My car randomly started throwing an error for a failure with the passenger restraint system. From what I have read it has something to do with the OC3 Mat in the seat that detects if there is an occupant, and if the weight of the occupant is considered to be that of an adult, so the airbag does not deploy in the wrong circumstances, which is potentially dangerous to anyone that may ride in the passenger seat. There has been an extended warranty, and recall for previous years of E90 BMWs, but 2009 may not be included, even though the seats should be the same. I plan on contacting the dealership for further investigation, but I know I cannot afford to have this safety feature fixed out of my pocket at this time. Thank you for your time.

- Annapolis, MD, USA

When a passenger is belted - with car running/driving - an alarm comes on - basically not recognizing when belted. Also the inactive airbag light is not on. When no passenger, the car used to light up the 'airbag not active' - it no longer shows that (light is always off) whether passenger there or not.

- Ossining, NY, USA