2006 BMW X5 SAV airbags complaints

Filed Sep 9, 2013 · Airbags, Seats · 94,000 miles · CA

Production date 03/2006 front passenger seat occupant detection mat malfunction. Vehicle was brought to independent shop for code reading to verify that 'airbag light off' illuminated was triggered from seat sensor. Light stays illuminated (indicating airbag is off) with adult occupant on passenger seat,approximately less than 1,000-miles after, driver dash airbag light illuminated permanently also. Vehicle was purchased as a cpo. Airbag/seat sensor code began after cpo warranty expired. During the period of my ownership, vehicle was never involved in any collisions. Vehicle was last brought in for brake and oil service at bmw dealership. Some research seem to indicate a recall regarding very similar situation (the federal safety agency campaign # 08v384000) was available for certain model bmw. Summary of the campaign letter does not include 2006 x5, however, extra notes does state that it includes "my 2006 x5." both bmw dealership and bmw of na were not able to find any recall associated with my VIN. There were made aware of the letter and were firm that vehicle was not part of the recall and repair/replacement cost at owner's expense.

Filed Dec 14, 2012 · Airbags · 60,000 miles · CA

Passenger side seat sensor has failed, leaving airbag in permanently deactivated state. This defect was previously subject of recall in other vehicles in same model year, but not particular month of manufacture of mine according to VIN. Have reported to bmw dealer and bmw na; customer service agent at bmw na initially indicated they might cover it but then request was denied by management. I have requested they simply deactivate the sensor and leave the airbag on, which would seem to be a low-cost repair. They have stated there is no safety issue in doing so. The stated purpose of the sensor is to prevent unnecessary cost for airbag replacement after an accident. This seems to be a clear design defect: if the sensor fails, the airbag should be left in the active condition, not a disabled condition. The dealer is requesting $1276 to replace the defective seat sensor. Bmw knows they are making money off this repair and has no incentive to find a low cost repair that would save lives. Software deactivation of the sensor would increase safety since some will be unable to afford a repair of this expense and driving without a passenger side SRS puts occupants at significant risk. I am a university professor and I have notified bmw na of this and if bmw continues to refuse to provide a low-cost repair for this condition I will be willing to testify at trial attesting to the fact that bmw was informed of this issue and advised of their possible liability if anyone has an accident in a 2006 x5 and the passenger airbag does not deploy resulting in increased passenger injury; contact me at [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Nov 28, 2012 · Airbags · 59,862 miles · 00

The sensor in the passenger's seat failed so the airbags light stayed on as well as the fasten seatbelt. Transport canada issued a recall # 2008307 aug. 26, 2008 confirming the problem and that"the occupant detection mat will be granteda warranty extension of 10 years" bmw will not honor this. I had to enter washington state as canada is not listed. City is surrey, british columbia, v4a8c1.

Filed Mar 10, 2012 · Airbags · 68,166 miles · VA

I noticed that the airbag light was on, I called bmw and they scheduled me for a appointment the following week. On the day of the appointment the vehicle was diagnosed and showed that the front seat mat was faulty. I paid $1400 to have it fixed. Five months since the vehicle was serviced by the dealer, the airbag light was on again which means the airbag won't deploy when it's needed.

Filed Feb 24, 2011 · Airbags · 54,000 miles · FL

My 2006 x5 bmw 4.4i has recently experienced a failure in the passenger side airbag sensor which fails to identify a passenger in the front passenger seat and thus does not activate the passenger side airbag.