2005 E85 BMW Z4 AIRBAG LIGHT

[dabiggsy]

Hi,

This is my first time posting , I have read many of the posts in this forum regarding the issue I am having but yet to find a solution.

I bought a Z4 and to cut it short, someone has blocked the airbag light behind the cluster with a piece of black tape which I discovered after it failed an NCT (MOT) test. (60 quid down the drain).

Installed INPA, NCS etc and used one of the forums solutions of recoding the modules as there was lots of errors to do with "SIM incorrect chassis number"

Followed the step by steps on here from another post, clearing codes with INPA, then Flashing with WINKFP, to coding with NCS and setting system time with Tool32.


The first time I done that, all the Incorrect chassis number faults actually went away but then I got different faults such as 98EA (SBSR: Resistance, firing circuit, thorax airbag, rear right (E85, E60, E61), or knee airbag, front right (E63, E64), too low)

98BF
9838
9839
9833
9835
983f


I have done those steps over and over multiple times , and at one point i cleared the SBSR (driver side module codes) and the airbag light actually went off (First time its gone off) which leads me to believe its something to do with that side of the vehicle, but obviously igntion off and on it comes straight back on.

The door airbags are both 2.7Ohms which seems to be okay according to internet searches.
The modules dont seem damp or corroded bar the actually door airbags themselves which do have rust however seem to be okay.

the modules do communicate on INPA and are all correct part numbers.


I am not a mechanic i just do this for fun but this Z4 is far from fun


if anyone may know something else I can try or maybe i messed up a step that would be great help. I only have a loan of an ICOM until monday.


Also there was something about a step up converter fault but that seems to have gone since the last time i cleared and started car.


Thanks in advance

 

[dabiggsy]

These are some of the faults that are showing up.

The incorrect chassis one came back after I took the airbag out and tested it. So will more than likely have to repeat that guide of using INPA. Winkfp, NCS and Tool32.

 

[dabiggsy]

Hi,

This is my first time posting , I have read many of the posts in this forum regarding the issue I am having but yet to find a solution.

I bought a Z4 and to cut it short, someone has blocked the airbag light behind the cluster with a piece of black tape which I discovered after it failed an NCT (MOT) test. (60 quid down the drain).

Installed INPA, NCS etc and used one of the forums solutions of recoding the modules as there was lots of errors to do with "SIM incorrect chassis number"

Followed the step by steps on here from another post, clearing codes with INPA, then Flashing with WINKFP, to coding with NCS and setting system time with Tool32.


The first time I done that, all the Incorrect chassis number faults actually went away but then I got different faults such as 98EA (SBSR: Resistance, firing circuit, thorax airbag, rear right (E85, E60, E61), or knee airbag, front right (E63, E64), too low)

98BF
9838
9839
9833
9835
983f


I have done those steps over and over multiple times , and at one point i cleared the SBSR (driver side module codes) and the airbag light actually went off (First time its gone off) which leads me to believe its something to do with that side of the vehicle, but obviously igntion off and on it comes straight back on.

The door airbags are both 2.7Ohms which seems to be okay according to internet searches.
The modules dont seem damp or corroded bar the actually door airbags themselves which do have rust however seem to be okay.

the modules do communicate on INPA and are all correct part numbers.


I am not a mechanic i just do this for fun but this Z4 is far from fun


if anyone may know something else I can try or maybe i messed up a step that would be great help. I only have a loan of an ICOM until monday.


Also there was something about a step up converter fault but that seems to have gone since the last time i cleared and started car.


Thanks in advance

Also to add, I went on the status of the airbags SBSL and SBSR and both have not checked the pre airbag drive check , the box is not black on INPA

 

[enuff_zed]

Have you actually changed any of the modules? Looks like the SBSR is dead

 

[enuff_zed]

Whereabouts in Ireland? @Carpetmanjoe had the same issue last year and was quoted about €3000 but they didn’t know how to code it.
He flew me over, put me up overnight, drowned me in Guinness and his total cost was around €650 I think.

 

[dabiggsy]

@enuff_zed I didn’t change any myself but the previous person definitely did, as the main airbag module under centre console loos like it was wired in by a 5 year old.

I think it looks dead because battery voltage was a little low , I will try get a better reading today on the scanner and see what comes up.

All the modules seem to be communicating with INPA okay

 

[enuff_zed]

They communicate through the centre SIM85 as that is the only one connected to the k-bus.
So looking at your codes, the SIM85, regardless of whether it's been changed or not, needs the correct VIN and the system time coded into it.
The Timeout codes are due to the modules not being able to send their regular check signals to each other and these will clear once working and correctly coded modules are fitted.
The SBSL appears to have the wrong VIN as well?
The SBSR does not seem to be sending check messages.

If the wiring to the SIM85 is messed up I would suggest you need to double check all that first and get the SIM85 coded properly.
Only then can you start eliminating codes and seeing what is left.

Are you absolutely sure the modules fitted are actually compatible with your car?
It is possible someone didn't know about matching them and just bolted any old one in.

