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Bmw M6 Air Bag Clocksprings

Bmw M6 Air bag clocksprings

Starting at $148.95, AutoBuffy stocks 3 air bag clocksprings from SKP and VEMO for the Bmw M6. The clockspring is a coiled ribbon cable inside the steering column that maintains a continuous electrical connection between the steering wheel and the vehicle's airbag, horn, and cruise control while the wheel turns. When it fails, your airbag system goes offline — a serious safety risk.

Signs your Bmw M6 needs a new air bag clockspring

  • Airbag warning light (SRS light) is illuminated on the dash and does not clear after resetting
  • Horn stops working suddenly or works only intermittently when the steering wheel is in certain positions
  • Cruise control buttons on the steering wheel become unresponsive or cut out while driving
  • Audible crackling, clicking, or snapping sound heard from inside the steering column when turning the wheel
  • Steering wheel audio or phone controls malfunction or lose connection at specific steering angles
  • Airbag diagnostic scan returns a fault code specifically referencing the clockspring or steering wheel squib circuit

Which air bag clockspring should you buy for your Bmw M6?

The most important buying decision for a clockspring is fitment: the part is calibrated to the exact steering column, airbag system, and integrated controls of a specific vehicle. Beyond fitment, you'll choose between OEM, OEM-equivalent, and remanufactured units — each with different trade-offs in cost, warranty, and included features.

OEM (Dealer-sourced)
Best for
Owners who want an exact factory match with zero compatibility risk
What you get
Original specifications, full connector compatibility with all steering wheel functions, typically the highest price
OEM-Equivalent (Direct-fit aftermarket)
Best for
Most drivers — best balance of cost and reliability
What you get
New unit built to OEM specs, includes support for airbag, horn, and auxiliary controls, moderate price
Remanufactured
Best for
Budget-conscious owners willing to accept a rebuilt unit
What you get
Cleaned and rebuilt original core, tested before resale, lower cost but may carry shorter warranty
Multi-function / Combo Unit
Best for
Vehicles where the clockspring is integrated with spiral cable and contact assembly
What you get
Single replacement covers clockspring ribbon plus attached clock contacts, simplifies installation on applicable models

Air bag clocksprings brands we stock for your Bmw M6

SKP
2 options · from $148.95
VEMO
1 option · from $181.95

Replacing the air bag clockspring on a Bmw M6

Advanced⏱ 1–2 hoursBattery disconnect wrench and safety wait timer (to discharge airbag capacitor)Steering wheel pullerTorx and standard socket setTrim removal pry toolsOBD-II scan tool (to clear SRS codes and reset steering angle sensor)

Begin by disconnecting the battery and waiting the manufacturer-specified time for the airbag capacitor to fully discharge before touching any yellow airbag connectors — skipping this step risks accidental deployment. Remove the airbag module, disconnect the steering wheel, and swap the clockspring, carefully centering the new unit in its neutral position before installation so the ribbon cable is not pre-stressed. Reconnect everything, clear SRS fault codes with a scan tool, and verify the horn, airbag readiness, and all steering wheel controls function correctly before returning the vehicle to service.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace air bag clocksprings on a Bmw M6?
Parts start at $148.95 for the Bmw M6 at AutoBuffy. Total cost including professional labor typically runs higher, as shops must disable the airbag system safely before work begins. DIY replacement keeps costs to just the part, but requires caution around live airbag components and proper steering wheel centering before reinstallation.
Is it safe to drive a Bmw M6 with a bad clockspring?
No. A failed clockspring disables the steering wheel airbag, meaning the driver-side airbag will not deploy in a collision. The SRS warning light confirms the system is non-functional. You should replace the clockspring promptly — driving without an operational airbag is a significant safety risk and may be illegal in some jurisdictions.
Will a bad clockspring on a Bmw M6 cause the airbag to deploy accidentally?
An open or broken clockspring circuit typically prevents deployment rather than causing accidental deployment. However, a short circuit within a damaged clockspring could theoretically trigger an unintended airbag firing. This is why the airbag system must always be properly disabled — battery disconnected and capacitor discharged — before handling clockspring work.
Do I need to recalibrate or reset anything after replacing the clockspring on a Bmw M6?
Yes. The steering angle sensor, which is often integrated with or reset through the clockspring assembly, may require recalibration after replacement. On many vehicles, the SRS warning light must also be cleared with a scan tool after the repair. Confirm whether your Bmw M6 requires a steering angle sensor reset before completing the job.
Can a clockspring fix itself or is replacement always required on a Bmw M6?
Clocksprings do not self-repair. The internal ribbon cable breaks or wears through with use and cannot be spliced or patched reliably. Once a clockspring fails, full replacement is the only correct fix. Attempting to bypass or tape the ribbon is unsafe and will not restore airbag system integrity on the Bmw M6.
How long does a clockspring last on a Bmw M6?
Clocksprings are designed to last the life of the vehicle but commonly wear out after many years of high-mileage use. The ribbon cable degrades through repeated coiling and uncoiling every time the steering wheel turns. Failure rates increase with age, heavy steering use, and prior steering column work that may have disturbed the neutral position of the assembly.

Shop air bag clocksprings by year for the Bmw M6

20102009200820072006

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