Seat sensor malfunction

smellthebeans · 02-12-2011, 02:30 PM

Bummer.

I have not seen a DIY. Maybe some one can post the TSB instructions for this?

You may also be able to find a undamaged seat from a wrecked car for about the same amount as the repair? Ask the if the car needs to be "recoded" to recognize the new part. This is usually the case with the locking systems and ignition related items. The seats are heavy, sport seats weight about 60-70 pounds having a buddy to help is advisable so you do not cause any further damage.

Lenaxia · 02-14-2011, 07:44 PM

It goes away when you clip the passenger seatbelt in.

I'm thinking about trying to look at hotwiring the seatbelt sensor so it always thinks the seat belt is clipped in.

Just haven't had a chance to investigate enough yet. Wish I had a spare seat belt reciever.

Taipei-TT · 02-16-2011, 06:29 PM

Interesting case of a sensor...and international regulations regarding seatbelts and airbags.

Here in Taiwan, my 2011 e92 does not give a damn if my passenger wears a seatbelt or not, never mind deactivating the airbag based on the weight of the front seat passenger. I suppose liability laws have a lot to do with it, but I would prefer that my car tell me that my passenger is wearing or not wearing a seatbelt. Unless I have a rather fine lady in the passenger seat wearing black...which given that the seatbelt is black to, requires a more thorough pre-drive safety inspection!

But in all seriousness, I can't believe BMW is not stepping up on such an important safety issue. For those considering fixing it themselves, this is a complex system that MUST work when you really need it. I for one would only trust this with the professionals who have the tools to make sure it's going to work. I totally agree BMW should pay you for it, but if they are not, are you really comfortable increasing the risk to a loved one for $1000? I would get rid of the car or fix it properly. Actually, I would just fix it and make sure my dealer remembers this when it comes time for me to buy a new car...

Lenaxia · 02-16-2011, 08:31 PM

I don't really have a problem with it other than the annoyin ding because the way mine failed the airbag is alway on so it's not a risk factor for my loved ones.

Phil325 · 02-17-2011, 10:26 AM

just to add to the thread, i was also given the cold shoulder by the dealership when i brought this recall issue up. i know my car was manufactured within those dates, and even though my VIN (according to their computers) didnt require a recall, i agree with those who stated that ALL of the cars should have this recall service available to them. it's not my fault the lights are on, or that the seatbelt chime doesnt go off anymore when the passenger forgets the seatbelt. i've never been in an accident or any type of situation that would cause this sensor to go bad. BMW needs to address this situation to benefit all their customers affected, not just the "200,000 units".

i refuse to pay $1000 for something they should be getting right the first time around. unbelievable.

focusse · 03-11-2011, 03:04 PM

i have 330xi no warranty and was denied recall just now how do i get this fixed ??

GQ335i · 03-11-2011, 04:28 PM

If it's the same problem my E60 550i had, it was replaced by the dealer at no cost because here is a TSB for the Seat Mat Sensor. Not sure if it applies for the E9x as well. I'd look into it.

smellthebeans · 03-12-2011, 01:14 PM

A TSB is not a recall... its just an "internal" technical bulletin advising maintenance workers on common failures, trouble shooting, & repair.

If yours is repaired gratis out of warranty and not within the recall window consider yourself lucky.

DaFish · 03-12-2011, 05:06 PM

Well, this has happened to my 2008 335i now.. both Airbag and seat belt lights on... no chime though. Doesn't matter if the passenger is there or not.

I have not gone under the seat yet to check cables... I will now, but not hopeful. I think my wife was kneeling on the seat just before it happened to get a bag out of the back seat. I had the car off then... when I started it back up, the lights were on.

I have emailed the dealership and have an appointment on thursday. I am 500kms OUT of warranty.... F_CK. I am going to push them to see if they want me to buy there again essentially.... I got the Dinan S2 and S3 suspension there, I have spent LOTS... lets see if they recognize that.

fdriller9 · 03-12-2011, 10:08 PM

Most of the recalls affect 5 series since the E90 came out in late 05 as an 06 model....the recall date range is before the E90 production dates and a bit after they started production.

So there will be very few E9xs covered under this recall.

I had my passenger side seat mat sensor covered under CPO....just paid the deductible. No sport seats so it wouldn't qualify for the recall at all.

