Airbag Light / Seat Belt Tensioner

[marlenemwa]

I'm pretty frustrated with the airbag light. It has been lit since I bought the car a few months ago. I have been reading, and this seems to be a very common fault, but no recall. It scary, since my airbag will not deploy, I have to get it fixed.

I took it to a local DME, and they said its the seat belt tensioner that needs to be replaced at more than $500. I called BMW, (I wanted to get the fault reset) but they want to charge me $190. just to diagnose this problem.

Any suggestions? (I had heard to try to unplug the battery, but that did not seem to work.)

(newbie chic)

 

[Kirby]

Alldata.com lists several TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for you car.
http://www.alldata.com/TSB/06/00069438.html

Here are the ones that might apply (I think SRS is Supplemental Restraint System):

# 720400 MAY 01 SRS - Warning Light ON/Fault Codes 16/17 Stored
# 720897 OCT 00 Airbags - Deactivation
# 720200 JUL 00 Airbag Control Module - Warning Light ON/Codes Set
# 610200 APR 00 Airbag Systems - Wiring Repair Procedure

I can't directly answer your question, rather, the TSBs indicate that several problems do exist and *perhaps* there is another answer or solution. The dealer has the TSBs, perhaps arming yourself with this list will get you a little more information from the dealer before spending money.

 

[marlenemwa]

Thanks Kirby! Your advice really helped me.

I went to the dealership with the TSB's printed out, and they were much more accommodating! They did not charge me a diagnostic fee, fixed the cable for $170. Since the job took over two hours and they had to pull the seat, I think that was very fair. Thanks again! -M

 

[Jefffontes328i]

I AM HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM!!! thanks guys