[Handlebar]

I was getting ready to take my son's car for emissions/safety inspection and I realized his airbag light is on.

Any suggestions on next steps to verify there is a problem, or what steps to take to fix this?

I tried to verify the light was actually warning me since my son started wrenching a little bit. I tried using a OBD2 reader at Autozone, but it just told me '1 code' and '5 codes' - not what the codes were, nor any details. I also tried using a fancy Bluetooth OBD2 reader with some phone apps. A couple apps gave some info on performance info, but no apps gave me info on error or fault codes.

I have a feeling this won't pass an inspection - and may not be safe, if left alone - I appreciate suggestions or directions immensely.

[Goggles Paesano]

The airbag light is n/a in md for state inspection. However a cheap diagnostic tool can be bought on ebay.

[Jazzbass]

You may have to use a BMW specific scan tool that connects to the big round underhood port to read this code. If you can drive it to my house I can read the code for you.

[Handlebar]

Originally Posted by Jazzbass

You may have to use a BMW specific scan tool that connects to the big round underhood port to read this code. If you can drive it to my house I can read the code for you.

I will see what I can do on my schedule - I am in Virginia (Dulles airport/Herndon area), so I will plan ahead - thanks!

[hberwald]

I have one. Sold the car so it is available if you want. $50?
hberwald@msn.com

[BeerBurner]

Our E36 airbag light periodically lights up due to a flaky seat occupancy sensor so I bought a Peak tool for it. Feel free to stop by and scan the codes as well as turn the light off. It may very well just stay off for a while.

BB.

[ChaosRogue]

I had the same issue with my E46. It had something to do with a faulty sensor in the seatbelt latch of all things. To fix it, they basically had to cut out a chunk of the wiring harness and replace it. It was a complete pain in the ass. Hopefully yours won't be so bad.

Best of luck!

[John Clay]

My E36 that was passed on to cmartin a while back had the airbag light also. I tried a few fixes without success. Not my problem anymore.

[Goggles Paesano]

The cluster is held in by 2 screws on the bezel, and a couple screws on the cluster itself. Pop out the light bulb and problem solved. The e36 airbag light comes on when the wind blows, so even moving the seat can trigger it. ignore it unless it really matters to you.

[Handlebar]

Originally Posted by Goggles Paesano

The cluster is held in by 2 screws on the bezel, and a couple screws on the cluster itself. Pop out the light bulb and problem solved. The e36 airbag light comes on when the wind blows, so even moving the seat can trigger it. ignore it unless it really matters to you.

It mattered to the Virginia inspector, so I guess it needs to matter to me now...

Originally Posted by BeerBurner

Our E36 airbag light periodically lights up due to a flaky seat occupancy sensor so I bought a Peak tool for it. Feel free to stop by and scan the codes as well as turn the light off. It may very well just stay off for a while.

BB.

Sweet! You are in Sterling? That is right around the corner. I will see if we can set a time that works, then check with Jazz if I need to delve further.