Removal of the SRS (Supplimental Restraint System) sensors.

Part of the process of preparing the wheel dome area for welding required the removal of all electrical wiring and plastic components.  Removal of the right side SRS crash sensor, located above where the washer reservoir was previously positioned, was necessary to prevent heat damage from the welding process. 

Picture DSC01220 of the right side SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) crash sensor.  This sensor is a part of the air bag safety feature of the E36.  These sensors complete a circuit if the impact is a frontal collision within 30 degrees of the center line and the vehicle is travelling above 12 mph.  If these conditions are met, then the air bag will deploy.  If the system is working properly, the SRS light will illuminate for 6 seconds on start up and then go out.  Lack of illumination, or flashing for 5 minutes after the initial 6 seconds, or failure to light, are all indications that the system is defective and needs dealer servicing.

The screws that secure the sensor to the mounting bracket on the wheel well are unusual.  My friend and automobile expert Peter saved the day as in his tool bin he had a set of Silver Eagle tamper resistant Torx  socket set.  The socket that fit perfectly was labeled T30H, and this is a T30 Torx with a H (hole) in the center.  McMaster Carr sells a low cost version as a fold up Torx-key set (catalog number 55515A22 at $15.39).

Picture DSC01219 showing the Silver Eagle T30H tamper resistant Torx socket (left) and one of the removed screws (right) after removal of the right side SRS crash sensor.  It is believed that the sensor will not be damaged as long as the 12 volt power is turned off.  If power is applied and the sensor is dropped, then Chilton indicates that the sensor will need to be replaced and dealer servicing required to reset the resultant error codes.