Airbags

[davewuyts]

I’ve had quite a challenge with my z4. Since I bought it I’ve discovered water leaks, an airbag light, and a few other things. So I’ve got it all stripped out inside now and dried out with a de-humidifier. The previous owner had roof problems with the latches, which he got fixed, and it must have let in water during that time, all my drain holes are draining out ok and in the rain no more water comes in.

However I’ve had an airbag light. The faults showing were 983E - SBSL control unit fault and 93DB Sim Control unit undefined status.

So my question is, what would you do to check out the airbag situation? Everything is clean, no rust or muck. The left side airbag looks brand new. I have few other questions too.

1/ Is that fault message always the airbag?
2/ Can drying it all out fix it? (Dry as a bone now)
3/ if I have fixed it, will the light go off without the seats in the car?
4/ should I just replace the airbag anyway?
5/ what is the undefined status message about?

Attached picture of airbag mounted behind passenger door. In case it helps.
Thanks in advance for your expert advice. I feel I got ripped off by the previous owner, I’ve had so many issues. But I’m dealing with then one by one. Just want to drive the car now….
Dave

[davewuyts]

It occurs to me that the previous owner said he had recharge the battery.

Could that be the cause of the light so would it just need a reset or is the specific fault code showing that it needs a new module?

[colb]

First step, clear the code and then see if it comes back, the airbag light may well stay on if the module has an internal fault and will not reset until the module is replaced and coded to the car.
The fault is with the Satellite Module not the actual airbag in the door, the Satellite module lives behind the lower side trim just behind the passenger seat, remove the door threshold trim and spring the side panel trim away so you can see the module, held in by two bolts. Disconnect the battery before unplugging it if you are removing it.
Faults with this module are usually down to water ingress often caused by the roof motor cavity drain being blocked and filling with water that overflows and runs down covering the module. Drying out won't restore it, you could try programming it again using software but odds on it will require replacement with a used module with the same part number or one that is exchangable with your current one. Check Realoem parts site, it will list wehat modules are exchangable with yours.
Replacement will require coding to your car as it needs your Vin number coded into it so it can spak to other modules. Coding can be done with NCS Expert, DIS and Winkpf BMW software, higher end diagnostics Tablets like Autel and Launch can also code modules but they do cost a lot more than setting up an INPA package that includes NCS Expert DIS and Winkpf on a Laptop.

[colb]

Quick look at the part number for your module on Realoem parts site here shows what modules are exchangable with yours which has been superceeded
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partxref?q=65776933985
When fitting any of these replacements they will need to be coded to your car.

[davewuyts]

Thanks Colb for the extensive info!

[bigwinn]

I have two sets of airbag modules for sale if needed and also have coding facilities

[davewuyts]

Thankyou! I’ll let you know. I’ll double check for potential leaks before I put everything back in, and see if light goes off, will be next week before I get opportunity. Whereabouts are you?

[colb]

@bigwinn is in Lincoln
Tip
Amend your user details with your location it helps to know where you are since the Forum has Worldwide membership and easy to spot if a member who may assist is close to you.

[bigwinn]

What he said!

Happy to help

[davewuyts]

Amended! Just to mention here, I’m near Port Talbot.

[enuff_zed]

colb is your nearest then. Suggest you put a wanted ad up for the number you need (or see if bigwinn) has the right one. Then ask Colb to code

[colb]

I can give it a go at coding a replacement going to be away 5th March to 29th March on a trip Down Under so that gives you time to source a replacement used module. Word of warning it can be a bit of a lottery getting a working module some come from crashed cars and are locked up which prevents successful coding source one that comes from a car with no airbag light and it should be good to code.
I use a Launch Tablet scanner rather than the more complicated BMW Software like NCS Expert, Dis and Winkpf on a Laptop but do have all these as well. PM me when you have a module and we can arrange a day and time, in most days unless I have jobs booked for my driving part time job.
Sent you a PM with some details of our Zedshed Cymru Whats App Group

[enuff_zed]

Pretty sure Bigwinn’s ones are ok but I also have some good ones. Not dug them out to check numbers yet though

[bigwinn]

My sets with codes

Let me know if not clear I can take better pics

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[bigwinn]

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