33five · 05-24-2011, 04:30 PM

just called SA and BMW NA to be denied. this is ridiculous

axis · 05-24-2011, 08:26 PM

My 330i has this same issue as well. It happens more frequently when certain people sit in the seat. I get the annoying ding and my idrive tells me that there is a malfunction in the sensor. It will go away if nobody is sitting there after a day or so. With all the different ways to code these cars, it seems like somebody would be able to find a way to disable that sensor or tell the car to never disable the passenger airbag. I don't ever have children in my car or anyone else who wouldn't benefit from the airbag being on so that solution would be the best for me. I also tried contacting BMW and they told me that mine wasn't part of the recall, but they would run a diagnostic on it just to be sure.. but i'd be responsible for paying the diagnostic fee. Screw that, I'm not giving them money just to hear the same thing about it not being covered.

pruettfan · 05-25-2011, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by index1489

its a recall, IT DOSEN'T MATTER IF YOUR CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY OR NOT, its a saftey concern and it will be fixed for free, TAKE IT TO THE DEALER,

tell them you have the passenger occupancy mat recall, they will take care of it.

Sorry but that will not work unless your car is effected by the recall.

DaFish · 05-25-2011, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaFish

Well, this has happened to my 2008 335i now.. both Airbag and seat belt lights on... no chime though. Doesn't matter if the passenger is there or not.

I have not gone under the seat yet to check cables... I will now, but not hopeful. I think my wife was kneeling on the seat just before it happened to get a bag out of the back seat. I had the car off then... when I started it back up, the lights were on.

I have emailed the dealership and have an appointment on thursday. I am 500kms OUT of warranty.... F_CK. I am going to push them to see if they want me to buy there again essentially.... I got the Dinan S2 and S3 suspension there, I have spent LOTS... lets see if they recognize that.

My alert went away when I cleared the fault code.... looks like a one time issue. It will come back of course.

33five · 05-25-2011, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaFish

My alert went away when I cleared the fault code.... looks like a one time issue. It will come back of course.

when you cleared the fault, did the seatbelt icon on the cluster and the warning on the idrive disappear? I'm also planning on clearing the fault too, but I gotta pay.

pony_trekker · 05-25-2011, 07:50 PM

Go to the NTSB

DaFish · 05-25-2011, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33five

when you cleared the fault, did the seatbelt icon on the cluster and the warning on the idrive disappear? I'm also planning on clearing the fault too, but I gotta pay.

The dealer cleared it... I paid I think 160 bucks - robbery...

I think the BT handheld may do this too... I think the Procede does too - clear codes. Look into this - don't pay the bastards any more.

My code didn't come back and check the date on my original post... it was a while ago.

Also DON'T KNEEL ON OUR SEATS. This may have been a big cause.

apc3libras · 06-14-2011, 10:01 AM

I have had the airbag and seat belt light come on before. It usually goes away if I turn off the car and turn it back on. It happened a few months ago, then nothing for a while, then it did it this morning. Not sure what is going on. If I plug it in to a code reader, will it show anything, even if the light is off?

Phil325 · 06-15-2011, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaFish

Well, this has happened to my 2008 335i now.. both Airbag and seat belt lights on... no chime though. Doesn't matter if the passenger is there or not.

I have not gone under the seat yet to check cables... I will now, but not hopeful. I think my wife was kneeling on the seat just before it happened to get a bag out of the back seat. I had the car off then... when I started it back up, the lights were on.

my airbag/seatbelt lights (also no chime) have been on my dash for over a year now. did messing with the cables under the seat work?

to anyone else, did you resolve this yourself or through a local shop? somewhere that doesnt need us to be raped by bmw? anyone?

d8rknight · 09-22-2011, 01:37 PM

Just called BMW NA and got denied as well.. 2007 e92. 60k mi.. i feel everyones pain. gonna call LTBMW and see how much they charge to do it, or just to clear the code. Its an annoying RED AIRBAG/SEATBELT symbol on my cluster. bmw needs to get it together

monkey_wrench · 10-02-2011, 08:30 PM

Tag - as my light came on today.

Reset it with INPA, but it came back on later.

e90-ZeRo · 10-28-2011, 12:37 PM

Hello hello, i'm also experiencing this, haha. BMW denied both the recall claim and a goodwill repair service.

