Todays’ Symptoms:

This 2001 BMW 525i air bag problem was asked from me yesterday after the previous BMW code P0344 was fixed. After road testing, a BMW light code was scanned showing 01 and 02 codes. I am sure the 01 code was for air bag fault but this garage owner wants to know why these 2 codes keep showing up?

Diagnostics for 2001 BMW 525i air bag code:

To give you an idea of BMW airbag systems, here are some info:

Most BMW vehicles are protected by airbag since 1985. Most BMW vehicles currently made can have upto 10 airbags to protect the occupants from 3 types of collision: front and 2 sides of the car.

In time of collision, the seat belt automatically tightens up to secure the person sitting in the seat which prevent being thrown away.

The location of of the airbags are: infront of the driver, infront of the front passenger and at the sides of the rear passengers (both sides).

In this 2001 BMW 525i air bag system, the ATS customer was not able to explain clearly how he got the code 01 and 02. Based on what I have found in the database, code 01 means a defective steering wheel coil spring which could have a resistance problem. The common fix was to replace the coil spring assembly which needs the steering wheel to be overhauled to access the coil spring.

Based on the customer’s email input, he happened to have another 2001 BMW 525i sitting next to the car. He switched the air bag modules and the problem was fixed.

Notes on troubleshooting 2001 BMW 525i air bag:

ATS does not recommend repairing the BMW airbag system because of the risk of sudden deployment of the airbag. Unless you are a garage and had training, please call your local dealer if you see an air bag light in your dash.

Even some garage owners have to send their BMW customers to the dealer after repairs: if you replace items such as instrument panel, the dealer has to reprogram it.

Thanks,

Richard