[RobNH]

I brought my 2008 335xi coupe into the dealer to have the recall notices for the software upgrade, fuel injectors and HPFP addressed.

Before the software upgrade, if the passenger side door was opened prior to starting the car (regardless of whether or not anyone got into the passenger seat), as soon as you started the car - the passenger side seat belt would extend and then retract.

Now, after the software upgrade, it won't extend unless:

1. With someone in the passenger seat, you press the start button first to turn on the accessories, put your foot on the brake, then press the start button again to start the engine or...

2. After the car is started, the person in the passenger seat opens and closes the door.

Has anyone else had this issue after receiving the upgraded software from the dealer?

-Rob

[vtec96]

I have the same problem for 2 years...and dealer can't fix that!!!!

[RobNH]

Originally Posted by vtec96

I have the same problem for 2 years...and dealer can't fix that!!!!

Did it happen after you got the software upgrade?

[PTinVT]

I'm lost - it sounds like it's working better, i.e. it DOESN'T extend if NOBODY is sitting there, right? I wish mine would behave like that, I almost never have passengers. Mine always extends after I open the passenger door just to put stuff in that side of the car. I'm guessing this is programmed so it only cycles when necessary to extend the time between failures...

What is it not doing that you preferred?

[RobNH]

Originally Posted by PTinVT

I'm lost - it sounds like it's working better, i.e. it DOESN'T extend if NOBODY is sitting there, right? I wish mine would behave like that, I almost never have passengers. Mine always extends after I open the passenger door just to put stuff in that side of the car. I'm guessing this is programmed so it only cycles when necessary to extend the time between failures...

What is it not doing that you preferred?

Nope. It doesn't extend even if someone is sitting there - unless, I turn on the accessories first, then start the engine.

If two people get in the car, and I immediately start the engine without turning on the accessories, my belt (the driver) extends. The passenger belt does not. The passenger has to open the door and then immediately shut it in order to get the belt to extend.

[John 070]

Mine broke, I ripped the arm out of the pass. side, put it back, kept resetting the pinch protection. Yesterday I open and shut the pass. door to get something, the arm extends, I say oh s***, the arm retracts normally. It's really unreliable, I think we should just not worry about it. The part is $348 and it's just 3 pieces of plastic that don't slide/fit well...

[Yvette]

I did not have the software upgrade, but dealer replaced the motor and it was fixed.

[wrickem]

Originally Posted by PTinVT

I wish mine would behave like that, I almost never have passengers. Mine always extends after I open the passenger door just to put stuff in that side of the car.

I hate that too, so I trick my car. I lock my car after opening the passenger door, and unlock it again while I walk around to the driver's side. It doesn't extend.

[PTinVT]

Originally Posted by RobNH

Nope. It doesn't extend even if someone is sitting there - unless, I turn on the accessories first, then start the engine.

If two people get in the car, and I immediately start the engine without turning on the accessories, my belt (the driver) extends. The passenger belt does not. The passenger has to open the door and then immediately shut it in order to get the belt to extend.

OK, I get it now... that doesn't make any sense, sounds like there will be an upgrade to the upgrade to correct it. Am I driving an xi or an xp?

Originally Posted by wrickem

I hate that too, so I trick my car. I lock my car after opening the passenger door, and unlock it again while I walk around to the driver's side. It doesn't extend.

Good call - I had taken to opening the windows with the remote and loading through the passenger window to avoid opening the door to prevent the seatbelt from extending.


I'd still love to upgrade to E93 seats to get the integrated seat belt, but apparently this can't be done because the airbag systems aren't the same. The brochure for my 1993 850 touts integrated belts as safer, but conventional belts are obviously cheaper. I wonder if putting integrated belts in the coupes in the first place would have cost them less than all the broken seat belt arm warranty claims?

[BillPA]

I have the exact same issue. I had a Sirius unit installed last December & I'm pretty sure they upgraded the I Drive software at that time. Just got it back after the third trip to the dealership - each time they told me it was fixed. Failed every time. Now I think they messed up the passenger air bag.

I have complained directly to BMW USA. If I ever hear back or get some resolution, I will post.

[vtec96]

any updates??

Dealer is unless.....tried a few new parts but no luck....
I am stuck with a X1 loaner .....