E30 Airbag system

[rwtags]

Hey guys, wondering if there is a semi-DIY way of seeing if the SRS system is working in your car. I bought a e30 325ix, and it had a cracked and faded airbag, so i took it out, and noticed the PO just cut the wires that go to under the steering column. I bought a used one from a junkyard in much better shape, and installed it, along with connecting to the wire. I tried to trace it to the orange box above the ABS module, but dont know where to contiune.
The SRS light and seatbelt light on the roof mounted section do not illuminate.

It would make me feel a tiny bit safer knowing everything MIGHT work in the one time i would need it to.

Thanks again guys!

[PDXPeter]

Personally I wouldn't trust a 30 year old airbag.

[cscracker]

Honestly these air bags were not great even when they were new. The technology just wasn't ready when it was mandated in the US. Even back then, you were probably better off without it, and you definitely are now.

[nando]

yeah, while I'm not sure a 30 year old airbag is still good - the data on whether they were an improvement back then doesn't agree with your statement.

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/808470

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/2f1a/1d0ef066542f112d224a1c1e2083d22d4769.pdf

also insurance companies still give a discount to the 1990-1991 E30s because they came with a drivers airbag (at least mine does). I don't think they would do that unless there was statistical data that says it's safer (which there is, and lots of it).