Replacement airbag module question??

[Bodhi-z]

Hi Gents,

I have a year 2000 facelift Z3 with an M43B19 engine. My airbag module has died I think as warning light is displayed, have tried two different diagnostic scanners but neither of them can communicate with the module. Fuses are ok, I removed the centre console and unplugged the module, checked a few pins on the connecting plug with multimeter and I was getting 12v on some of the pins so unit has power.
My question is regarding compatibility of replacement part, and how critical the date range/part numbers are?
My airbag module has part number 65-77 8386192, date range 01 - 99.
Second hand these seem to be in limited supply and they are around the £200 mark.
I notice on ebay that airbag modules with part number 65-77 8374798 date range 01-98 are plentiful in supply for around £20.

I think from what I have seen on line I might have to pay someone to program my vin number into the replacement module anyway in order to get rid of the airbag warning light, so is there any reason why I can't use the cheaper of the two modules?
Given the date ranges are so close I would think the airbag set up in the two cars would probably be the same, so are they compatible?
If anyone has any knowledge or experience in the matter would appreciate any advice, thanks.
Pete

 

[Stevo7682]

Reckon you wont find anyone with the capacity to break the vin lock.
Been spoken about a few times on here as if that was as easy to do a number of us would be looking at modules with driver and passenger bag and recoding but suffice to say my zed still has drivers only.

In answer to your other question about part number yes this is also critical.
As will dictate how many bags car has and also if a pre face-lift model module the drivers airbag is single stage and if face-lift then its a multi stage bag the 2 are not interchangeable.

This is pretty much all that i know is current unless someone has some new updated info to offer.

Stephen.

 

[Stevo7682]

Just out of curiosity are you trying to talk to airbag module via the 20pin obd in engine bay .
If not that will be your first issue the 16pin obd under steering wheel won't communicate with airbag.
Stephen.

 

[Duncodin]

Just out of curiosity are you trying to talk to airbag module via the 20pin obd in engine bay .
If not that will be your first issue the 16pin obd under steering wheel won't communicate with airbag.
Stephen.

Yup. Far as I know the odb connector under the dash just does engine codes.

 

[t-tony]

And Auto Gear Box module.

Tony.

 

[colb]

Your original airbag module can be replaced with a replacement but it will need coding to your car with its Vin number using NCS Expert BMW software. Real oem parts site will list Modules that can be used as a replacement. Here is the list https://www.realoem.com/bmw/en/partxref?q=65-77+8386192
Its a lottery when it comes to finding a module that is in fully working condition, if its come from a crashed car the module will be locked up and unusable.

 

[Ade33]

These people would be worth speaking to..especially if any second hand module you purchase has been locked in a crash

BMW Archives - Crash Data Airbag Module Reset

BMW Airbag Reset and Repair Service Has your vehicle been involved in an accident? Has your airbag light come on? Have your airbags been deployed? Need an Airbag Module Reset? - You've come to the right place! Here at Crash Data we reset and repair your airbag module at a competitive price. Our...

crashdata.co.uk

 

[Bodhi-z]

Thanks Stephen for the advice on multi stage airbag for facelift Z3 models, didn't know that. So I guess I'll have to pay the higher price for a module with matching numbers, and then find someone to code it. I do use the round engine bay plug to communicate with, and can still communicate with all other module, just the airbag module that's the issue.

 

[Bodhi-z]

Thanks also colb for the real oem link, that gives me a couple of additional modules I can search for which should be exchangeable, cheers.

 

[Ade33]

...

 

[Bodhi-z]

Just had a result, using the alternative module serial numbers on the real oem site I found a 65-77 6908896 unit at a specialist breaker, and they only wanted £20 for it. Made my day!!

 

[Ade33]

Just had a result, using the alternative module serial numbers on the real oem site I found a 65-77 6908896 unit at a specialist breaker, and they only wanted £20 for it. Made my day!!

Are you going to have a go at programming it for your car? It's something I'd like to learn how to do

 

[Bodhi-z]

Just a quick update - all fixed!
I installed the replacement module I found at the breakers, cleared the stored codes with my diagnostic scanner (Topdon 600S) and the airbag light went off and stayed off. No coding required apparently, don't know if I was just lucky, but it appears to have been a plug and play fix.
The hardest part of the job was removing and re-installing the centre console, but having the console out was a good opportunity to fix the bulbs that had failed in my climate control panel some time ago, now replaced with brighter led ones.
Very occasionally, things go better than expected - I say a thank you to the automotive gods when it happens.....

 

[colb]

Blimy you were lucky, normally the module has to be coded to the car with the vehicles Vin number otherwise the light stays on as the code wont clear with the wrong Vin number in it.