4
COMPONENTS
SATELLITE SENSORS
The satellite sensors are mounted below the driver’s and passenger’s front seats on the
seat frame. The function of the sensors is to detect the severity of side impacts and signal
the MRS III control module, through a pulse modulated signal, in the event of a crash. The
control module uses this input signal along with its internal impact sensor signal to deter-
mine the deployment of the side/head airbags.
As with the control modules, the satellite sensors
are manufacturer specific. The Temic sensors in
the X5 have a three wire connector which will not
interchange with the Bosch sensors. Only two of
the wires are used for the satellite sensor’s opera-
tion. The signal for deployment of the bags is car-
ried over the power wire of the sensor.
