Air bag light has been on for quite some time. I finally got around to purchasing the Peake Research R5/SRS tool. It gave me these two codes as being the problems: 11-Seat belt buckle switch, passenger and 1B-Child seat detector. Is there any way to find out what parts need to be replaced on my own, or am I left to taking it to a BMW mechanic and having him sort it out for me? I wish there was a manual that suggested action based upon which codes are read out. Any suggestions? -Taylor:help

I learned that in most E36 these air bag´s codes are very common.

After being worried about that, reset airbag light, and check if it happens again.

I, my self, bought R5/SRS tool, before my light shows up.

I have a 98 328 w/ the sports package. I had both of those codes set. I replaced the occupancy sensor (on the passenger's side) and the bottom seat foam. The sensor had a short in it. The new sensor is a different design and required new foam b/c it had some cut-outs for the new sensor (at least with the sport seats) Also, I had a loose connector on the passenger's seatbelt. I just cleaned it and re-attached it. My codes have been gone for 3 months since I did those repairs. I think I paid about $75 for the sensor, and about the same for the foam (from the bmw store - gives deep bmwcca discounts). Hope this helps you.

Mike

....forgive me if this is an ignorant question, but how do I go about replacing that sensor? Do I have to dismantle the seat to get inside of it? Toss the old foam then replace both?

You have to remove the seat. Remove the seat bottom from the frame and remove the leather from the cushion and then replace the seat bottom foam and the sensor, and reassemble. It is akin to replacing the seat heating element. There are no instuctions, but it's pretty easy to take apart. You will need a hog-ring pliers.