module under x5 seat

[switchman]

Anyone know what this is ? I was looking for possible loose wiring causing intermittent airbag warning light and had a closer look at this box under both front seats. Different passenger side seat positioning triggers the airbag warning light to come on.

[DunKeL GraU]

I'm not sure what actual
Part of the picture you are referring to but it is a fairly common issue with the pass side seat sensor. More than likely the occupancy sensor is shot. I don't know what year your X is but if it's an older model they make a bypass sensor that basically keeps the airbag on all the time ( as opposed to only when the seat is occupied). I purchased this on eBay for 15 dollars shipped from Lithuania I think but as I have learned since receiving it that it only works for
Older X5's. It will it not work for a 2006 X5. If you do more research in your issue and decide you want this sensor I can sell
It to you for 10 dollars shipped. . It took about three weeks for
Me to receive from overseas so you would be ahead of the game there. It is a plug and play installation as they say.

Here is a link describing the process. Check out post # 6. It describes the process for an E39 but seems to be the same for the X5 also.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=602138

[DunKeL GraU]

I've been doing some research myself and see you may have a 2006 so my sensor won't work for you anyway but I did find this in EBay:

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewi...d=160854844395

The wires I found under my seat were the three wire configuration so I am wondering if the bypass in the above link will work. Does anyone have any thoughts or expierience with this part? And also does anyone have any info in a possible recall BMW had concerning this issue. I have read info on several other BMW forums about a recal but nothing specifically about the X5. My x5 is over 100k mileage.

[switchman]

'm not sure what actual
Part of the picture you are referring to but it is a fairly common issue with the pass side seat sensor.

Its the black box with 2 dials; dials actually rotates. The wires coming out of it goes to a connector/harness under the seat. I'm thinking it may have something to do with seat sensitivity ? Is it related to the airbag warning light issue ?

There's a certain passenger seat position that clears the warning light, sometimes the seat belt warning does not come on when seat belt is unlatch when in driving evven when the airbag warning has cleared with repositioning the seat. I have read a post in the past about the switches being faulty but i can not find it anymore.

BTW, i also have a '06 4.41; i would also check out that vendor from ebay about the airbag defeat device.
Thanks.

[DunKeL GraU]

I think that black box is related to the heater/AC system. I'm pretty sure it is not airbag related.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by switchman

Anyone know what this is ?

Not sure what it is...but if you had backed up off it a bit and perhaps took a pic of the 11 or 7 digit BMW part nbr on it...we could have easily entered that number into the part database at RealOEM.com * Online BMW Parts Catalog to find out what it is.

We do know that what ever part it is...it was mfg'd on 7/20/06.

Again, take another look to see if the BMW part nbr is visible.

[Zulu95]

I had an intermittent airbag warning light that was caused by a worn/dirty ignition switch.

[x,man]

Originally Posted by DunKeL GraU

I think that black box is related to the heater/AC system. I'm pretty sure it is not airbag related.

Correct,

Picture is of heater duct for rear left or right , items 2 and 4 in the link

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i AIR CHANNEL

Nothing to do with SRS related.

[switchman]

You're right, x,man. I just checked just now and when I cranked up a/c to maximum, i felt the air blowing in my hand. So nothing to do with airbag problem.

Now back to real issue; has anyone fixed their problem besides other than doing the bypass method ? I ask because the warning light goes away in certain seat postion which i still have not determined the exact placement that extinguishes the light. I'm close though how far from dashboard to position front of seat though. I also checked and wiggled the wires hanging under the seat thinking a frayed wire may be causing the problem but did find that to be the cause. I'm also not convinced the bypass method leaves all airbag active in event of accident. Of course we won't find out unless somebody have had a misfortune and i hope no one goes thru that.

I'm still looking for that post wherein the fix was switch replacement, i kinda remember something about drilling into the seat frame or something.

[bmw_jeff_X5]

I'm having a similar intermittent issue and the thought that seat position is related to it is an interesting thought. It appears to happen most often when I have a very tall person (my brother is 6-7) in the seat. The seat of course is just about at the furthest position to the rear. It's quite annoying. The light always ends up going off in a few minutes as does the occupancy sensor light at the headliner.
I've also had the problem with the light going off with something as simple as my Ipad being in the seat. However, the seat may also be in the furthest position to the rear when this happens. My X5 was manufactured in June 2006.