The vehicle warning system displayed a passenger restraint fault which disables the passenger air bag deployment. The problem was initially intermittent, but within one week is now permanently displayed. A diagnostic scan by my dealer indicates a fault with the passenger seat occupancy sensor(s). This same problem resulted in a recall for other models/years, but apparently not this one for some reason. The dealer quoted $2500 for the required repair/replacement. Meanwhile, any person in the front passenger seat is not protected by the air bag.

- Corvallis, OR, USA

Passenger occupancy sensor is bad. This causes a warning message to occur that states that the restraint system is malfunctioning. After further research, if this message is displayed, the airbags will not deploy in the event of a crash.

- Fairview, OR, USA

The passenger restraint system, airbag, seat belt, belt tensioner warning showed up in the car computer. Went to the dealer and dealer said that they will need to replace the passenger seat mat sensor and battery safety terminal. The cost is around $3500. When I searched online I found that the BMW 5 series 2004 - 2006 has a recall on this item already - please link. (www-ODI.NHTSA.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsummary.cfm?rcl_campaign_id=08V384000&prod_id=113225&moduletype=vehicle&make=BMW&model=5%20series&veh_model_year=2004&searchtype=drilldown). However, my 2006 M5 even though is an E60 and the same chasis and model as the 2004-2006 BMW 5 series is not included in the recall. That's the reason that the dealer is asking me for the full price. This fault which is already a recall for the 5 series car should be added for the BMW M5 model as well. This is a huge safety issue as the passenger side air bag won't deploy unless this is fixed. On top of this, BMW has this part in back order and the part won't be available until 11/5/2012. I find this ridiculous as I am supposed to be driving around a car with a faulty passenger air bag for over 8 months!!

- Jacksonville, FL, USA