Obviously they can but................
I'm planning my next project as my Lightweight is nearing completion.
I anticipate this next project to take at least 18 months to complete but want to to be informed as much as possible before hand, to avoid any hiccups along the way.
My plan is to use a cheap non sunroof model (probably a commercial or S model would be better) to create a Freelander 2 like no other.
It will ideally have a full interior roll cage and be a 2 seater. I plan to uprate the suspension and fit under body protection.

Removing the air bags is a necessity to be able to fit an interior roll cage. This includes the A and B pillar air bags. The front driver and passenger bags will be left in place, although they'll largely be redundant due to the fitting of racing harnesses. Heated bucket seats will also be fitted.

Will removing the air bags and ultimately the seatbelt pre-tentioners cause a major headache with the ECU, or can that be re-programmed ?

Those on this forum who know me will know that I like to modify my Land Rovers ( with exception of my Military Landies ) . I've rollcaged all of my Freelander 1's, before the Freelander Challenge existed I hasten to add and it also now seems that heavily modified Freelander 1 is something that has really taken off recently judging by the ones I saw at the Kelmarsh Land Rover Show earlier this year.
Plus my new job gives me more time off and I also wish to do a little more off roading than I have of late. I wish to create another vehicle that I can have fun in, but this time with the best of both worlds - rugged, but with a little bit of refinement.
I can't afford a Bowler EXR-S , but can afford to come up with my own ideas using a Freelander 2 as a base vehicle. I also have a few contacts in the Land Rover motorsport world.
Plus , although Freelander 2 is eligible to compete in the Freelander Challenge, nobody has entered one yet. Another reason to build one.

Click image to enlarge

If you are talking about removing the airbags temporary while you're tuning the car and then put them back, there is no problem. If you will start the car without the airbags, the ECU will see the airbags are missing and will turn on the airbag light. As soon as they will be back in place the ECU will see them and turn off the airbag light.

If you plan to remove them for good, leave the ECU alone and use instead of airbags and seat belt tensioners some low resistance resistors. The ECU will think that the airbags are in place and will be OK.
But...
At the first shock into to body, and I believe that will be plenty considering the final car purpose - offroading isnt' it, the airbag ECU will trigger the "airbags" and will remain in the state of "crash event occurred" and will turn on the airbag light, without the possibility of turning it off, even if you put new resistors there. You must perform then a diagnostic procedure of erasing the crash data.

airbags missing is also an MOT failure
ok if just off road Jaguar x-type sport gone
Jaguar x-type 2.2d sport one of my best cars ever sadly gone
Freelander 2 GS auto 2008 most unreliable ever ! gladly gone
Freelander 2 GS manual 2013 only time will tell !

Hi, this is some food for thought ......




Custom front winch bumper.

If I remember correctly, he fitted a lift kit also. ??

Thanks for the replies.
Alex - Yes, the resistor trick was something I was going to look at after finding this https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rover-Rover-AIRBA...666657870. ISTR this being done on my silver car.
However, the Bowler EXR-S has a drivers air bag and that's built to off road at high speeds. My blue V6 had both passenger and driver airbags in place and I never had them go off while off roading. Even with a few heavy landings while being airborne over some jumps.


Oldgeezer - It would need to have an SVA. Shouldn't be a problem as the roll cage , seats and harnesses are safety equipment designed to withstand high speed crashes and roll overs.

Largered. Yes, ISTR conversing with that guy a year or so ago but lost touch. I was very impressed with how he had done that winch bumper - it flows well and looks like it belongs there , like OE - unlike some I've seen on Disco's and Rangies. There's a guy in the Freelander club (think it's internet based ) who bought up all my old F1 stuff, snorkel moulds etc, who manufactures lift kits. He told me that there is a kit available for the Evoque and reckons it should fit the F2 no problem. He also said if he had a F2 for a few weeks, he could manufacture his own kit for it. Maybe worth lending him the F2 when I eventually get one.

I'd love to use my i6, but due to the sun roof etc, I think it would be a none starter. Better off sticking to a none sunroof model methinks. Shame, an I6 would be cool.

What do you guys think of repairing freelander which is only Minor damage on front? Air bags Have blown out on steering wheel, and knee Area and passanger front Area

Do i need new ecu and sensors allso For all bags

Looks good condition, needs new bumber and lights.

Or should i buy this For spare parts

Link to damages onedrive.

https://1drv.ms/f/s!ApbJGtA2Z3UBpD1oDD10oItMSHuc

You'll just need to replace air bags and send the SRS ecu off to get it reset.

You'll also need to check the seatbelt pre tensioners. If you have diagnostic tool it is simpler