Passenger restraint system malfunction and air bag sensor going off

Je90win · 02-20-2013, 01:17 PM

Happens sporadically. When I'm in the car alone, the sensors don't go off. However, when I have a passenger it'll randomly go off at times. Pre lci e90.
A error message appears on screen about "passenger restraint malfunction".

Any help would be much appreciated. I don't know how it could've gotten damaged. Anyone experience this before? Would it require a trip to the dealer?

Thanks!

onebadmofo · 02-20-2013, 01:18 PM

Faulty seat occupancy mat, I believe there's a recall for that.

Je90win · 02-20-2013, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onebadmofo

Faulty seat occupancy mat, I believe there's a recall for that.

Thank you! If so, would it be fully covered if I just go through the dealership about the issue? I've been in for service before but I don't think the issue was ever addressed or any recalls mentioned. Thanks again.

9352e90 · 02-20-2013, 02:49 PM

There is a recall so it's 100% covered, (even out of warranty) had mine replaced last year.

Je90win · 02-20-2013, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9352e90

There is a recall so it's 100% covered, (even out of warranty) had mine replaced last year.

How long is the fix? Does it require a loaner? Read on here how without the warranty/coverage it would cost over a thousand. Thx

9352e90 · 02-20-2013, 03:13 PM

i dont recall exactly how long it took, I want to say maybe 3-5 hours. I do know that my service rep told me it is caused by wires fraying and shorting in the bolster on the bottom part or the seat where it comes in contact with the plastic where the seat controls are. He said the wires used in the original mats were too thin. The whole seat comes out I believe, and the leather comes off the bottom part of the seat, its a pretty labor intensive job.

Je90win · 02-21-2013, 01:15 PM

apparently I'm not part of the recall.. any suggestions or just out of pocket?

onebadmofo · 02-21-2013, 01:20 PM

You can code it out, just have to find a local coder on Mars

Je90win · 02-21-2013, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onebadmofo

You can code it out, just have to find a local coder on Mars

Any one have success getting the issue covered as a recall or goodwill ? The seat is lightly used and can't see how it could of been my fault. Seems like alot of 06 builds with sport seats have this issue.

9352e90 · 02-21-2013, 02:44 PM

Here is the original article, http://www.nbcnews.com/id/26179745/#.USaGYc29ln4. It looks like it may only apply to standard and comfort seats. Im still surprised they wouldn't take care of this, maybe try going to a different dealer.

Je90win · 02-22-2013, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9352e90

Here is the original article, http://www.nbcnews.com/id/26179745/#.USaGYc29ln4. It looks like it may only apply to standard and comfort seats. Im still surprised they wouldn't take care of this, maybe try going to a different dealer.

Yeah, pretty ridiculous. What approach do you think would be best when I talk to another dealer to hopefully get this taken care of since I'm not part of the recall.

The seat is in excellent condition and lightly used. Thanks!

9352e90 · 02-22-2013, 08:44 PM

It's hard to say, I have gotten my dealer to take care of some issues free of charge that weren't under warranty, but I've been had my car serviced there for years. I suppose that if you talked to another dealer and let them know that you know whats causing the problem you might have a chance of them taking care of it. Maybe you could suggest they pay for parts and you pay for labor or vice verse. Have you talked to BMW NA.

BoogeyMan'sBMW · 07-09-2013, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Je90win

Yeah, pretty ridiculous. What approach do you think would be best when I talk to another dealer to hopefully get this taken care of since I'm not part of the recall.

The seat is in excellent condition and lightly used. Thanks!

What are the last seven digits of your VIN? I just had this recall done and I can check if you indeed not covered or if the dealer is just brushing you off.

RedSox330i · 08-01-2013, 09:34 AM

Third day of owning my car and I just got the same message myself. If I provide the VIN could you check mine as well?

Grim_Falcon · 10-04-2013, 12:52 PM

Hello fellow beemer fans.

My car is a 2009 Model E90 335i.

My dash is also lighting up with the seat-belt and airbag light on constantly. As per usual the seat occupancy sensor mat is suspected, I took a look under my seat and found the following loose plug (see image).

Is this the plug for my seat occupancy sensor ?

If so: Where do I plug it back in ?

If not: What on earth is it for ??

GoRomeo · 10-04-2013, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grim_Falcon

Hello fellow beemer fans.

