Locating Airbag Controller Location?

[dherb2006]

I have a question regarding my 1993 325is. I contacted Peake Research today for their diagnostic reset tool for SRS (R5/SRS), and was told that I need to locate the airbag controller ("bright orange beginning with M..."). Todd at Peake mentioned that it could be located in the engine compartment, under seats, or in dash. I checked under the hood, and under seats, with no luck.

I also contacted my local BMW dealer to ask them, and was told that I needed to bring the car in for a "technician" to locate this, obviously charging me for the service.

Does anyone have an idea where this is located? My SRS airbag light has been on since washing my engine compartment for over one month. It illuminates and flashes when the ignition is turned on, then stays lit after five minutes or so. My mechanic told me that they can reset this for $70 but will not guarantee that the problem will not keep recurring.

Any help would really be appreciated. Peake Research has the tool for 1994 thru 2000 models, and in some cases, if the 1993 model has the correct controller code, it will work for these models also.

Best,
Dave
Riverside, CA

[Jeron]

The diagnostic port should be readily visible in the engine compartment.

Did you look at this diagram:
http://www.peakeresearch.com/compatibility.htm

The picture at the bottom is what you are looking for.

Mine E36 M3 is on the passenger side about a foot from the firewall. I think my 330i is the same.

I don't know what they are smoking this diagram is from their website. Oh and it is black on every car I've seen.

[dherb2006]

Jeron,
Thanks for the info. I use the Diagnostic port when using the reset tool after oil changes, etc. Mine is the "D" version.

Peake Research was asking me yesterday about the Airbag Controller location, which apparently begins with a letter "M" and can be located in either engine compartment, under seat(s) or inside the dash or trunk liner. It's "bright orange" according to Peake, and I've yet to find it...

I may have to tear apart the dash and remove some seats this next weekend to try and locate this.

Appreciate your response!

Best,
Dave
Riverside, CA

[Jeron]

I, and all other E36 owners I know of, reset the SRS light with the Diagnostic port using the Peake tool. I wonder why you need to use a different port.

I'm in need of it again. It seems that once a year I hit a pothole that causes my light to come on due to the passenger seat sensor.

[dherb2006]

Jeron,
I use the Diagnostic Port for resetting my oil and maintenance schedules as well. It's the "D" size port.

The gentleman from Peake Research indicated that since my car was built in Germany on 3/93, that my electronic wiring is different from others that came afterwards. That's why their site says the tool is available for years 1994 thru 2000.

The airbag controller is an orange colored object that is located in either the engine compartment, under seats, within the dash, or inside the inner trunk area. Once I can locate this, I will call Peake Research back and they can determine by the number(s) starting with "M..." whether or not my particular electronics will work with the tool.

My SRS light is still on and is very annoying. The dealerships charge an arm and leg for resetting this, and do not guarantee that it will not go off again.

Best,
Dave
Riverside, CA

[mbtech]

the airbag control unit is located under the back seat in the center
when mine when bad i had to update the wiring and have the dealer recode it!!!