I have to replace the power window motor on the driver's door of my '99 328 E46. The door has an airbag in it. Not having dealt with door airbags before, is it safe for me to remove all of the door panel (and likely the airbag within it) to gain access to the window motor? Will I accidentally trigger the airbag? Can I just "unplug" the airbag once I remove the trim without worrying about triggering it or sending a bad code to the computer? Any suggestions on this would be great.

Any time you work around an airbag or need to remove one keep the battery disconnected for the entire time. Only reconnect the battery when you've verified that the airbag wiring is properly connected. If you turn on the ignition with an airbag disconnected you'll get an SRS fault that will require someone with the proper diag tool to reset. With the battery disconnected there's no chance of accidental firing of the airbag unless you can generate a major amount of static electricity.

On my E36, the airbag is mounted to the door, not the door panel. It is not necessary to unplug the air bag to remove the panel. It is of course a good idea to diconnect the negeative battery cable.

Many thanks. One further follow-up Q - if I disconnect the battery, then won't I have to have the system reset anyway for the alarm, ignition, and/or stereo? Thanks again.

I have a 328iC. After disconnecting the battery cable, will the top need to be re-programmed?