Six problems related to air bag light on have been reported for the 1997 BMW Z3. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Upon starting the car the air bag light came on and stayed on. This is the third time this has happened. The first two time it cost approximately $350 to repair. For this to happen a third time is indicative of a design fault.
Passenger got into front seat and adjusted it down and back with the power seat controls. Airbag light illuminated and has been on ever since. I checked for broken or damaged wiring but found nothing obvious. BMW is recalling many of their new cars, but it seems their old ones exhibit the same failures.
Repeated problems with the car's airbag. The airbag light comes on and stays on. I had this problem before and I paid BMW to fix it. They told me that it was something with the seatbelt. The light has come on again.
While driving, the air bag light illuminateed on the dashboard, the airbag sensor was replaced. . Consumer stated the seat belt tensioner and harness was causing the air bag light and engine light to come on, the hood sensor for the alarm was replaced, there was a faulty thermostat that caused damage to the radiator, the glove box was replaced and the seat came out of place when stopping.
Airbag light in dasboard remains illuminated. Seatbelts appear to work, but I have had the car inspected by 2 different service shops (dave walter BMW and autobahn - both in akron, OH) and have been told that the cause is a faulty seatbelt lock on the driver's side seat.
Air bag light on. Brought to BMW charged $80 to diagnose, saw internet other owners same problem / then foundout there is a service bulliten.