rather strange electric fault

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   I have a S reg 523i with a rather strange electric fault. 

First indication of fault was that the Airbag warning light either comes on when driving or flickers. I thought that the problem was with the air bag and after looking at the handbook decided to get it checked at the next service. 

However today I stumbled across something really strange. When the Airbag warning light is or flickering, if I pull down either sun visor and open the mirror causing the vanity lights to go on, they do not, the warning light goes out and the radio and clock stops. On closing the mirror the warning light returns and after some 30 seconds the radio comes back into life. 

Do I need to disconnect the battery for a bit a hope this resets something, or have anyone of you got the possible solution to my problem 

Thanks in advance for your replies. I sit in hope waiting 

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DuncanThomas Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 08-September-2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 3	Topic: rather strange electric fault Posted: 08-September-2004 at 08:47
	I have a S reg 523i with a rather strange electric fault. First indication of fault was that the Airbag warning light either comes on when driving or flickers. I thought that the problem was with the air bag and after looking at the handbook decided to get it checked at the next service. However today I stumbled across something really strange. When the Airbag warning light is or flickering, if I pull down either sun visor and open the mirror causing the vanity lights to go on, they do not, the warning light goes out and the radio and clock stops. On closing the mirror the warning light returns and after some 30 seconds the radio comes back into life. Do I need to disconnect the battery for a bit a hope this resets something, or have anyone of you got the possible solution to my problem Thanks in advance for your replies. I sit in hope waiting

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kbannon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Admin Group E39 525i Sport Individual Joined: 09-October-2002 Location: 64 Zoo Lane Status: Offline Points: 15508	Posted: 08-September-2004 at 08:59
	don't know what the cause is but judging by this it doesn't appear to be fuse related:- airbag = #40 & 42 courtesy mirror = #39 radio = #25, 43 & 44
	Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual

318is-joe Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member I Joined: 04-March-2004 Location: Ireland Status: Offline Points: 314	Posted: 08-September-2004 at 09:21
	Check your seat occupancy sensor wiring is not disconnected or lose from both the driver and/or pasenger seats.

Jimbo540i Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 05-May-2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 80	Posted: 08-September-2004 at 09:36
	Dsiconecting the battery has solve a few 'strange' electrical faults on my e39 - well worth trying. I read somewhere that you disconnect the battery, wait a few secs, cross the disconnected cables then go and press evey button/lever you can find. hook it up again and away you go. Fixed a fault with my indicators once..!!
	Jimbo 540i Auto

DuncanThomas Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 08-September-2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 3	Posted: 08-September-2004 at 09:47
	tried the trick of disconnecting the battery and reseating every fuse, but still no luck Will check the seat connections . Is that the small connector where the seat belts attach (small yellow connector) Duncan

318is-joe Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member I Joined: 04-March-2004 Location: Ireland Status: Offline Points: 314	Posted: 08-September-2004 at 10:01
	Duncan, No the seat sensor is right in under the "flat ass panel" of the seat, hard to reach sometime's, but has a habit of getting disconnected if a child jumps on the seat, or got a knock while hoovering under the seat.