The passenger restraint system, airbag, seat belt, belt tensioner warning showed up in the car computer. Went to the dealer and dealer said that they will need to replace the passenger seat mat sensor and battery safety terminal. The cost is around $3500. When I searched online I found that the BMW 5 series 2004 - 2006 has a recall on this item already - please link. (www-ODI.NHTSA.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsummary.cfm?rcl_campaign_id=08V384000&prod_id=113225&moduletype=vehicle&make=BMW&model=5%20series&veh_model_year=2004&searchtype=drilldown). However, my 2006 M5 even though is an E60 and the same chasis and model as the 2004-2006 BMW 5 series is not included in the recall. That's the reason that the dealer is asking me for the full price. This fault which is already a recall for the 5 series car should be added for the BMW M5 model as well. This is a huge safety issue as the passenger side air bag won't deploy unless this is fixed. On top of this, BMW has this part in back order and the part won't be available until 11/5/2012. I find this ridiculous as I am supposed to be driving around a car with a faulty passenger air bag for over 8 months!!

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

Error code pass. Restraint system. Description from dealer is that the OC3 under the passenger seat is worn from use. This disables the airbag in the event of a crash.

- Chicago, IL, USA

On June 24, 2006, A-united leased the M5 through BMW of monrovia, formerly assael BMW. During the duration of the lease, A-united incurred less than 1800 miles on the M5 primarily because the M5's safety and reliability had caused serious concerns. From as early as November 2006, A-united began experiencing problems with the M5 when the unusual noise from the engine became louder and louder. Shortly, the M5 began hesitating to accelerate. On October 22, 2007, the M5 was taken to BMW of monrovia for routine service as well as the cautioned service engine light soon alert on the M5. The technician explained that the M5 had a defective brake booster pressure sensor and he discovered a fault memory in the vacuum sensor. He assured that he would take care of the problem and the service light as well as the unusual noise from the engine would no longer occur. Contrary to the technician's assurance, the noise continued and did not go away. The M5 experienced acceleration problems on and off. By June 27, 2008, it was due for another routine service and again, A-united expressed concerns for the unusual noise and problems with acceleration. The technician continued to represent that the M5 was operable, safe and in working condition since his conclusion was based on the fact that none of the complaints or faults were stored. A-united trusted the technician along with BMW of North America's ("BMW") sound reputation and continued to rely on such that the M5 had no problems. But, shortly thereafter, the M5's noise grew even louder than it ever was. The service engine light soon alert came on again. In October 2008, the M5 was lightly rear-ended by another vehicle because of the acceleration problem. This time, the M5's performance issues had resulted in an accident. The M5 continues to have noises and acceleration problems. Now, the passenger airbag defect has occurred as well.

- Alhambra, CA, USA