My car is a 2009 Model E90 335i.

My dash is also lighting up with the seat-belt and airbag light on constantly. As per usual the seat occupancy sensor mat is suspected, I took a look under my seat and found the following loose plug (see image).

Is this the plug for my seat occupancy sensor ?

If so: Where do I plug it back in ?

If not: What on earth is it for ??

No, I doubt it. I belive this connector is there for extra features your car does not have. I belive this connector is for the subwoofer that goes under the seat if you are equipped with L7 sound.

I also had the same airbag error. This issue with Mat sensor has been going on for a long time and is up to the dealership to replace it especially if you are not under warranty.

Not sure if my dealership replaced mine due to a recall of since I was still covered by warranty. I cannot remember i was like 4 or 5 yrs ago.

02-20-2013, 01:17 PM	#1
Je90win Private 7 Rep 56 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: SF bay area iTrader: (0)	Passenger restraint system malfunction and air bag sensor going off Happens sporadically. When I'm in the car alone, the sensors don't go off. However, when I have a passenger it'll randomly go off at times. Pre lci e90. A error message appears on screen about "passenger restraint malfunction". Any help would be much appreciated. I don't know how it could've gotten damaged. Anyone experience this before? Would it require a trip to the dealer? Thanks!
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02-20-2013, 01:18 PM	#2
onebadmofo Colonel 346 Rep 2,396 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (14)	Faulty seat occupancy mat, I believe there's a recall for that.
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02-20-2013, 02:49 PM	#4
9352e90 Lieutenant 92 Rep 426 Posts Drives: f10 535i, e90 325i, e70 X5 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Michigan, USA iTrader: (0)	There is a recall so it's 100% covered, (even out of warranty) had mine replaced last year.
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02-20-2013, 03:13 PM	#6
9352e90 Lieutenant 92 Rep 426 Posts Drives: f10 535i, e90 325i, e70 X5 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Michigan, USA iTrader: (0)	i dont recall exactly how long it took, I want to say maybe 3-5 hours. I do know that my service rep told me it is caused by wires fraying and shorting in the bolster on the bottom part or the seat where it comes in contact with the plastic where the seat controls are. He said the wires used in the original mats were too thin. The whole seat comes out I believe, and the leather comes off the bottom part of the seat, its a pretty labor intensive job.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2013, 01:15 PM	#7
Je90win Private 7 Rep 56 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: SF bay area iTrader: (0)	apparently I'm not part of the recall.. any suggestions or just out of pocket?
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02-21-2013, 01:20 PM	#8
onebadmofo Colonel 346 Rep 2,396 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (14)	You can code it out, just have to find a local coder on Mars
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02-21-2013, 02:44 PM	#10
9352e90 Lieutenant 92 Rep 426 Posts Drives: f10 535i, e90 325i, e70 X5 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Michigan, USA iTrader: (0)	Here is the original article, http://www.nbcnews.com/id/26179745/#.USaGYc29ln4. It looks like it may only apply to standard and comfort seats. Im still surprised they wouldn't take care of this, maybe try going to a different dealer.
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02-22-2013, 08:44 PM	#12
9352e90 Lieutenant 92 Rep 426 Posts Drives: f10 535i, e90 325i, e70 X5 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Michigan, USA iTrader: (0)	It's hard to say, I have gotten my dealer to take care of some issues free of charge that weren't under warranty, but I've been had my car serviced there for years. I suppose that if you talked to another dealer and let them know that you know whats causing the problem you might have a chance of them taking care of it. Maybe you could suggest they pay for parts and you pay for labor or vice verse. Have you talked to BMW NA.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-01-2013, 09:34 AM	#14
RedSox330i New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Fresno,CA iTrader: (0)	Third day of owning my car and I just got the same message myself. If I provide the VIN could you check mine as well?
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10-04-2013, 12:52 PM	#15
Grim_Falcon Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335i Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	MRS Blues Hello fellow beemer fans. My car is a 2009 Model E90 335i. My dash is also lighting up with the seat-belt and airbag light on constantly. As per usual the seat occupancy sensor mat is suspected, I took a look under my seat and found the following loose plug (see image). Is this the plug for my seat occupancy sensor ? If so: Where do I plug it back in ? If not: What on earth is it for ?? Attached Images
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