Front Air Bag Sensor Control problems of the 2006 BMW M5

The vehicle warning system displayed a passenger restraint fault which disables the passenger air bag deployment. The problem was initially intermittent, but within one week is now permanently displayed. A diagnostic scan by my dealer indicates a fault with the passenger seat occupancy sensor(s). This same problem resulted in a recall for other models/years, but apparently not this one for some reason. The dealer quoted $2500 for the required repair/replacement. Meanwhile, any person in the front passenger seat is not protected by the air bag.

My vehicle has a light on for an air bag having a fault. After visiting the BMW dealership, they have informed me that this is a usual problem on this vehicle. The specific problem is the sensor on the passenger seat. The sensor detects if there is a passenger sitting or the seat is vacant. BMW has informed me that its a simple sensor, and usually would have a minimal cost. But instead BMW wants to charge you for replacing the entire seat. So the $20 sensor turns into a $4000 job. The most interesting thing, is that BMW knows about this problem and does not want to do anything to rectify it.

This vehicle make/model/year has a known problem with the front passenger seat occupancy sensor failing. This sensor fails shortly after the warranty period expires and prevents the passenger front seat airbag from deploying in the event of a collision, thereby increasing the likelihood of serious bodily injury to, or death of, the front seat passenger.

There is a message reading passenger restraint system malfunction. I found out it is the seat sensor in the seat that turns the airbag on and off when someone is sitting in the seat, so the airbag is always off regardless if someone is on the seat or not. I know there was a recall with a bunch of other 2006 5 series but the dealer is saying mine is not included. I believe the 2006 M5 should also be included in the recall if it is having the same issue as the other vehicles in the recall.

This error appears on the console every time I turn on the vehicle; exact error message is : pass. Restraint system , affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Continue to wear the safety belt. The passenger air bag passenger light is permanently on both the display console and dashboard. Took in for service at braman BMW dealership in miami on 9/20/2010 but the repair was rejected under the current recall (air bag seat sensor mat involving of 8/13/2008). According to the service technician this problem is caused by the same part (seat mat sensor) which the entire bottom seat has to replace. The car had around 54k when this problem started.

On June 24, 2006, a-united leased the M5 through BMW of monrovia, formerly assael BMW. During the duration of the lease, a-united incurred less than 1800 miles on the M5 primarily because the M5's safety and reliability had caused serious concerns. From as early as November 2006, a-united began experiencing problems with the M5 when the unusual noise from the engine became louder and louder. Shortly, the M5 began hesitating to accelerate. On October 22, 2007, the M5 was taken to BMW of monrovia for routine service as well as the cautioned service engine light soon alert on the M5. The technician explained that the M5 had a defective brake booster pressure sensor and he discovered a fault memory in the vacuum sensor. He assured that he would take care of the problem and the service light as well as the unusual noise from the engine would no longer occur. Contrary to the technician's assurance, the noise continued and did not go away. The M5 experienced acceleration problems on and off. By June 27, 2008, it was due for another routine service and again, a-united expressed concerns for the unusual noise and problems with acceleration. The technician continued to represent that the M5 was operable, safe and in working condition since his conclusion was based on the fact that none of the complaints or faults were stored. A-united trusted the technician along with BMW of north America's ("BMW") sound reputation and continued to rely on such that the M5 had no problems. But, shortly thereafter, the M5's noise grew even louder than it ever was. The service engine light soon alert came on again. In October 2008, the M5 was lightly rear-ended by another vehicle because of the acceleration problem. This time, the M5's performance issues had resulted in an accident. The M5 continues to have noises and acceleration problems. Now, the passenger airbag defect has occurred as well.