MAJOR Airbag Problem... what should I do?

[///MB]

Hey guys... I've been having problems with my airbag light coming on. I have taken the X in about 4 times now for the same problem. The dealer says that it showing a fault in my rear side airbag and it's been the same problem/fault every time. They have done everything from replacing the airbag, to the airbag module, cable harness, sensor, etc. But every time I get the car back, about a month after they "fix" the problem, the light comes back on. The last time, it was in the shop for a week because they called in some special tech from BMW NA. I was hoping it was finally fixed, but monday night the light came on again!
This will now be the 5th time I will be taking it in for the same thing. I'm really getting frustrated with taking the car in and having to waste time out of my day doing so.
What do you guys recommend I do?
Thanks.

[vinuneuro]

If the car is new enough, it might already qualify for lemon law since this problem does indeed affect passenger safety. Something to think about. The other guys here will be able to guide you better.

[///MB]

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

If the car is new enough, it might already qualify for lemon law since this problem does indeed affect passenger safety. Something to think about. The other guys here will be able to guide you better.

Thanks, unfortunately my car is now over 2 years old, going on 34K miles. I think the lemon law has to be in the first year and 12K miles. =(

I could probably just de-activate the rear-side airbags, but I paid for the option. It should work!

[powers1]

since they have changed everything related to your problem,it could be that you have a wire with a bad contact(possibly almost cut!) and it will be very difficult to find it!You have to follow the complete airbag circuit harness to hopefully find the defective wire.I was lucky!My bad wire was underneath the passengers front seat!GOOD LUCK!

[mpropst]

I had the same situation with my 03/4.4. On the third service visit they replaced the wiring harness feeding the rear passenger door and the problem hasn’t reappeared for over a year.

[///MB]

Thanks... the last visit, the BMWNA tech decided that it was a bad connection. So they crimped the connections better and hoped that was it.

If it is a cut wire, wouldn't the light come on right away? Instead of a month later?

[powers1]

Originally Posted by ///MB

Thanks... the last visit, the BMWNA tech decided that it was a bad connection. So they crimped the connections better and hoped that was it.

If it is a cut wire, wouldn't the light come on right away? Instead of a month later?

Not a cut wire!As I said above ,an "almost" cut wire! which creates a bad connection..............as seems to be the case.

[///MB]

Originally Posted by powers1

Not a cut wire!As I said above ,an "almost" cut wire! which creates a bad connection..............as seems to be the case.

ah, got it. Yeah they've replaced all the harnesses associated with the fault or so they say.

I'm gonna take it to another dealer in a week. We'll see if they can find something new on it.

[HamannE53]

Dealers usually clear the airbag light easily, just like disconnecting the battery terminal to remove a check engine light sometimes, becareful beacause some of those guys like to bring you back more and more when your car isnt under warranty.

[///MB]

Originally Posted by HamannE53

Dealers usually clear the airbag light easily, just like disconnecting the battery terminal to remove a check engine light sometimes, becareful beacause some of those guys like to bring you back more and more when your car isnt under warranty.

Thanks, yeah luckily I'm in my original 4/50 warranty. I'm planning on buying the extended 6/100 maintenance as well as the extended warranty from bmw when mine is almost up.

What really sux is that there's really nothing I can do about it other than keep taking it back. Aside from getting rid of it, but I love my car!