kajin99

I drive a 2004 530i

So I get the following message from iDrive:
"Pass. Restraint System - Fault in passenger restraint system affecting airbags, belt tensioner, or belt-force limiter. Continue to wear the safety belt"

After reviewing many posts on this board and others, this appears to be caused by a faulty seat mat sensor in my passenger seat. This is a well known recall item so I figure I should be covered. The problem is that according to the dealer my specific vin# is not under this recall.

Some more facts: After talking with an SA, I learned that my vehicle (which I purchased under CPO warranty in 2009), had the seat mat sensor replaced under new vehicle warranty in 2007. (There seems to be a new procedure for reinforcing the re-installed mat to prevent cracking under repeated sitting, and I wonder if this was done since the work wasn't done under the recall.) If this had been recall work, the part would have been under warranty for 10 years with unlimited mileage, but as this was new car warranty work, there is no such provision. (very convenient in my opinion)

At any rate regardless of whether or not my vin# is under the recall, I obviously have a faulty seat mat right? After all, this is the second failure. My indy suggested paying for the diagnostic ($160), and documenting the failure, then escalating to BMW Client Services. I would like to hear the opinions of the community on this. Anyone here able to get the sensor replaced even though their VIN was supposedly not part of the recall?

PlanB

I was just reviewing the dealeer work that had been done on my car prior to me buying it CPO in '08 and that seat mat came up. It looks like it was replaced and I haven't seen the issue pop up since I've owned it.
I'd pound on the dealer and get them to fix it.
Good luck!

tonyb635

I agree, best to take to dealer and let them test the system to find out exactly when the failure is and then replace the defective item if you can, or escalate this up and see where it goes. I believe they are responsible for two years after a repair so it's kinda like a warranty but it sounds like you are now out of this window as well. If they take it apart and find that it was improperly installed or their replacement let to the failure then maybe they will cover it. The risk there is if they don't find anything then you would most likely be responsible to pay the cost for repairs. Did they tell what the ball park price range is on this repair?

Freewilly

I have the faulty passenger restraint problem for a month now. I heard it's going to cost around $1200 to repalce the seat mat at the dealer. Wonder where can I have it repaired at lower cost.

jorgy51

hi there, same fault code last month. checked code and it was a low voltage to air bag fault, new battery solved the problem. best of luck!
cheers

E60525

Can you turn the airbag light off using a OBD2 reader?

jorgy51

my OBD2 reader did not find the code. An independant BMW mech found the code with his station, replaced and programed for the battery exchange.
cheers

kajin99

So here's a new development... I noticed that the light on the ceiling that tells you when the airbag is off still functions properly when I sit in, and get out of the seat. This means that the seat mat sensor is working right? If that is the case, I wonder if a low battery voltage is the issue. I guess Ill have to get the battery tested?

BL 5

You could always contact an airbag specialist.

They generally run around in vans replacing airbags at body shops.

If they have the right tools, I bet their labor rate is 50% of BMW's. Plus all they do is airbag stuff, very efficient.

jorgy51

if I put a back pack in the seat same thing happened, I just paid for the test and then put in a new battery. Hope it all works out for you, I know it made me a little sick!
cheers