Cooper S (R53) L4-1.6L SC (W11) (2004)
Technical Service Bulletin # M720203
Date: 031201
Restraint Systems - Air bag Activation/Deactivation
SI M 72 02 03
Safety Restraint Systems
December 2003
Service Engineering
SUBJECT
Deactivation/Reactivation of Airbags
MODEL
R50, R53
SITUATION
Temporary deactivation of FRONT airbags
NHTSA may authorize the temporary deactivation of FRONT airbags based on the justifications listed in Attachment 1 of this SI. Owner responsibilities
are also listed in that attachment. If a vehicle owner/operator presents an NHTSA letter authorizing deactivation of a FRONT airbag, a MINI dealer may
perform this service. If a temporary deactivation of any airbag is performed, customers should be advised to reconsider their decision on a regular basis
and evaluate if circumstances have changed, allowing airbag reactivation.
Deactivation of SIDE airbags and Head Protection System (HPS) is not permitted.
NOTE:
In the MINI, there is no ON/OFF switch available for airbags.
IN GENERAL, MINI BELIEVES THAT THE LIFE SAVING AND INJURY PREVENTING BENEFITS OF AIRBAGS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH
USAGE OF SAFETY BELTS, OUTWEIGH THE POSSIBLE RISKS OF INJURY CAUSED BY AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AS
LONG AS GUIDELINES IN KEEPING A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE AIRBAGS ARE FOLLOWED. THIS MEANS USAGE OF SAFETY
BELTS WHENEVER SEATED IN THE VEHICLE, PROPER, UPRIGHT SEATING POSITION AT ALL TIMES WHILE ENSURING A
DISTANCE OF AT LEAST 10 INCHES BETWEEN THE CHEST AND FRONT AIRBAG AND PROHIBITING THE USE OF REAR FACING
CHILD SEATS ON THE FRONT SEAT OF ANY VEHICLE. CHILDREN SHOULD ALWAYS RIDE IN THE REAR SEAT AND SHOULD
ALWAYS BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED WHENEVER IN THE VEHICLE.
ACTION
Using DIS CD version 32.0 or later, MINI dealers can perform the deactivation of airbags on R50, R53 vehicles.
The deactivation process requires:
^
Coding of the airbag control module using a special code supplied by MINI, A DIVISION OF BMW NA, valid only for a specific VIN, for a
specific authorized MINI dealer, on a specific date.
^
For front airbags, replacement of safety belts.
^
Fulfilling customer information and vehicle labeling requirements. Reactivation is possible and requires reversing the above steps as applicable.
PARTS INFORMATION