Has anyone successfully found a part number and replaced the passenger seat occupancy sensor for the airbag system? I understand there are bypass units, but I'm trying to do it the right and safe way by replacing the faulty sensor (vehicle should be under a recall but isn't) and I see there are mat sensors out there for BMW and Mini for about $150 but nothing for my VIN. I can't seem to find a sensor part number for my 2014 Base model. No heated seats and the K9 carbon imitation leather. Do I have to buy the whole seat bottom (cushion, sensor, cover) from MINI (if so what p/n)?

 

Anyone have a good source to find the p/n I need for the Occupancy Sensor Mat (seat bottom bottom cushion/mat combination) other than MINI?

 

realoem.com will give you the part number.

 

There are many part number versions there (realoem.com) and they all seem to be an assembly of perhaps cushion/cover/heater/sensor? Doesn't break down to the actual sensor.

 

Since there doesn't seem to be a solution other than MINI, I ordered one of these MAT Emulators (seems a bit pricey compared to other emulators that are prevalent for the MINI):

https://www.ebay.com/itm/153984325543



I also found this Technical Service Bullet (attached) about the issue which seems to cover almost any MINI except mine evidently; yet it is all the same problem with the OC3 Mat.

 

This is interesting.
I have a 2013 Countryman JCW and keep getting a "fasten passenger seat belt" warning even when the seat is empty. Sometimes the Passenger Airbag Off light is still lit, sometimes not.
Since I'm usually alone, I've taken to driving with the passenger belt attached just to avoid listening to the chime. But the TSB doesn't look like it covers the Canadian version. Maybe I'll call my friendly local dealer and see if they'll do anything about it.

 

Maybe if enough people complain about the R60, they will included it int he TSB and extend waranty. Seems like others have the issue with the occupancy mat. Mine is intermittent and will rarely not have any light, but essentially it is permanent air bag light and disabled due to the mat which I've tested with my Schwaben tool for status.

 

UPDATE: I received the emulator purchased on Ebay that came from Europe (seems to be made in Poland) from SRSDrive. It was about $80 for the unit and tax/shipping. I installed it pretty easily per instructions on their Ebay site, and some YouTube videos I had watch. So far, it has worked great and the codes/lights are gone. Wonderful.

I'm still hoping that my model/VIN will be added to the current RECALL (TSB) and extend warranty period and cover this to be fixed properly. I see that TSB has been added to and updated/extended over the years. MINI does not seem to have fixed this ridiculous system (OCS Mat issue sustainably). I had previously filed a claim with NHTSA and nothing has come of that so far.