Airbag location visible on dash

SaltyNC · 03-19-2016, 07:49 AM

The other day, the sun was angled in such a way that I could see a rectangular outline on the passenger side dash. I'm assuming it is where the airbag is located. Normally, it can't be seen. Have any of you guys and gals ever noticed that faint outline?

Salty

inTgr8r · 03-19-2016, 07:52 AM

Haven't noticed myself.

Steeler · 03-25-2016, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaltyNC

The other day, the sun was angled in such a way that I could see a rectangular outline on the passenger side dash. I'm assuming it is where the airbag is located. Normally, it can't be seen. Have any of you guys and gals ever noticed that faint outline?

Salty

Was sprucing up the interior today and noticed this.
Slight recession where the airbag would deploy

Vanne · 03-27-2016, 08:09 AM

haven't seen it either.. ill need to keep a closer look see..

SaltyNC · 03-27-2016, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanne

haven't seen it either.. ill need to keep a closer look see..

It's really weird, Vanne. Most days I can't see it, but then the angle of the sun will be just right, and it's like someone has taken a black Sharpie and outlined a rectangle on my dash.

Salty

coh661 · 04-04-2016, 08:37 PM

Hey Salty,

I've done instrument panel design for an unnamed OEM. That faint line you see is called "read through". It's basically where the instrument panel skin/cover stock is scored on the backside, typically with a laser to allow for the skin to tear cleanly when the airbag deploys. each OEM has a certain level of acceptance for "read through" before the parts are rejected. "High heat" conditions can also make the read through worse. So nothing really to worry about, it's just a cosmetic issue.

SaltyNC · 04-04-2016, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milamookie

Hey Salty,

I've done instrument panel design for an unnamed OEM. That faint line you see is called "read through". It's basically where the instrument panel skin/cover stock is scored on the backside, typically with a laser to allow for the skin to tear cleanly when the airbag deploys. each OEM has a certain level of acceptance for "read through" before the parts are rejected. "High heat" conditions can also make the read through worse. So nothing really to worry about, it's just a cosmetic issue.

Thanks for the explanation. Since posting this, I haven't been able to see it , which is a good thing.

I would like to do something to the dash some years down the line. Maybe I'll recover it in Spandex (no).

Salty

03-19-2016, 07:49 AM	#1
SaltyNC Captain 370 Rep 870 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW Z4M Roadster Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4M Roadst ... [0.00]	Airbag location visible on dash The other day, the sun was angled in such a way that I could see a rectangular outline on the passenger side dash. I'm assuming it is where the airbag is located. Normally, it can't be seen. Have any of you guys and gals ever noticed that faint outline? Salty __________________ 2006 BMW Z4M Interlagos Blue/Black Aux Port\|LED Interior\|LED Strip Trunk\|Underseat First Aid Box\|Stubby Antenna\|Intravee II\|BMW Oil Change Kit\|Top Down Side Panels\|Vibra Technics Engine Mounts\|Rogue Trans Mounts\|Engine Mount Bolts Upgrade\|RS Windblocker\|Euro Front Plate\|M5 Illum Shift Knob\|Supersprint Powerloop Exhaust\|Gruppe-M Intake\|RPI Scoop\|Black Grills\|19x8.5 ET35 F 19x9.5 ET22 R Sportline 8s PSS\| Besian Vanos\|CDV Delete
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03-19-2016, 07:52 AM	#2
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2431 Rep 11,667 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	Haven't noticed myself. __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
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03-27-2016, 08:09 AM	#4
Vanne Down Under!! 1621 Rep 4,294 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Dubai iTrader: (4)	haven't seen it either.. ill need to keep a closer look see.. __________________ 2007 EuroSpec Z4///MC - Building/Developing Z4 GT3 Powered by
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04-04-2016, 08:37 PM	#6
coh661 Banned 191 Rep 453 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: WY iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 Z4 M COUPE [8.00]	Hey Salty, I've done instrument panel design for an unnamed OEM. That faint line you see is called "read through". It's basically where the instrument panel skin/cover stock is scored on the backside, typically with a laser to allow for the skin to tear cleanly when the airbag deploys. each OEM has a certain level of acceptance for "read through" before the parts are rejected. "High heat" conditions can also make the read through worse. So nothing really to worry about, it's just a cosmetic issue.
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