2011 3 Series Owner's Manual without iDrive - Irvine BMW

Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precautions
and handling instructions under Transporting
children safely, refer to page 47.
The front and side airbags can also be deactivated
by adolescents and adults sitting in certain
positions; the indicator lamp for the front
passenger airbags comes on. In such cases, the
passenger should change his or her sitting
position so that the front passenger airbags are
activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by
changing the sitting position, transport the relevant
passenger on a rear seat. Do not attach
seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or
other items to the front passenger seat unless
they are specifically recommended by BMW.
Do not place any items under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. Otherwise,
a correct analysis of the seat cushion is
not ensured.<
Status of front passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger airbags
shows the functional status of the front
passenger front and side airbags in accordance
with whether and how the front passenger seat
is occupied. The indicator lamp shows whether
the front passenger airbags are activated or
deactivated.
> The indicator lamp lights up when a child in
a specially designated child restraint system
is detected, as intended, on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front passenger
are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the
system, especially child seats
required by the NHTSA at the time of vehicle
production. After mounting a child seat,
ensure that the indicator lamp for the front
passenger airbag is lit. It indicates that the
child seat has been detected and that the
front passenger airbags are deactivated.<
> The indicator lamp does not come on as
long as a person of sufficient size and in a
correct sitting position is detected on the
seat.
The front and side airbags for the front passenger
are activated.
> The indicator lamp does not come on if the
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front passenger
are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
As of radio readiness, refer to page 50, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to indicate that
the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners
are operational.
Airbag system malfunction
> Warning lamp does not light up at radio
readiness or beyond.
> Warning lamp remains permanently on.
In the event of a fault in the airbag system,
have it checked without delay; otherwise,
there is the risk that the system will not function
as intended even if a sufficiently severe accident
occurs.<
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