Disable passenger airbag without switch

[sammyblackbaron]

Is there a way to disable the passenger airbag via the OBD port? The reason I'm asking is because I really want to buy a 6c Polo GTI that's in stock but because it's standard spec, it doesn't have the airbag deactivation switch.

In an ideal world, if I could enable and disable the passenger airbag via software, that would solve the problem.

It seems really off to me that VW don't make this standard spec. Especially as when I asked VW if they could retrofit the deactivation switch, they said that it was a factory fit option only.

[RUM4MO]

That is weird, I thought that there used to be a retro fit kit for that function, well I'm sure that there was one for previous models! Do none of the aftermarket places or retro fitters not supply that option?

Edit:- I think that I got that completely wrong as it now sounds like VW group have advised their dealerships not to touch this job with a barge pole - just in case something goes wrong!
What a cop out for all these dealerships that boast about having "top notch" factory trained techs!!

[sammyblackbaron]

It's really poor by VW in my opinion. If you buy their standard spec GTI and then circumstances change and you need to buy a car seat, you can't put it in the front, which with a young baby, makes the car unusable.

[alexperkins]

Could you have a rear seat with a mirror instead? Compromise I know. Ultimately safer due to the isofix though

[sammyblackbaron]

It's an interesting point as I hadn't considered the fact that there's isofix in the back but not in the front.

[Gadgetman]

Hi

Has anyone retrofitted the switch to a 6C SE either themselves or through a dealer? I can't believe this wasn't fitted as standard.

[Norbreck21a]

I'd like to know the answer to this as well, as stupidly i forgot to tick the passenger airbag deactivation option when ordering the car, and the wife used that function quite a bit on her 2013 BGT (before her latest one), when transporting our dog in the front seat, even though he was securely clipped by his harness into the seat belt system.

The wife's current BGT is fairly well specced (Xenon's, Navigation, Auto Lights, Auto Wipers, Folding mirrors, adaptive cruise control), so was wondering what might be involved in adding this to a 2016 year car ?