8 replies to this topic

[Minitrio]

Hi all,

I'm currently stripping my 97 MPI and have been labeling wires up for the eventual rebuild (it's taking longer than I thought).

I've known for years that since the Rover group no longer exists, that the rover steering wheels with airbags, have passed their 10 year shelf life, including ones sat on shelves in parts companies warehouses. So I would like to remove the steering wheel, plus airbag and the entire SRS wiring loom including the little ECU, to then eventually fit a custom steering wheel and change the SRS dash light to something else (not sure what yet).

So my question is: Where do I stand in the future or currently for MOT's and insurance?
I'm figuring that Mini specialist insurance groups are aware of the airbag situation, compared to the broad spectrum standard car insurance companies.

I don't intent to get rid of original wheel and loom, just pre planning the rebuild side of the project, to leave out or not!

Interested in anyone's thoughts or experiences with this issue or any MOT testers who know the current legislation.

Thanks for Reading

[evansisgreat]

http://www.telegraph...-replacing.html

From what I've read online I'm not too worried about refitting mine.

[Dan]

It is now an MOT failure to remove the airbag from a car that was built with one.

[LukeH]

Leaving the MOT requirement to one side at the moment, would you not want to keep the SRS system for the seat belt pre-tensioners and perhaps remove just the air-bag? This is what I am thinking of doing to my MPI. I have read that a resistor can be added to the air-bag connector to fool the SRS into thinking it is present thus stopping the SRS light being on constantly. 

 

Luke.

[Minitrio]

Thanks for the replies guys. Good point Luke, forgot about the pre tensioner, think I will just remove the airbag and fit the resistor.

[LukeH]

Have you decided on a new steering wheel and boss yet?

 

I am tempted with this MGF/TF boos that should fit the MPI column - http://www.ebay.co.u...=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

[Minitrio]

To be honest Luke, I've only just started stripping her down, so it will be at least 18 months, before I'd be looking for a custom wheel

Thanks for the link to the boss, will put it in my watching list for when I'm ready. :)

[LukeH]

Oh ok. Well good luck with the strip down and rebuild. Mine is almost at 4 years since I took it off the road!

[Minitrio]

Cheers mate. I think mine will take just as long, there is a lot of rot to cut out and replace, plus I've just moved house and its decor is straightout of the 70, so it'll be more house DIY then Mini DIY for a little while