[eljefe87]

I had my 2012 328i BMW for a week and i started to get an error: passenger restraint malfunction. Took it in for service and they will be replacing the air bag module, but i was told they are not sure if that would fix the issue. The problem is that the error will not save in the vehicle info and it comes on and off. I found some similar issues on older models, but i have not seen anyone post a similar problem for a 2012.

Has any one else had the passenger restraint malfunction? If you have what did they do to your car?

[bcl0328]

you are a pioneer

[Micleg]

Safety belt? Doesn't sound like air bag. Do you have those belts that automatically remove slack when driving away?

[eljefe87]

Originally Posted by Micleg

Safety belt? Doesn't sound like air bag. Do you have those belts that automatically remove slack when driving away?

The belts are not automatic. I will update my car's status in a week or so. If i stop getting the malfunction then it probably was the air bag module.

[adgarner709]

I have the same error in my 2012. I've only had it a month and it only happens when someone is sitting in the passenger seat. BMW couldn't duplicate and reset everything but it happened again today. Maybe they'll need to replace the module?

[eljefe87]

Originally Posted by adgarner709

I have the same error in my 2012. I've only had it a month and it only happens when someone is sitting in the passenger seat. BMW couldn't duplicate and reset everything but it happened again today. Maybe they'll need to replace the module?

Well i picked up the car last Thursday. They did replace the air bag module. I drove friday, sat, sun, then i had to go out of town and the car was not driven until today . Well i started to get the error message once again. This time it has not turned off since this morning (I will see tomorrow if is still on). Last time at times it would go off. Advisor tells me that you can still have a passenger but if i get an error i do not really feel safe having a passenger. I did call the dealer and i will be taking it back to the service center on Monday. I was told that they would have to call a BMW engineer to see what the problem is. It really suck because my car has less than 650 miles on it. I will start checking the Lemon Law in my state in case after any fix they fail to resolve the problem. By the way mine turned on with no one in the seat.

[FotiosF90M5]

My car gas been doing it on and off since 50 miles. Not storing a fault. Every time I'm near a dealer it won't do it. So annoying. Hasn't done it in 2 days now.

[BMWrules7]

Originally Posted by eljefe87

I had my 2012 328i BMW for a week and i started to get an error: passenger restraint malfunction. Took it in for service and they will be replacing the air bag module, but i was told they are not sure if that would fix the issue. The problem is that the error will not save in the vehicle info and it comes on and off. I found some similar issues on older models, but i have not seen anyone post a similar problem for a 2012.

Has any one else had the passenger restraint malfunction? If you have what did they do to your car?

Make sure you snap a picture of the error with your smart phone and capture every error. Your smartphone will stamp the date and gps coordinates on the pic.

Next, presumably, you bought your BMW for safety. I would insist that only the top tech touch the airbags.

Should you ever be in a serious accident and the airbags fail to activate; BMW will be in a work of Hurt since you have the picture evidence.

[eljefe87]

Originally Posted by fotios335i

My car gas been doing it on and off since 50 miles. Not storing a fault. Every time I'm near a dealer it won't do it. So annoying. Hasn't done it in 2 days now.

I agree it is annoying. Not sure why the fault is not stored. Luckily the first time I took it for the problem the service advisor saw it on. I did have to leave the car on until she came out. This last time it was not on. The car is still at the dealer. Got a call yesterday asking if I had received other errors as the tech had found some other codes but not the passenger restraint code. Now I am really disappointed with the car. I have codes and I don't even get a warning. I will wait until I pick it up and I will also call BMW to have my issue properly documented. Damn never had any issues with my other cars all new. Guess jap cars are more reliable.

[eljefe87]

Originally Posted by BMWrules7

Make sure you snap a picture of the error with your smart phone and capture every error. Your smartphone will stamp the date and gps coordinates on the pic.

Next, presumably, you bought your BMW for safety. I would insist that only the top tech touch the airbags.

Should you ever be in a serious accident and the airbags fail to activate; BMW will be in a work of Hurt since you have the picture evidence.