02-12-2011, 02:30 PM	#45
smellthebeans Lieutenant Colonel 87 Rep 1,555 Posts Drives: LPCs Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: San Antonio iTrader: (2) Garage List 1990 325i [0.00]	Bummer. I have not seen a DIY. Maybe some one can post the TSB instructions for this? You may also be able to find a undamaged seat from a wrecked car for about the same amount as the repair? Ask the if the car needs to be "recoded" to recognize the new part. This is usually the case with the locking systems and ignition related items. The seats are heavy, sport seats weight about 60-70 pounds having a buddy to help is advisable so you do not cause any further damage. __________________
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02-14-2011, 07:44 PM	#46
Lenaxia Lieutenant 41 Rep 566 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi 6MT Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Santa Clara, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330xi [0.00]	It goes away when you clip the passenger seatbelt in. I'm thinking about trying to look at hotwiring the seatbelt sensor so it always thinks the seat belt is clipped in. Just haven't had a chance to investigate enough yet. Wish I had a spare seat belt reciever. __________________
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02-16-2011, 06:29 PM	#47
Taipei-TT Captain 25 Rep 642 Posts Drives: 2014 X3 2.0D Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Canadian in Taipei iTrader: (0)	Interesting case of a sensor...and international regulations regarding seatbelts and airbags. Here in Taiwan, my 2011 e92 does not give a damn if my passenger wears a seatbelt or not, never mind deactivating the airbag based on the weight of the front seat passenger. I suppose liability laws have a lot to do with it, but I would prefer that my car tell me that my passenger is wearing or not wearing a seatbelt. Unless I have a rather fine lady in the passenger seat wearing black...which given that the seatbelt is black to, requires a more thorough pre-drive safety inspection! But in all seriousness, I can't believe BMW is not stepping up on such an important safety issue. For those considering fixing it themselves, this is a complex system that MUST work when you really need it. I for one would only trust this with the professionals who have the tools to make sure it's going to work. I totally agree BMW should pay you for it, but if they are not, are you really comfortable increasing the risk to a loved one for $1000? I would get rid of the car or fix it properly. Actually, I would just fix it and make sure my dealer remembers this when it comes time for me to buy a new car... Last edited by Taipei-TT; 02-16-2011 at 06:38 PM..
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02-16-2011, 08:31 PM	#48
Lenaxia Lieutenant 41 Rep 566 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi 6MT Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Santa Clara, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330xi [0.00]	I don't really have a problem with it other than the annoyin ding because the way mine failed the airbag is alway on so it's not a risk factor for my loved ones. __________________
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02-17-2011, 10:26 AM	#49
Phil325 Major 15 Rep 1,012 Posts Drives: 06 SGM E90 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: West Melbourne, Fl/Jacksonville, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [10.00]	just to add to the thread, i was also given the cold shoulder by the dealership when i brought this recall issue up. i know my car was manufactured within those dates, and even though my VIN (according to their computers) didnt require a recall, i agree with those who stated that ALL of the cars should have this recall service available to them. it's not my fault the lights are on, or that the seatbelt chime doesnt go off anymore when the passenger forgets the seatbelt. i've never been in an accident or any type of situation that would cause this sensor to go bad. BMW needs to address this situation to benefit all their customers affected, not just the "200,000 units". i refuse to pay $1000 for something they should be getting right the first time around. unbelievable. __________________ work in progress..
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03-11-2011, 03:04 PM	#50
focusse Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 225 Posts Drives: BMW 330xi Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Boston MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330xi [9.00]	i have 330xi no warranty and was denied recall just now how do i get this fixed ??
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03-11-2011, 04:28 PM	#51
GQ335i First Lieutenant 18 Rep 368 Posts Drives: BMW M5 (E60) Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: PA/NJ iTrader: (5)	If it's the same problem my E60 550i had, it was replaced by the dealer at no cost because here is a TSB for the Seat Mat Sensor. Not sure if it applies for the E9x as well. I'd look into it. __________________
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03-12-2011, 01:14 PM	#52
smellthebeans Lieutenant Colonel 87 Rep 1,555 Posts Drives: LPCs Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: San Antonio iTrader: (2) Garage List 1990 325i [0.00]	A TSB is not a recall... its just an "internal" technical bulletin advising maintenance workers on common failures, trouble shooting, & repair. If yours is repaired gratis out of warranty and not within the recall window consider yourself lucky. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-12-2011, 05:06 PM	#53
