I have a BMW 328I series... My driver side door panel air bag & curtain airbag deployed after hitting a pothole... I drove about 5 to 10 miles then the car shut off on me... It has power but wont turn over.. Any suggestions???

When an airbag deploys the immobilizer fires, which disconnects the starter from the battery. That won't stop the engine from running, but it won't start again until the immobilizer is replaced.

That must have been some pothole!

I called the dealer & they were not sure what a immobilizer was.. They just wanted to direct me to service, of coarse... Is their another name for the part or could u tell me where it is on the vehicle?

Can't say that I've looked at a 99 328 closely, but I think you'll find two cables from the positive side of the battery. The one with a bluge in it is where the immobilzer lives.

I know what you're talking about... Going to the dealer first thing in the morning... I live in the Philadelphia area & the roads in the city are horrible... Thanks for your help...

This is very strange to have a self destruct feature. Why is it there? Should I disconnect mine before it activates?

All newer model BMWs (since E38 i believe) have a BST (battery safety terminal) which will disconnect the battery from the starter and alternator in the event of a crash. This is to prevent the positive battery cable shorting against anything if it is damaged in a crash which could lead to a fire. It is a safety item. You can simply push the cable back into the socket and this will allow you to start the car. It will need to be replaced as it will set a fault in the MRS (airbag module) and the airbag light will remain on until it is replaced.