Annoying Instrument Cluster

[PMB]

Last year my airbag light came on. I took it back and the dealer did some little wiring trick with the sealbelt and set it off. No problem since.

A couple of weeks ago my speedometer, Tackometer, fuel gauge, temp gauge and MPG indicator all stopped working at exactly the same time. I have had a look at fuses etc but there is nothing obvious. Now the airbag light has come back on.

Anyone experienced similar or have any ideas? I am tempted to disable the airbag light altogether (if you know what I mean!!!) but that will not help the speedo etc. It must be a simple problem.

[PMB]

Just as a thought, is it possible to de-activate the airbag system altogether? Airbags are one of those things forced upon us that really are not necessary if you wear a seatbelt.

[Vegas_330i]

Originally posted by PMB@Apr 1 2005, 04:10 AM
Just as a thought, is it possible to de-activate the airbag system altogether? Airbags are one of those things forced upon us that really are not necessary if you wear a seatbelt.

[snapback]322783[/snapback]

Where EXACTLY do you get your facts about this? Airbags are really not necessary if you wear a seatbelt? Where is the April Fools punch line?

Also, deactivating all of the airbags would render the side impact airbags usless. A seatbelt will do NOTHING to keep your head or pelvis from becoming mush it you are T-boned. All most all cars with 5 star side impact ratings only get it with side impact airbags.

Sorry to get off track and I don't want to start a flame war BUT....it is my strong opinion that advising someone to deactivate their airbags in order to circumvent an electrical problem is reckless.

In response to the main post...
Take your car in and have them fix it again. Their really isn't much else you can do except to check into your local lemon laws (in the US) in case the problem keeps coming back.

Good luck with your car!

[BimmerJD]

I would not deactivate your air-bags... they are "supplemental" and are designed to work WITH the seatbelts. Most people are stupid and decide they don't need seatbelts if they have airbags. They both serve different purposes keeping you safe in a crash. Sorry if I am stating the obvious... I just hate the idea of someone getting hurt!

[bad man working]

Whether you like air bags or not there's something you need to know when BMW fit air bags to any car they modify the seat belts, to allow the in the event of collision the bodies to travel further forward into the air bags. But if you disable the air bags you need to change the seat belts as well you your in danger of serious injury (it's cheaper to get the air bag system fixed). As to your instrument fault recheck the fuses there are 4 I think for the dash if they are OK look at the earth block on the lower "A" pillar under the clocks.

[PMB]

At least someone got the April Fools bit.

Thanks bad man working. I only found three fuses, I will check again. I will also check the ground, but as everthing else is working it may not be the ground.

[PMB]

Car is in at the Stealership today, wish me luck!!!