
1998
Body style
Sedan
Fuel
Gas
Engine size
2.8 L
Engine code
M52
Engine type
2.8L I6
Drivetrain
RWD
About this part
Also known as
Front Door Airbag
Side Airbag
Door Panel Airbag
Side Impact Airbag
SRS Side Airbag
What this part does
The front door airbag is a critical component of the vehicle's Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and is mounted securely inside the front door structure beneath the interior panel. It is designed to deploy outward during a severe lateral collision, providing a protective cushion between the occupant's torso and the intruding door. The deployment is commanded by the main SRS control module based on data from side-impact crash sensors. If this unit has been deployed, suffers internal electrical failure, or has physical connector damage, it will trigger a persistent airbag warning light on the instrument cluster and disable side-impact protection for that seat.
Fits these vehicles
| Make | Model | Years | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW | 5 Series (528i) | 1997-2000 | 2.8L |
| BMW | 5 Series (540i) | 1997-2000 | 4.4L |
Before you order
Verify exactly which side of the vehicle requires replacement, as left and right door airbags are entirely side-specific and will not interchange. Always disconnect the vehicle's battery and wait a minimum of 15 minutes before beginning any work on the SRS system to allow backup capacitors to discharge and prevent accidental deployment. Inspect the wiring harness and electrical connector on the door frame for any signs of melting or corrosion before plugging in the replacement. After completing the installation, a specialized BMW diagnostic scan tool is usually required to clear the stored crash or fault codes and reset the dashboard warning light.
