Here's How You Can Deal With Your BMW Restraint System Malfunction

Are you getting any of the following dashboard warnings while driving your BMW?

 Illuminated airbag light

 “Driver restraint system malfunction” message

 “Passenger restraint system malfunction” message

Because, if such is the case, it simply means your vehicle's restraint system is at fault and may not deploy as expected in the event of an accident. And, guess what?, driving a vehicle with a defective restraint system is not safe at all. Read this blog post all the way through to learn more about the restraint system malfunction in BMW.

Restraint System: What Purpose Does It Serve In BMW?

The sole purpose of the restraint system in a car is to make it much less likely for a passenger to be harmed or killed in the event of an accident. To do so, it essentially disseminates the crash forces over the largest area possible. By the way, it is a very complex system consisting of many different parts.

This mechanism kicks into action virtually immediately when sensors on the front end and other parts of the car detect crash forces that are more than enough to be considered harmful. To put it simply, don’t drive your BMW if its restraint system is not functioning properly. So, what exactly can cause a vehicle’s restraint system to malfunction??? And most importantly, what can be done about a defective restraint system?

Let’s find out…

BMW Restraint System: Reasons for Its Failure

The restraint system of a BMW may fail due to one of the following reasons;

Reason #1- Defective airbag sensors

The passenger restraint system is computerized and fully automated. In the event of an accident, it springs into action almost immediately. To make that possible, there are sensors deployed in different parts of the car. These sensors are essentially designed to sense crash force. Once the crash force is detected, the system deploys a series of safety mechanisms to keep the occupant safe. If one of these sensors malfunctions, the functionality of the restraint system will be negatively impacted and it may fail to come into action in the event of a car crash.

Reason #2- Control module failure

Another thing that can result in a restraint system malfunction in a car is a faulty control module. You can think of the control module as the brain of a vehicle's passenger restraint system. It controls almost every aspect of the restraint system operation. It gets data from different types of sensors. And, when it finds that a crash is inevitable, it will deploy airbags, activate seatbelt pre-tensioners, and turn on other safety devices. A defective control module can render the passenger restraint system of a vehicle useless.

Reason #3- Dying battery

A passenger restraint system employs all sorts of equipment and almost all of them require electricity to function. It is the battery that meets the energy needs of all these components. If there is something wrong with the battery, those components will not get the power they need to perform their assigned functions. As a result, the restraint system may lose its effectiveness and even stop working. So, if your BMW's passenger restraint system is acting up, get the battery tested to see if it is in good working order.

Reason #4- Damaged wire

Wires connecting the impact sensors with the airbag control module, if gets damaged due to some reason, the restraint system will cease to operate. The restraint system of a vehicle may even cease to operate because of a defective fuse/ relay.

Is It Safe To Drive A Car With A Faulty Restraint System?

No, it is not…

The restraint system is a crucial safety feature of a vehicle. So, if you want to feel safe when driving your BMW, ensure the upkeep of its passenger restraint system. And, if its airbag light is on, don't take it for granted. Reach out to a factory-trained BMW mechanic to get the issue resolved.

To Put It Another Way….

The restraint system is an important safety mechanism that was designed with passenger safety in mind. If you suspect that there is something wrong with your BMW’s restraint system, don’t take it lightly. Find out what exactly is wrong with it. A professional mechanic will be able to tell what exactly is wrong with your BMW's restraint system.