Air bag light problems. Need help fast

[99onI95]

I bought a 96 328ci with a salvage title.
Unfortunately because of the title I have to get the car inspected because I brought it from another state. Unfortunately I'm having problems with the airbag light. It stays on constantly so I popped the bulb out.

Which I found out was not a good idea because the inspector wants it to stay on 6 seconds and then go out when u turn on the key. I really need this car to pass inspection. I have to pay $118 each time and wait almost a month to get it inspected. Not to mention the appointments can be at a very inconvenient time. Please Help!

[Dudesky_E36]

The only way to reset that light is to use the SRS reset tool. No one has ever been able to figure out how to do it w/o the tool. If you go to a BMW dealer, they'll charge you about $100 to do it, so you may as well buy the tool yourself for $120, in case you ever need to do it again in the future. Here's a link:
http://www.bimmerzone.com/BMW_SRS_Airbag_reset_tool.htm

[99onI95]

But will it make my light function properly even if something is screwed up. This is a salvage title car.

[Dudesky_E36]

Whether or not something is screwed up, you'll need the reset tool anyway. Even if you fix what caused the light to come on, it remains on until it is manually reset with the tool.

Have you figured out what caused it to light up? If not yet, a common cause is the sensors in the seat belts.

[cbmcleaning]

My light came on because my Passenger Side HEAD AirBag deployed when I accidentally ran over a city bump "city-tittie" in the turn lane. I know..... these were larger than usual,..it blew my tire out....and deployed that airbag. Was a royal pain in the ARSS.

Anyway,...I called the dealer and they said it would cost....GET THIS... an astounding 7000.00 to reinstall the HEAD Airbag.... what a freeking racket that industry is. They know insurance is supposed to take care of that and so they JACKUP the price. Ridiculous.

Ok so,..my deductable is $500 and so I said...NOWAY... and I simply CUT they NYLON chords and removed that bag that deployed.....

So now the LIGHT on my dash is always on..... I guess I'll take one of those tools......!!!!!!

NO....remind me again WHY in the world...do WE need these stupid AIRBAGS in our cars.... instead of the accident killing us...it ends up being the DEALERSHIPS...that kill us.....!!!

[Broken-wrench]

You will need the reset tool AFTER you replace the airbag and possibly the sensor yourself too. Suck it up & let the insurance foot most of the bill. I really think that this would be the only way out for you. I don't think you can turn off the airbag lamp with a deployed bag.

[cbmcleaning]

Nah I am NOT going to pay 500 deductable and also have my insurance company pay 7000.00 to install an HEAD Airbag. Ain't happening.

I'll try the tool....but if that fails....I'll remove the stupid LIGHT bulb.

[Broken-wrench]

Just remember one thing, the value of your car has dropped $7K because that is what it'll cost to get it fixed should you decide to sell it. Otherwise, drive it until you can abandon it along side the road!

[cbmcleaning]

Yes I agree... this baby is a family heirloom now...to be passed down...lol.

In other words...I don't plan on selling it....