Step 1: get the part numbers from your three fitted modules. Physically check the number on the label. (7 digits, starting with 69...)
Step 2: Use a code reader to find out the part number of each module. This may well be different if coding has been attempted, as it codes to the latest part number in the compatible group.
Step 3: Take the last 7 digits of the VIN and enter them into Realoem. Then find the airbag modules and it will tell you the exact part numbers the car came with originally.

Then come back with those numbers and we'll work out whether you actually have modules fitted that should work.

 

[enuff_zed]

Almost missed one issue you mentioned! The step up converter is a coil inside the SIM85 which changes the voltage going to various bits inside it. I'm not sure exactly how it works? Maybe it allows the module to still work when battery voltage dips? Dunno.
But I do know if it fails you need a new SIM85.

 

[dabiggsy]

They communicate through the centre SIM85 as that is the only one connected to the k-bus.
So looking at your codes, the SIM85, regardless of whether it's been changed or not, needs the correct VIN and the system time coded into it.
The Timeout codes are due to the modules not being able to send their regular check signals to each other and these will clear once working and correctly coded modules are fitted.
The SBSL appears to have the wrong VIN as well?
The SBSR does not seem to be sending check messages.

If the wiring to the SIM85 is messed up I would suggest you need to double check all that first and get the SIM85 coded properly.
Only then can you start eliminating codes and seeing what is left.

Are you absolutely sure the modules fitted are actually compatible with your car?
It is possible someone didn't know about matching them and just bolted any old one in.

Step 1: get the part numbers from your three fitted modules. Physically check the number on the label. (7 digits, starting with 69...)
Step 2: Use a code reader to find out the part number of each module. This may well be different if coding has been attempted, as it codes to the latest part number in the compatible group.
Step 3: Take the last 7 digits of the VIN and enter them into Realoem. Then find the airbag modules and it will tell you the exact part numbers the car came with originally.

Then come back with those numbers and we'll work out whether you actually have modules fitted that should work.

Good afternoon,

Appreciate that reply! Thank you very much

Just out at the car now, I have access to partslink luckily enough from work. I have checked all the modules.


The centre SIM85 module has part number 6962767 which seems to be correct for this model

The driver side module is 6962888
The passenger side is 6962887

I am going to disconnect battery and pull the main module out and check the wiring now. It’s all taped up so very well could be an issue . I’ll report back in 5 mins

 

[dabiggsy]

Almost missed one issue you mentioned! The step up converter is a coil inside the SIM85 which changes the voltage going to various bits inside it. I'm not sure exactly how it works? Maybe it allows the module to still work when battery voltage dips? Dunno.
But I do know if it fails you need a new SIM85.

This was one of the faults that came back a few times. Step up converter defect .

 

[dabiggsy]

They communicate through the centre SIM85 as that is the only one connected to the k-bus.
So looking at your codes, the SIM85, regardless of whether it's been changed or not, needs the correct VIN and the system time coded into it.
The Timeout codes are due to the modules not being able to send their regular check signals to each other and these will clear once working and correctly coded modules are fitted.
The SBSL appears to have the wrong VIN as well?
The SBSR does not seem to be sending check messages.

If the wiring to the SIM85 is messed up I would suggest you need to double check all that first and get the SIM85 coded properly.
Only then can you start eliminating codes and seeing what is left.

Are you absolutely sure the modules fitted are actually compatible with your car?
It is possible someone didn't know about matching them and just bolted any old one in.

Step 1: get the part numbers from your three fitted modules. Physically check the number on the label. (7 digits, starting with 69...)
Step 2: Use a code reader to find out the part number of each module. This may well be different if coding has been attempted, as it codes to the latest part number in the compatible group.
Step 3: Take the last 7 digits of the VIN and enter them into Realoem. Then find the airbag modules and it will tell you the exact part numbers the car came with originally.

Then come back with those numbers and we'll work out whether you actually have modules fitted that should work.

Regarding the 5 year olds wiring

 

[dabiggsy]

Regarding the 5 year olds wiring

 

[dabiggsy]

Right so just been playing around with it and basically

If I clear the Fault 98EA thorax airbag driver side too low circuit , that actually takes the airbag light off the dash. Now obviously it will come back the minute I knock the ignition off and turn it on again.


I have check the airbag on the door behind the door card and the plastic clip is pushed all the way in. Do I need to pull the wiring out of the door that goes through the rubber housing to the car?

 

[bigwinn]

Probably worth (when battery is disconnected) checking the connection at the airbag as they can snap the plastic lugs that make the connection and the connection at the door where the loom goes into the car

 

[enuff_zed]

Well that SIM85 is a mess! All that corrosion in the pins! I suspect it had a very corroded plug, so another has been spliced in. Whether the module is the original is anyone's guess but I suspect it is goosed; but you can try cleaning up all the pins etc. just in case.

Thorax airbag is the one in the steering wheel. So you can try checking the connectors on that, but my money is still on a dead SBSR I'm afraid.

