2009 328 Convertible E93 with 93C3 seat sensor code.

[MarcL]

I have read lots of articles and forum posts on the passenger seat sensor problems on this vintage BMW, and see that there was a TSB (or Recall?) on the seat sensor, but the 2009 is not included.

Also looked through all of the posts about software updates and "cheater boxes" to bypass the sensor and seat belt to get rid of the code/light..

Seems unlikely that I can get BMW or the dealership to fix the sensor even though the car has like 90K miles on it, and I am not interested in defeating the system. My goal is to fix it properly.

So, some questions for those who may have already taken this less-traveled road.

The videos/tutorials for replacing the OC3 MAT sensor all seem to be for E90/E92 where it looks like the sensor (flex circuit) can be purchased and replaced. However, I do not see such a part listed for the E93. RealOEM drawings show the seat bottom part number as 52107244119 for a bargain price of $730. I do not see the sensor MAT as a separate part. Is that just the way it is on the convertible seat? Is there some replacement part number that was added after the fact to address this problem?

If I go ahead and spend the crazy amount of money for the entire cushion assembly, and replace it, I am not clear on if any "reprogramming" is needed? Or is it just plug and play?

Looking at photos, this seems to be for the most part just a flex circuit that senses the weight, probably based on resistance. Guessing that one of the copper traces cracks over time. In the past, I have repaired items like this and think it may be possible to do the same here. I'd have to tear the seat apart to try it, but before I do- has anyone else tried it??

If there is already a post/tutorial that addresses all of this, I have not found it. I'd be OK with someone sending me a link to it, even if it includes a nasty comment about my failed search skills.

TIA.

[gunbunny75usmc]

I have a 2008 E93 M3, I had a problem with my top it wouldn’t go up.called the dealer they wanted 200.00 just to look at it. I bought the Foxwell nt530 scanner for 170.00. This scanner over rides sensors.hook it up put the top up,in my trunk there was a piece of paper on the sensor.it’s a must have.