Deactivate Passenger Airbag for Child Seat

Justin X5 · #1 01-12-2009, 11:27 AM

My cheap toyota has this feature by using the car key. Is there a way to temporary deactivate the Passenger airbag if I wanted to place the child seat in the front? I have the E53 model 3.0D Sport.

Any help would be appreciated.

Zulu95 · #2 01-12-2009, 12:26 PM

I think it works automatically based on weight on the seat???

TwinsPoppa · #3 01-12-2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zulu95

I think it works automatically based on weight on the seat???

I think you're right but may only be for 2006 models. The earlier models don't have the airbag status light above the rearview mirror, right?

X5 Meister · #4 01-12-2009, 01:16 PM

Be VERY careful about this. I believe the airbag status light is a model year late-2005 (9/2005 models definitely had it, 7/2005 models did not have it, don't know for certain about 8/2005) and on only feature and then some early 2006 models might not have had it yet (I believe the 4.8is models got it pretty quick). But otherwise you cannot do this and it is EXTREMELY dangerous / borderline illegal to put a child's seat there. Your best bet is to go to the dealer and have them give you the official response.

I know for a fact that the rear door side-impact airbags should be deactivated (if you have them installed; option code 261) when using child seats in the rear and in some BMW's the process is not so simple. The good news is that BMW will pay for it.

JCL · #5 01-12-2009, 02:53 PM

So, to summarize:

Early models (up to 2005) had no defeat switch for the passenger airbag (front or side). It is strongly recommended not to put a child seat there. In an emergency, put the child seat there but put the seat all the way back to make some space.

2006 models had an auto-detect feature. If you have that, you have a warning light (in the mirror or in the centre stack on the dash). It is still recommended not to put a child seat there if you can help it.

The safest place for a child seat in an accident is the middle rear position. If you use the outboard positions in the rear, you may choose to go to the dealer and have the rear side airbags deactivated.

Justin X5 · #6 01-12-2009, 06:42 PM

Right...

Thanks all. I think I have had a few clarifications to my origonal question, when searching the net. Basically as you have all stated it is best have the seat in the rear. I had hoped there was a user switch to deactivate this without involving BMW too much, however, this is not available and therefore will take no chances with my little one.

Thanks again