Airbag control unit with part number 31696460701T

What does the airbag control unit 31696460701T do?

The airbag control unit 31696460701T is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) in BMW. It analyses the signals from the crash sensors and decides within milliseconds in the event of an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

The unit monitors the entire system continuously. If it detects a fault, it indicates this via the airbag warning light.

After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself. The crash sensors supply their measurements continuously for this purpose.

Why does the control unit 31696460701T fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. Other causes include ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Crash data cannot be erased with a standard diagnostic tool. Airbag24 erases it during the repair.

Electronic components age, and solder joints can become cold or break. Both disrupt the clean processing of the signals.

Moisture and corrosion on plug connections cause contact problems. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, place additional strain on the electronics.

How can you tell that the 31696460701T is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently. In addition, the instrument cluster shows a fault message, the diagnostic tool receives no connection, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

The airbag warning light is the most important warning signal of this system. If it lights up permanently or only occasionally, have the system checked promptly.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy. A fault memory that cannot be cleared is also one of these signs.

Which vehicles is the 31696460701T fitted in?

The airbag control unit 31696460701T is fitted in these vehicles: BMW 3 Series E90 LCI Saloon (2008-2011), E90 Saloon (2005-2008), E91 Touring (2005-2008) and E91 LCI Touring (2008-2012). The list below shows the vehicles individually.

The vehicles in detail:

• BMW 3 Series E90 LCI Saloon (2008-2011)
• BMW 3 Series E90 Saloon (2005-2008)
• BMW 3 Series E91 Touring (2005-2008)
• BMW 3 Series E91 LCI Touring (2008-2012)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only confirms that it is the correct unit. Also have the fault memory read out before removal, because only this result shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector or a cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 285010062, 285010064, 285010066, 285010070, 31918443202L, 65.77-9119058-01.

How does the repair of the 31696460701T work?

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. First, have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit, before you create a repair order online.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test.

Afterwards your own unit is returned to you. Our repairs come with 2 years' statutory liability for defects. The repaired control unit comes back with all vehicle data and is ready for use as soon as it is refitted — no coding or programming is required.

How does the control unit 31696460701T get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shock-proof.