P38A Airbag deployed

P38 BMW diesel DSE year 2000. I've had this vehicle for 12 years but perhaps not much longer after this...... Just left a shop, (getting a jar of mayonnaise for she who must be obeyed if you want the full picture), got in car, turned on ignition and warning said AIRBAG FAULT. Oh, I thought...... then, as I started the car an airbag deployed out of the side of the passenger seat! Thought I'd been shot, but as the smoke cleared I was apparently ok and glad there was no passenger. I didn't even know there was a side airbag and I certainly didn't know that it was actually part of the seat - when it deploys it rips the side seam of the seat.
Anyway,chaps,
Has this ever happened to anyone else - especially when parked!
and what sort of a job is it to change?
and (let me down lightly please) how much for me to do it or for a garage?
And, as one has gone off, are others likely to follow?

Blimey! Not heard that before. Sounds like a wire chafed and found an earth.

Seats fairly plentiful on eBay. Just 4 bolts, a plug or two and lift in and out. Dead easy.

Hey! Never thought about changing the seat! Doh! Thank for that I'll look on eBay now. Rob

I'd be checking the crash sensors and wiring too, otherwise you'll be changing seats every day!!!

Cheers for that - although I've no idea where the crash sensor or wiring might be? I had assumed it was built into the seat.......

I seem to recall it's behind the front bumper. It will probably be in RAVE. Download it if you don't have it already. Very useful!

Is it possible your bumper was nudged whilst you weren't in the vehicle ?

On the year 2000 model there are no crash sensors on the chassis legs. The crash sensor is in the SRS ECU under the scuttle. Seat bags can be disconnected and a suitable resistor fitted into the line to trick the ECU into thinking bags are connected.

wammers said:

On the year 2000 model there are no crash sensors on the chassis legs. The crash sensor is in the SRS ECU under the scuttle. Seat bags can be disconnected and a suitable resistor fitted into the line to trick the ECU into thinking bags are connected.

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You think the ECU is fried?

Grrrrrr said:

You think the ECU is fried?

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Don't have a clue. But something sent voltage to the bag to set it off. Not things to play with unless you have special knowledge and equipment.

This is the first I've heard of this. Never ever seen one go off on it's own accord. A bit like my girlfriend.
A damned good idea though. Rig a switch to blow the bag on the seat they're sitting in.

The service book say's the airbags should be replaced every 12 years.

Rick-the-Pick said:

The service book say's the airbags should be replaced every 12 years.

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At a cost of £4447.96 plus fitting. Can't see that happening too often to be honest.

Rick-the-Pick said:

The service book say's the airbags should be replaced every 12 years.

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Don't have them in my seats but my front one has been there 22 years this month!

Ref: your advice and comments chaps.

In the first reply above from "Grrrr" - your possible diagnosis was correct mate. An airbag feed wire under the seat had become tangled in the seat runner and had shorted out. So have a look at yours!

As "Grrrr" also said, there are lots of seats on Ebay but the breakers don't want to sell one seat, they want to sell you a set. However, I have ordered an Ebay replacement airbag (not new but with same part number taken from an identical car as it happens), and found a man who will fit it (which isn't a problem) and re-sew the seat (which is) for £90 - a useful bloke whose reputation from a local garage and nearby business is excellent. http://www.davetedstone.co.uk/

So thanks for help, especially "Grrrr"

Rick-the-Pick said:

This is the first I've heard of this. Never ever seen one go off on it's own accord. A bit like my girlfriend.
A damned good idea though. Rig a switch to blow the bag on the seat they're sitting in.

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, makes me titter everytime