Front Air Bag Sensor Control problems of the 2012 BMW 328

Passenger seat mat sensor for airbag control is malfunctioning. The warning is showing that the system is not working properly and that a seat belt needs to be continued to be worn. Dealer price to fix this safety issue is approximately $1200.

Passenger seat occupancy sensor failure renders passenger seat airbag systems inactive when passenger seat is occupied. Vehicle is 2012 model year with approximately 80,000 miles.

Vehicle at approximately 36,000 miles started exhibiting an intermittent warning for passenger restraint system malfunction. BMW of ontario, CA diagnosed the issue as a faulty seat occupancy sensor, but declined warranty coverage due to vehicle age and exclusion from 3rd party warranty. This appears to be a fairly widespread issue based 1) many of the online owner forums cover this problem. 2) the problem is widespread enough to support several manufacturers making and selling bypass\emulator devices to circumvent the failed sensor. A critical safety device for controlling airbag deployment should not be failing so early or frequently.

I bought my car at around 50k miles, after manufacturer' warranty had expired. It was fine for about a month after my purchase. One day, after driving from the store, my car indicated I needed to fasten my seatbelt. I was fastened in. So I stopped and restarted the car, thinking it was some weird electrical problem. I restarted the car and the same thing happened. I got home and the next time I got into my car to drive it, the display now shows" driver restraint system malfunction: continue wearing safety belt. Consult nearest service center. " I took the car to the dealership. The warranty I purchased does not cover seatbelts or airbag sensors. The dealer gave me a cost of replacement: $820. 52! I have read that others have had this issue. Yet, there is no recall. Why would it be okay for seatbelts and airbag sensors to stop working just after 50k miles?.