Anyone bought one of those Seat Matt Sensor BYPASS Units

[Bet2502]

Just wondering if anyone has bought one of those Passenger Seat Mat Sensor Bypass Units
If so, can they confirm that the passenger airbag will go off in the event of an accident as obviously
no one would want to take a chance on those side of things.
Its an E60 btw

[Kong]

There are two types of bypass unit. Ones that trick the seat into thinking it's occupied and one that makes it think it's empty.

Why on earth they bothered with the latter type I have no idea because the passenger airbag would never deploy even if you had a passenger, its stupid. I bought a 'bimtronics' unit but sent it back for a refund when I realised, the advert is cleverly worded.

The jury seems to be out on these devices, if the unit works properly then in theory you should have to decativate the 'no seatbelt' warning chime because it senses a passenger. Other than having the seatbelt always clipped in, I'm yet to find a satisfactory solution to removing the chime.

But in answer to your original question, from my reasearch yes the airbag should go off if you have an occupancy simulatior fitted. Yes in the smallprint says it can't promise they will go off, but they should if the airbag warning light it out.

In the end i gave up trying to find a cheap fix for my Z4 and took it to the main dealer for a new matt.

Edited by Kong on Tuesday 6th December 10:53

[Bet2502]

WHat sort of costs involved for a BMW fix on this if you dont mind me asking.
CHeers

[Kong]

Approx £300 from a dealer, much of that is labour so an indy might be a bit cheaper.

I wouldn't rule out the bypass unit if you can find on which works!

[buggalugs]

I assume the bypass would need to make it think the seatbelt was in too otherwise you'd get the warning? I will give one of these a go before MOT time, I have the software to see what the car thinks is happening so should be able to check what the bypass does.

I don't mind an extra airbag going off as any impact that sets the airbags off will write the car off anyway!

[aussieal]

Out of interest, why would you need one of these?

[buggalugs]

aussieal said:

Out of interest, why would you need one of these?

If the airbag light is on the dash because of said sat mat and you're looking for an alternative to spending £300+ getting it fixed.