What It Is
A vehicle’s passenger occupancy sensor detects whether a passenger is in the seat and decides whether or not to allow the airbag to deploy in the event of an accident. If the sensor determines a weight on the seat is not a person, the airbag does not deploy. The traditional seat occupancy sensor is a mat sewn under the upholstery on the surface of the seat. Beginning in 2006, manufacturers began replacing traditional seat occupancy sensors with occupancy classification sensors that not only determine whether the weight in the passenger seat is a person or not, but also attempt to classify the size of the passenger and decide whether to release the airbag at a slow, medium or fast speed to avoid injury.
Problem
The BMW seat sensor is an item that seems to fail at a higher rate than expected. BMW had an extended warranty on the sensor for a period of time, but that warranty is now expired for most cars. If you found this post, you may have already received a shocking quote for the replacement at the new car dealer. Rest assured, we can help. We can help save you money, and be sure the repair is done correctly, the first time.
Process
Nick replacing a Seat Occupancy Sensor for the SRS or Airbag system on a customer’s BMW wagon. The sensor tells the SRS computer if someone is sitting in the seat. Bet you didn’t know you had so much stuff under your car seat! Motors, heaters, sensors, switches, you name it! As you can see, this is not a process for the faint of heart. 
Your Advocate, On Your Side
At AMC, because we are independent and locally owned, we are YOUR advocate, and our team makes a point of checking recalls and service campaigns from the manufacturer on every visit, and keeping our customers up to date.
Final
Not a simple repair, yes, but one, if done correctly, will last several years. That’s our goal with BMW, and other autos here, fix it right the first time, and prevent problems from happening in the first place. 30 years of service experience have well taught us that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Be cured, once and for all, and give us a call, we’re happy to answer any service questions you might have on your BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Lexus, Volvo or Volkswagen.
Earning your trust, every time you turn the car…that’s what we do…every day…for the last 30 years. Click here see what our happy customers have to say about us and our service at AMC Customer Reviews.
If you have questions, or if we can be of further assistance, just call us at (207) 882-969, we’d love to meet you, and your car!
Warmly,
Bruce and the AMC Service Team
