general problems of the 2005 BMW 525

Passenger restraint system fault.

A passenger entered my car and sat in the front passenger seat. Approximately 30 seconds later, a warning came up on my dashboard about a passenger restraint malfunction. The seatbelt signal and airbag signal remained illuminated on my dashboard thereafter. . . Each time I drive my vehicle. I read an online notice from 2008 saying that BMW issued a recall for this issue, however, upon entering my VIN number on their website, they said there are no known recalls for my vehicle.

Passenger restraint system error came up two days after buying this serviced BMW at BMW of fairfax, va, pre owned dealer. This happened when the passenger sat in passenger seat for the first time and kept staying on since. In reference to this there is a recall for all 04-06 5 series for a faulty seat mat (NHTSA campaign number 08v384000) and I have also contacted NHTSA by phone, reference # 521-787. I went to the local dealer and I was told that for some reason my VIN is not included in the recall and that I should contact the manufacturer. When I contacted the manufacturer their response was the same, that my VIN is not included in the recall and that since my car is not under warranty anymore there's nothing they can do for me even after I mentioned the recall campaign associated with your investigation. When asked why my VIN was not included (since it is obvious that my car has the same faulty device) I was told that they have conducted an extensive investigation and they concluded that some cars should not be included. I don't know how they are allowed to do that since obviously there are cars with the same problem that they have excluded (I am also referring to the several other complaints filed with NHTSA for the same reason). The manufacturer should not rip off owners by charging them or forcing them to rely on expensive warranty for already heavily overpriced work that has to be done to replace faulty parts that they have put in. They shouldn't be allowed to have this loophole where they claim that not all the vins are included when it is obvious that they should be included. The manufacturer should be held responsible for faulty devices they put in the car especially when it comes to safety.

I was leaving the bowing alley and noticed the restraint system malfunction light was on and it will not go off. I called the company in reference to a recall about the same problem, however, they claim that my VIN # isn't covered under the recall id # 73379 or NHTSA campaign number 08v384000. It is very disheartening to save up and buy your dream car to only have it to malfunction in a months time. I don' t have any faith or trust in the BMW company and will not recommend them to anyone. They are not loyal to their customers and fail to stand by their product. I will go back to Ford.