Which models have airbags? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

amccoy · #1 10-31-2005, 03:07 PM

Newbie here in the hunt for an 80's model mercedes. I heard the s series has airbags starting in 81. I am trying to figure out what models (if any) had them standard, which had them as options, and how they would be marked/indicated if a particular car has them. I understand they may need to be replaced at this point, but I am assuming replacing is less costly than retrofitting? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

-adam

Dervman · #2 10-31-2005, 04:46 PM

Welcome to the forum.
I know that 1986 and later cars both W126 & W124 had Airbags as standard on the Drivers side. I think Passenger side became standard in 1990.
Prior to that Airbags may have been an option but most cars I have seen before 1986 - both W126 and W123 - had no airbags at all.

IMHO Airbags are no substitute for a properly functioning and adjusted Seat Belt and can cause some pretty severe injuries just from their deployment. No doubt in some circumstances they can be beneficial, but not always.

Hatterasguy · #3 10-31-2005, 05:12 PM

Well I think they were an option in 84 and 85 in the W126. But it was a rare option.

But at this point in the game all of the bags are expired and retrofiting them is going to be extremly expensive. So just buckle your seat belt and drive.

andmoon · #4 10-31-2005, 05:58 PM

My 84 500 sel had driver's side airbag and a whole booklet explaining the darn thing.

amccoy · #5 10-31-2005, 06:33 PM

Thanks for the info so far. Always wear my seat belt and plan to continue even with airbags. I haven't had an accident since I was 16, but would like the extra insurance. Big, solid, well built car. Seat belts are wonderful inventions. Still don't want to smack my forehead on the steering wheel. Anyone know about having them replaced? How much did (does) it cost? Also, would like to know if feasible to do on a model that had the option but this particular car doesn't. Are we just talking about replacing the steering wheel and bag, whole steering column, more?

Hatterasguy · #6 10-31-2005, 06:37 PM

Call a dealer and ask. For liability reasons I wouldn't touch one myself. What if it blows when someone else is driving the car? Talk about a lawsuit.

If airbags are that important to you I would consider a late 90's car.

PagodaLover · #7 10-31-2005, 10:05 PM

None I've ever had.

Hit Man X · #8 10-31-2005, 10:10 PM

I saw an '85 SD with it once at PickNPull...

86560SEL · #9 10-31-2005, 10:42 PM

Yeah, you are right. They were optional on the USA models beginning in 1984 and was optional in 1985 as well. They were available only on the 190E, 190D, 380SE, 300SD, 500SEL and the SEC coupe. Not available on the 300D, 300D, 300CD, 300TD, or the 380SL convertible. Driver airbag became standard across the board beginning in 1986 and a passenger side bag was optional on the S-Class beginning in 1989, but that was not very common. I remember reading somewhere that they were optional as early as 1981 on the S-Class models sold in Europe. I would imagine that was very rare. Also keep in mind that the 84-85 USA airbag equipped models- also have seat belt pretensioners.

Actually, the 85' 500SEL I am really wanting to buy (if the owner comes down about $2000 on the price) has the optional driver airbag.

Dana B. · #10 10-31-2005, 11:56 PM

My '91 has an airbag, driver's side only.

Dervman · #11 11-01-2005, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amccoy

Anyone know about having them replaced? How much did (does) it cost? Also, would like to know if feasible to do on a model that had the option but this particular car doesn't. Are we just talking about replacing the steering wheel and bag, whole steering column, more?

Replacements of unused Airbags that are beyond their 'Best Before' date are certainly possible, but likely quite expensive if you go the dealer route.

Don't even think about retrofitting airbag systems into a car not originally equipped with them. There is far more to the installation than just a new steering wheel and some wiring. There is a dedicated electronic controller, sensors and a different steering column. Remember, this is an explosive device we are talking about and not to be played with by DIY'ers.

I freaked out just swapping my 300SDL steering wheel with a leather rimmed (and slightly smaller diameter) one from a 300E, both airbag equipped, due to all the warning notes in the manual.

Buckle up and drive defensively. You won't likely hit your head on the dash or wheel if you are wearing a seatbelt. I have seen firsthand the arm burns caused by a wheel mounted airbag and have heard about fractured wrists and arms, so I hope I never have one deploy in a car I'm driving. Oh yes, and the substance they use to ignite the airbag is carciogenic!!

joegolden · #12 11-08-2005, 12:10 PM

I am looking at a 1992 300te that DOES NOT have a passenger side airbag...It only has the drivers airbag..Is this unusual?? I thought they were standard starting in 1992?? Or was it 1993?

Thanks

Joe

RockinWagin · #13 11-08-2005, 12:59 PM

My 84 SD has driver-side airbag. I actually hope that is does not work at this point.

iceman3876 · #14 11-08-2005, 06:11 PM

93 300D 2.5 has driver and passenger air bag...

87tdwagen · #15 11-08-2005, 08:02 PM

So if this may be slightly off topic, but as an owner of a late 80's airbag MB, I am now concerned if it's still likely work?! I know that in several industries, use-by, expriry dates are often set with healthy time margins as a measure of safety and protection from liability. Basically the product won't REALLY expire for quite some time after it is stated to expire.

Has anyone with an older MB been in an accident say within the past 3 years, and was fortunate enough to have their airbag deploy?