Airbag Deactivated with Passenger - BMW Forum

Miami545 · 06-16-2004, 09:46 PM

Happy owner of 545 - 2 months so far, but patience is running thin. Passenger airbag is deactivated with passenger sitting on it (120 lbs +/-). Took car to dealer last Tuesday. They kept it for 4 days, replaced cushion, sensor, etc. Problem back over the weekend airbag gets DEACTIVATED and the light comes on with passenger on seat. Back to dealer - 3 days without my 545. Dealer has yet to remedy this. Has anybody else experience this? Was this issue resolved for you?

Silver4evr · 06-17-2004, 01:38 AM

I took it in twice for this problem. 2nd time on invoice it said: This is a known problem and there is no fix as of 12/16/03.

The ignition was "cycled" by the tech (what ever that means) and it seems to be working since then.

Note: you might want to check Florida's "lemon law". If they can't fix it after 4 tries ask for a new car (in Ca, anyway).

Keep taking it back immediately when the problem comes back.

Good luck.

Miami545 · 06-17-2004, 08:14 PM

Showed up at the dealer today too check on progress. Asst. Service Manager took me to see the car plugged into the computer. BMW N.A. Tech Dept. instructed dealer to RE-PROGRAM the car. Yikes!!!! I hope technician does not "screw up" something else. I'll post BMW's description of problem from the work order when I get the car tomorrow.

Silver4evr · 06-18-2004, 02:18 AM

Yep...my car's been reprogrammed also.

Slvr e39 · 06-18-2004, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Note: you might want to check Florida's "lemon law". If they can't fix it after 4 tries ask for a new car (in Ca, anyway).

Never knew about that, thats good to know!

Miami545 · 06-21-2004, 08:15 PM

Got my 545 back late Friday afternoon.

BMW dealer completed system reprogram, and replaced the passenger seat/sensor cushion. Mechanic test drove it once with a 115 lb passenger and another time with an 80 lb passenger. They say it was OK to release to owner. Drove it over weekend and seems to respond properly.

To the other owners with similar symptoms - Do not accept flimsy answers from a dealer that says this problem is “normal”. Demand resolution. If BMW felt this airbag system was ready for production then they have to stand behind it. This is not a cheap car… it’s the ultimate driving machine and we paid for it! Proper operation of the car’s includes the airbag system. Hold the line with the BMW dealers – no cutting corners.