Second Hand BMW i3 Curtain Airbag

Yes, the BMW i3 is fitted with curtain airbags as standard across its production run from 2013 onwards, deploying from the roofline to protect occupants' heads in a side impact. The i3 is a five-door hatchback in all variants, so curtain airbag coverage runs along both sides of the cabin. If you are sourcing a replacement, you will need to specify the driver's side (OS) or passenger's side (NS) when requesting quotes from a breaker.

The BMW i3 received a significant facelift in 2017, which introduced changes to the interior and trim, so a pre-facelift curtain airbag (2013–2017) may not be a straightforward swap into a post-facelift car (2017 onwards). You should confirm with the breaker whether the specific module is compatible with your car's SRS system by providing your registration. Curtain airbags are safety-critical, single-use components, so professional fitting by a qualified technician is strongly recommended.

No — whether your i3 is the standard electric model or the range-extender (REX) variant with a small petrol engine, this does not affect curtain airbag fitment, as the airbags are matched to the body and interior generation rather than the drivetrain. Focus instead on the production year and any interior trim differences when sourcing your part. Always confirm the part reference with the breaker against your registration to be sure.

The i3 was offered in trim levels including Base, Atelier, Lodge, Suite, and later range-specific grades, and while interior materials and seating styles vary between these trims, the curtain airbag itself is a roof-mounted unit that is generally consistent across trim levels within the same generation. That said, you should confirm with the breaker that the specific airbag module is compatible with your car's SRS system, as there may be variant-level differences not immediately visible. A professional should carry out any airbag replacement given the safety-critical nature of the component.

Curtain airbags are safety-critical components and we strongly recommend professional fitting by a qualified technician with the proper diagnostic equipment to reset and verify the SRS system afterwards. Curtain airbags are single-use — once deployed they cannot be re-armed, and an incorrectly fitted unit poses a serious risk. A breaker can supply the part, but installation should be carried out by a garage experienced in airbag systems.

The nearside (NS) curtain airbag is on the passenger's side of the car and the offside (OS) is on the driver's side, and these are not interchangeable — always specify which side you need when requesting a quote from a breaker. Provide your full registration number so the breaker can cross-reference the part against your exact build, including any trim or production-date variations that may affect the airbag module. Given the safety-critical nature of the part, do not fit a unit that cannot be verified as correct for your specific vehicle's SRS system.