switching powered seats for non-powered

[BibiMwewe]

Hi, folks. Considering that both of my powered, non-heated standard convertible seats now fail to tip forward AND the switches have broken off the passenger's side seat, I've decided to just replace both front seats with properly working versions rather than pay lots for repairs. I tried to fix the seat release lever myself, but was unable to actually get inside the seat (apparently, things are a little more complicated on this style of seat than the one write-up I found regarding this problem suggested).

Anyway, there's a decent looking set of non-powered BMW coupe seats currently up on eBay. My question is, how does one prevent the airbag warning light from going on if you switch from powered to non-powered seats? Is there still a plug for the airbag sensors in the non-powered seats? I'd sure hate to solve one problem but end up causing another... Any advice/testimonials would be appreciated!

[MikeFresh]

I <3 MY HEATED POWER SEATS.... =)

[BimmerLover84]

Just unplug the battery and let it sit for 15-30 minutes (Don't quote me) but after that I think you can unplug the harnesses from the seat without it tripping the SRS light.

[ublemaschine]

Disconnecting battery and waiting procedure is to make sure the SRS system is completely discharged. Some cars it is longer than 15-20mins, it varies from manufacturer. ALWAYS disconnect the battery and make sure system backup is discharged to prevent airbags from deploying and causing serious injury/death while working on SRS. In general if there is a seatbelt sensor/occupancy sensor in the seat and you dont have something to plug the connector back into the srs light should come on. So if the new seats do not have the correct sensors/switches to plug in the srs light most likely will come on.

[robisconfusedd]

his question was wether or not the nonpowered seats have an ABS sensor thingy in them.....

i think they do.. but i am not sure...


but as for what everyone else said, definately disconnect the battery because i found out the hard way when i removed my passenger seat with the car on and tripped the abs light.. :( although it does go off after 5 mins of driving it's still annoying

[kurtfire44]

Is their anyway to leave the front passenger seat out and driving around without triggering the SRS light?

[cbouchez]

I replaced my powered heated seats for vaders non powered or heated. No ABS light. It's a 94 325i

[BibiMwewe]

Yes, my specific question is indeed whether BMW stock non-powered seats (from another E36) have an airbag sensor that you can plug into, thus avoiding the warning light problem. One would think they do, but I just wanted to check before downgrading (if I have to; I would certainly prefer to stick with the powered seats if for no other reason than resale value; then again, I'm the only driver of this car so it's not like I have to monkey with the seat position much).

So, there was no problem just switching to non-powered Vaders? I thought one had to go through a process of hooking in some sort of circuit to prevent the air bag warning...

[old skool]

Of course. The only difference is they aren't powered so one less cable is connected under the seat. Very easy.