So, if it were mine, the next set of steps would be:
1. Clean up the SIM85 pins. Maybe open it up to see if there's corrosion inside as well.
2. Carefully check every one of those bodged connections in the loom. They may well just be twisted together under that tape.
3. Connect it up and see if you have any SIM85 codes. (Don't worry about the SBSR just yet)
4. If the codes clear then try coding the VIN and the System Time into the SIM85.
NB. You will get codes in the SIM85 for timeouts from the satellite modules. Clear those, they are more or less irrelevant.

Only once you have a properly coded SIM85, with no fault codes, can you move onto the SBSR.
As the satellites report back through the SIM85, you need to be sure it isn't messing about before moving on.

Don't forget you will keep inducing timeouts in all 3 modules, so when the SIM85 is sorted you still need to clear codes in the other modules if you want the light to go out.

If you cannot get the SIM85 to work then you need a new one of those before you go any further. That's where the cost starts to go up.

It may be worthwhile looking for a breaker with a set of three that match yours and no lights.

I'm guessing yours is a later one as the 2767 SIM85 was the most up to date version.

Please also note, from experience, that even though other modules may say they are exchangeable, once you are up to a 2767 you cann't fit earlier ones. It seems to be something confined to this particular part number. So you'd need to get another 2767.

 

[dabiggsy]

Well that SIM85 is a mess! All that corrosion in the pins! I suspect it had a very corroded plug, so another has been spliced in. Whether the module is the original is anyone's guess but I suspect it is goosed; but you can try cleaning up all the pins etc. just in case.

Thorax airbag is the one in the steering wheel. So you can try checking the connectors on that, but my money is still on a dead SBSR I'm afraid.

So, if it were mine, the next set of steps would be:
1. Clean up the SIM85 pins. Maybe open it up to see if there's corrosion inside as well.
2. Carefully check every one of those bodged connections in the loom. They may well just be twisted together under that tape.
3. Connect it up and see if you have any SIM85 codes. (Don't worry about the SBSR just yet)
4. If the codes clear then try coding the VIN and the System Time into the SIM85.
NB. You will get codes in the SIM85 for timeouts from the satellite modules. Clear those, they are more or less irrelevant.

Only once you have a properly coded SIM85, with no fault codes, can you move onto the SBSR.
As the satellites report back through the SIM85, you need to be sure it isn't messing about before moving on.

Don't forget you will keep inducing timeouts in all 3 modules, so when the SIM85 is sorted you still need to clear codes in the other modules if you want the light to go out.

If you cannot get the SIM85 to work then you need a new one of those before you go any further. That's where the cost starts to go up.

It may be worthwhile looking for a breaker with a set of three that match yours and no lights.

I'm guessing yours is a later one as the 2767 SIM85 was the most up to date version.

Please also note, from experience, that even though other modules may say they are exchangeable, once you are up to a 2767 you cann't fit earlier ones. It seems to be something confined to this particular part number. So you'd need to get another 2767.

Appreciate this a lot! I just checked the steering wheel airbag and that looks perfect , no corrosion and plastic clips pushed on both.


I will check over this sim85 module and see if all the wires are somewhat soldered to an okay extent.

Then I’ll connect it and see if I can recode vin to hat module and see if there are any new codes.


If anything else pops up I’ll shout back here.

Thank you very much!


Nightmare for a first timer doing this

 

[dabiggsy]

After putting that airbag door card airbag and steering wheel airbag back in, I’m getting these faults after letting the car idle for a couple of mins.


SIM 85 93DB step up converter defekt

This is the only code in this ecu.

SBSL85 9886 (I have attached an image)

SBSR85 98EA (I have attached an image)

These are the only 3 codes that came back.


Seems like the car just shits out codes depending on how it’s feeling in the moment.

 

[dabiggsy]

Assuming these are all that came back , does that mean the modules are communicating with each other?

 

[dabiggsy]

Almost missed one issue you mentioned! The step up converter is a coil inside the SIM85 which changes the voltage going to various bits inside it. I'm not sure exactly how it works? Maybe it allows the module to still work when battery voltage dips? Dunno.
But I do know if it fails you need a new SIM85.

So maybe that sim85 module is fried if it has this step up converter defect code?

 

[enuff_zed]

Right then, where are we at?
If you still have the step up converter issue then yes the SIM85 has a problem, but I would expect that to put the airbag light on, and you reckon clearing the SBSR fault puts the light out? So that's a bit odd?

SBSL - says it has the wrong chassis number?? But says that wouldn't put the light on? Think you need to check the VIN coded to the SBSL if you can.
SBSL - had a knee airbag issue - intermittent - not current. That 'may' be down to corrosion in the plug that connects the door to the a-pillar, so worth a check at the very least.

SBSR - that code usually does mean the module is dead, but first try all the usual tricks, cleaning the plug and pins, etc.


See if you can get the airbag light to go out by clearing the SBSR fault, but NOT clearing the SIM85 step up one. If you can then possibly you can get away with swapping just the SBSR, but I remain doubtful.