DaFish Major 158 Rep 1,288 Posts Drives: 2014 435iX, FBO Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 435i Xdrive [0.00]	Well, this has happened to my 2008 335i now.. both Airbag and seat belt lights on... no chime though. Doesn't matter if the passenger is there or not. I have not gone under the seat yet to check cables... I will now, but not hopeful. I think my wife was kneeling on the seat just before it happened to get a bag out of the back seat. I had the car off then... when I started it back up, the lights were on. I have emailed the dealership and have an appointment on thursday. I am 500kms OUT of warranty.... F_CK. I am going to push them to see if they want me to buy there again essentially.... I got the Dinan S2 and S3 suspension there, I have spent LOTS... lets see if they recognize that. __________________ 2020 M2 Competition HS, DCT, 763s, Carbon: splitter, side skirt, grill, diffuser, wing Previous: 2014 BMW F32 435iX - JB4, MHD Flash, BMS Meth Kit, ER Intercooler, intake, catless DPs, KW Streets, 437M Reps with 245/35 and 275/30 Michelin PSS 4S
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03-12-2011, 10:08 PM	#54
fdriller9 Banned 253 Rep 7,089 Posts Drives: '06 AW 330xi Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Jersey/Philly/NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330xi [6.44]	Most of the recalls affect 5 series since the E90 came out in late 05 as an 06 model....the recall date range is before the E90 production dates and a bit after they started production. So there will be very few E9xs covered under this recall. I had my passenger side seat mat sensor covered under CPO....just paid the deductible. No sport seats so it wouldn't qualify for the recall at all.
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05-24-2011, 04:30 PM	#55
33five Captain 31 Rep 631 Posts Drives: E92 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Norcal iTrader: (10)	just called SA and BMW NA to be denied. this is ridiculous
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05-24-2011, 08:26 PM	#56
axis First Lieutenant 18 Rep 345 Posts Drives: 2019 430i Gran Coupe Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Florida iTrader: (2)	My 330i has this same issue as well. It happens more frequently when certain people sit in the seat. I get the annoying ding and my idrive tells me that there is a malfunction in the sensor. It will go away if nobody is sitting there after a day or so. With all the different ways to code these cars, it seems like somebody would be able to find a way to disable that sensor or tell the car to never disable the passenger airbag. I don't ever have children in my car or anyone else who wouldn't benefit from the airbag being on so that solution would be the best for me. I also tried contacting BMW and they told me that mine wasn't part of the recall, but they would run a diagnostic on it just to be sure.. but i'd be responsible for paying the diagnostic fee. Screw that, I'm not giving them money just to hear the same thing about it not being covered.
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05-25-2011, 07:50 PM	#60
pony_trekker Second Lieutenant 2 Rep 274 Posts Drives: 535 x drive Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Go to the NTSB
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06-14-2011, 10:01 AM	#62
apc3libras Lieutenant Colonel 35 Rep 1,691 Posts Drives: E36 M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: UTAH iTrader: (3) Garage List 1999 BMW M3 [4.00]	I have had the airbag and seat belt light come on before. It usually goes away if I turn off the car and turn it back on. It happened a few months ago, then nothing for a while, then it did it this morning. Not sure what is going on. If I plug it in to a code reader, will it show anything, even if the light is off? __________________ 2007 BMW 328I Monaco Blue /// 1999 BMW M3 Titanium Silver /// 2007 BMW 328I Sparkling Graphite (sold)
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09-22-2011, 01:37 PM	#64
d8rknight Lieutenant 39 Rep 585 Posts Drives: 2010 335i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Tampa iTrader: (1) Garage List 2005 Yamaha R1 [0.00] 2011 Infinity G37x [0.00] 2010 335i [0.00]	Just called BMW NA and got denied as well.. 2007 e92. 60k mi.. i feel everyones pain. gonna call LTBMW and see how much they charge to do it, or just to clear the code. Its an annoying RED AIRBAG/SEATBELT symbol on my cluster. bmw needs to get it together __________________ 2010 335i Coupe / 6MT / MHD \| FBO+ MMP S3 /AUBURN WDE / PATRIOTS / CELTICS / REDSOX
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10-02-2011, 08:30 PM	#65
monkey_wrench Caught the Bimmer-Bug 50 Rep 639 Posts Drives: '06 330i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (10) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Tag - as my light came on today. Reset it with INPA, but it came back on later.
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10-28-2011, 12:37 PM	#66
e90-ZeRo Prone to sudden bursts of acceleration 16 Rep 244 Posts Drives: 3-Series Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Hello hello, i'm also experiencing this, haha. BMW denied both the recall claim and a goodwill repair service.
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