BMW X5 Airbag Light On, Rollover Sensor Issues?

Hey there! I have some experience with cars and had a similar issue with my 2012 BMW X3 last year. The airbag warning light kept coming on, and it really got me worried. After a diagnostic check at my regular workshop, they found that the control unit was defective and needed replacement. It wasn't a fun experience, especially since it set me back about 1000 Euro, but safety comes first, right? I'd definitely recommend getting it checked ASAP since it's related to the airbag system. These issues can be tricky, and it's better not to take chances. Before I can share more specific details: Could you tell me if you've had any recent work done on the car? Also, have you noticed any other warning lights or unusual behavior? This might help pinpoint if we're dealing with the same issue.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My X5 is at 9868 KM and just had its latest service two months ago. No other work has been done recently, and I haven't noticed any other warning lights. Just the airbag one and that pesky soft top issue. The timing of your reply is perfect because I was actually debating whether to take it to a workshop or try troubleshooting it myself. Hearing about your control unit situation makes me think I should probably let the professionals handle this one. Did your warning light come on intermittently at first, or was it constant? Mine seems to flicker occasionally before staying on.

Hey again! Thanks for the additional info about your X5. Yeah, I totally get why you're considering DIY, but I'd stick with my original advice about getting it professionally checked. In my case with the X3, the warning light started exactly like yours, flickering before becoming constant. That's actually what made me nervous because I initially thought it might be just a loose connection or something simple. But these systems are pretty complex, and since you mentioned the soft top issue too, it's probably all connected. You know what's interesting? Your mileage is quite low at 9868 KM, which makes me think even more that it's likely a control unit or sensor issue rather than wear and tear. Mine was acting up at around 85000 KM when I had the problem, but these electronic gremlins can pop up regardless of mileage. Just a heads up, when I took mine in, they first did a full diagnostic scan which picked up multiple fault codes related to the airbag system. The control unit replacement fixed everything, including some other quirky electrical issues I hadn't even noticed. Since you've just had service done two months ago, maybe check if this would be covered under any service warranty? Worth asking about it. The repair itself took about a day in my case, but at least it solved the problem completely. Let me know how it goes when you get it checked out. Really curious if it turns out to be the same issue as mine!

Thanks so much for all the detailed information! You've definitely convinced me to skip the DIY route and get it checked by professionals. It's really reassuring to hear that your issue was resolved completely, even though it wasn't cheap. I'll definitely ask about the service warranty, that's a great tip I hadn't thought of! I just called the workshop and booked it in for next week. The service advisor mentioned they've seen similar cases with the flickering airbag light, so fingers crossed it's something straightforward like your control unit issue. I suppose spending money on safety systems isn't something to cheap out on, even if the repair bill hurts a bit! I'll let you know what they find when I get it checked. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's made me feel a lot more confident about handling this situation. These BMW electrical gremlins can be pretty nerve-wracking when you don't know what you're dealing with!