SBSL - Left Satellite B-Pillar Unit replacement cost? - quoted £600

[JSz4]

Few weeks ago the airbag warning light came on on the dash on my 2003 Z4 (E85) and local garage code reader showed error code 9852 - SBSL: Short Circuit, Firing Circuit, Front Airbag, Left, Stage 2 (E85), SBSL (Satelite, B-Pillar, Left).

I took the car to an independent BMW specialist who charged £30 for the code to be read again and said the unit needs replacing and would be £380 (not sure if that includes VAT) but basically £600 for the job in total including the cost of fitting and coding.

Just wanted to check if this is comparable to what others have paid and if there is any alternative? I don't have a code reader or think I've the ability to fit and code myself

The car is on 116k and the paint has gone so hard to justify the cost but not sure I've a choice?!

Cheers for any help

 

[tomjonesBT33]

I bought a used one from fleabay and fit it myself. You need to use WinKFP to configure and reset the timing signal with the main airbag controller. There are some posts on this forum about this.

Cost me $65 USD and 3-4 hours start to finish.

But to your original question, under $1000USD seems reasonable if you are planning to pay a shop to do it.

 

[McSwerve]

Currently in the process of changing mine, which was playing up due to water damage (missing door membrane).

Used one from eBay is now on, and I’ve gone from lots of fault codes to ‘just’ that the VIN number of the sensor doesn’t match the car. Which is what I was expecting / hoping for.

So I now have a tech savvy mate getting his head around Win KPF, the software you need to over write the old sensor’s VIN with my cars VIN.
A Google search came up with some BMW Coding experts, and one in London would charge £80 for the re-code if you don’t fancy attempting that bit.

 

[enuff_zed]

Also worth mentioning whereabouts you are.
May be someone on here who could help you out if you're nervous about doing it yourself.
Assuming the car is a 6-pot then your mileage is relatively low and if you can live with the paint then you may as well get it fixed and carry on using it.

 

[colb]

NCS Expert software that comes with BMW INPA package should be capable of coding the replacement module to your car, it did it fine when I coded a replacement main central airbag module to a Z3. Needed to watch some Youtube vidios on NCS Expert to get my head around using it but once you know its easy.

 

[McSwerve]

Not wishing to hijack the OP, but if there’s a coding Jedi around Central Bedfordshire, there’s a bottle of something nice in it!

 

[JSz4]

Thanks a lot for the replies, I definitely wouldn't feel confident trying to code it myself and not sure what equipment I would need either. I'm in Dorset in case anyone in the south has experience?

Do the modules come up for sale very often? couldn't see any on fleabay

Cheers

 

[JSz4]

I was going to book the car in with the BMW specialist who quoted me £600 fitted but thought I'd check with BMW main dealer first and they quoted me £341 fitted from the screen shot I provided.



Does this sound correct or are they quoting for wrong part?

 

[bigwinn]

I was going to book the car in with the BMW specialist who quoted me £600 fitted but thought I'd check with BMW main dealer first and they quoted me £341 fitted from the screen shot I provided.



Does this sound correct or are they quoting for wrong part?

I’ve got a set of all 3 airbag modules from my breaker £150 if interested

 

[JSz4]

I was going to book the car in with the BMW specialist who quoted me £600 fitted but thought I'd check with BMW main dealer first and they quoted me £341 fitted from the screen shot I provided.



Does this sound correct or are they quoting for wrong part?

I’ve got a set of all 3 airbag modules from my breaker £150 if interested

Thanks for the offer bigwinn but I haven't got any of the equipment needed to fit one and wouldn't really feel confident doing it myself.

 

[JSz4]

BMW have said that they think from the diagnostic screen shot I sent them that it is an 'air bag unit door left ' and sent me this screenshot and asked me to clarify which part number it is, could anyone help please?



They said if I'm not certain they can do a diagnostic check.. for £128

 

[colb]

Module will need replacing with a used one with the same part number and then be coded to your car using NCS Expert or Tool32.
Sounds simple but only if it works. Currently trying to sort a Z4 that has had a used main central module fitted and like the other user who posted cannot get the software to change the Vin number coded into the module, Neither NCSW Expert or Tool32 will change the Vin for some unknown reason. Until its changed the airbag light stays on and sets a code for wrong Vin.
£128 to read the codes is daylight robbery, they are not going to tell you anything you don't already know.

 

[JSz4]

Module will need replacing with a used one with the same part number and then be coded to your car using NCS Expert or Tool32.
Sounds simple but only if it works. Currently trying to sort a Z4 that has had a used main central module fitted and like the other user who posted cannot get the software to change the Vin number coded into the module, Neither NCSW Expert or Tool32 will change the Vin for some unknown reason. Until its changed the airbag light stays on and sets a code for wrong Vin.
£128 to read the codes is daylight robbery, they are not going to tell you anything you don't already know.

Good saving if it works but does sound a real pain if it doesn't and it's my daily so can't really risk it, good luck trying to sort.

Yes, paid one garage to run diagnostics who directed me to BMW specialist who I had to pay again for diagnostics and quoted me £600 so really don't want to pay a third time. Am I right in thinking if I have the error code 9852 as screenshotted then there is only one possible sensor unit it can refer to?

If so, is it shown on the diagram BMW sent me? I don't want to risk them fitting the wrong part that doesn't solve dash warning light issue and charging me £340 for doing so, however can't face paying them £128 more for no reason either.

Cheers

 

[colb]

That code you have is definately pointing to the SBSL module, usually down to water ingress when the hood motor pump cavity gets blocked an fills up with water and overflows down onto the module. This is why its prudent to check the drain on that side for blockages.
Putting a known good replacement module in and coding it to the car looks like the way to go. I dare say if you take it to any garage they will want to diagnose it before fitting any part and charge you again.