I have taken a couple of pictures with my smartphone the date on the properties can show it was after the repairs. Plus from the last time I have the repair docs that say the module was replaced. I did call BMW they were going to contact the dealer but I ask for them to wait until I got a the car and an actual diagnosis on the problem (that's if they find something). I told them I do not feel safe having a passenger. Advisor told me it was ok but if I have an error things are not ok. if they tell me that again I will ask that they provide that in writing and accept responsibility if in an accident it malfunctions (which they will do I am sure).

[mayhip]

I had the same issue just recently. Passenger seatbelt/restraint malfunction. The light would stay on, but if I restarted the car it would go away. It came on again so I took it to the dealership.

On the work order it says a plan crash module needs to be replaced and they ordered a control unit airbag. Part is on back order cause its a new model.

I am driving a 2012 328i sports line. Canada

[neilk]

I wouldn't really worry about having a passenger in the car. As long as the seatbelt stays buckled, that passenger would be safer than in a lot of cars.

That said, I would definitely want it fixed, but I wouldn't let the error message stop you from having a passenger in the car.

[Anonymous347]

Any resolution on this issue? I just picked up a 2013 328i and saw this error last night driving home. After shutting ignition off then turn back on it was gone.

Anyone else had this on a 2013 f30? I feel like maybe this is not a big deal but now its bothering me what if I had an accident and I kill my passenger cuz I didnt fix this.

[Steve33]

Sheesh, this sounds a little scary. Honestly I'd take it straight back to the dealer if you got the error. Whenever I get an error, thankfully I live near a BMW dealer and drive straight there. I refuse to turn the car off in fear of the error clearing itself and make them take me back there to watch them read the code (since that only takes a few minutes)

[Anonymous347]

Originally Posted by Steve33

Sheesh, this sounds a little scary. Honestly I'd take it straight back to the dealer if you got the error. Whenever I get an error, thankfully I live near a BMW dealer and drive straight there. I refuse to turn the car off in fear of the error clearing itself and make them take me back there to watch them read the code (since that only takes a few minutes)

Well since I restarted the car when it happened and this morning the warning didnt come back I need to wait when it comes back and take a pic of it as people suggested it here. It sucks the car only have 200 miles on it...kinda ruined my first new car experience.

[Steve33]

Originally Posted by Anonymous347

Well since I restarted the car when it happened and this morning the warning didnt come back I need to wait when it comes back and take a pic of it as people suggested it here. It sucks the car only have 200 miles on it...kinda ruined my first new car experience.

Yeah for sure. I have 330 or so, it's on a shipping truck so with my luck it'll come back with 1000, Lol. I just hope this doesn't happen to me. Some friends and I spiritedly drove some cars, an e350 rental included. The seatbelt restraint system in that car is annoying. It pulls an already tight seatbelt even tighter, but I'm pretty sure the way we were driving it was probably needed. One more thing to break.

Well good luck, hopefully it ends up fixed.

[Anonymous347]

The dealer said I needed a software update, this error message known for the 2012/13 3 series models. I'm taking the car in next week for the update hope that will be the end of it.

[34.50]

Originally Posted by Anonymous347

The dealer said I needed a software update, this error message known for the 2012/13 3 series models. I'm taking the car in next week for the update hope that will be the end of it.

Can you give us more details - what date/version of software, if you have it when you get it fixed. Thanks! I have this problem intermittently on my '13 335xi

[JMSpace144]

Didnt read all of the replies but i had this on my 06 325. Passenger seat pressure sensor mat cracked. Unfortunately if the same happened to you and it has not been recalled it was something like a 1300 dollar repair. Common problem on my model, and if they didnt change the manufacturer then well...yeah.

[Anonymous347]

Originally Posted by 34.50

Can you give us more details - what date/version of software, if you have it when you get it fixed. Thanks! I have this problem intermittently on my '13 335xi

Sure I will try to find out the update version but if I were you Id take it in they can check if you need an update in 30 min and its free.

[34.50]

Originally Posted by Anonymous347

Sure I will try to find out the update version but if I were you Id take it in they can check if you need an update in 30 min and its free.

Yep, I plan to. I just haven't had time - summer + holidays = busy!

[RallycrossIX89]

I had this problem