2000 E46 with130K. The airbag light has come on for no apparent reason. Checked with the dealer and was told that yes, there was a recall regarding this problem, but that the 328CI was not covered, although practically every other model was. Apparently, if you hit a pothole or other bump hard enough, the sensor believes the airbag has deployed and illuminates the warning light. Dealer says to reset the light it will cost $1500! Can't pass the state vehicle inspection with the light illuminated. Any similar experience out there? Especially anyone with a 3 series coupe? Suggestions? Thanks.
Just last month we had an airbag light come on in our '99 328i sedan, and it too needed to be fixed to pass state inspection. My Peake code reader listed errors for "controller voltage" and "contoller error" (or something like that). I had a local indy shop confirm the error codes and it ended up having to go to the dealer for a new controller (most expensive part in the system I think) and controller coding that only the dealer can do (or maybe an indy with GT1, not sure). The dealer charged me about $800 total for the controller and labor (including a 10% club discount). I have heard of numerous other smaller reasons for the airbag light coming on, such as seat sensors or the key being turned on with a seat out or unplugged, for which parts are less. The whole SRS system is a bit murky for the home mechanic with coding and all, so the dealers naturally have an opportunity to gouge. Try some dialog or another dealer, as $1500 seems excessive especially if they've yet to diagnose it precisely.
