1991 W124 Air Bag Replacement - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rrgrassi · #1 07-06-2021, 03:13 AM

I was looking at the door jamb on my '91. It shows to have had an airbag replaced in 2001, as it looks like a dealer put a sticker of the 1991 date.

My SRS light only comes on ate stat up and then shuts off.

My question is this: Does the air bag need to be replaced every 10 years? If so, it has been 20 years for my car.

Thanks!

Usaguy · #2 07-06-2021, 07:07 AM

Your srs light works right and doesn't show a fault.

The 91 and older airbags have a 15 year lifespan iirc.

92 and newer airbags have a 30+ year lifespan.

I don't know if they're still available and what the production date would be if they are available.

dude99 · #3 07-06-2021, 08:41 AM

Wasn’t there an updated service bulletin from MB that extended the life span of the older ones?

psaboic · #4 07-06-2021, 09:55 AM

Not sure about the rest of you but I am old school and learned to drive in cars without airbags, so their age and functionality does not concern me too much. I drive alone most of the time so it is just me I have to worry about. That and the fact that I am not crazy about having an explosive device a foot or so from my face when I am driving......

dude99 · #5 07-06-2021, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psaboic

Not sure about the rest of you but I am old school and learned to drive in cars without airbags, so their age and functionality does not concern me too much. I drive alone most of the time so it is just me I have to worry about. That and the fact that I am not crazy about having an explosive device a foot or so from my face when I am driving......

I mean, sure, you could ignore all the science and data that says they save lives, but ok. Not really sure what point you're trying to add here either...

rrgrassi · #6 07-06-2021, 09:48 PM

I was just wondering if I needed to have it replaced based on time. There are no SRS or ABS fault lights at this time.

psaboic · #7 07-07-2021, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dude99

I mean, sure, you could ignore all the science and data that says they save lives, but ok. Not really sure what point you're trying to add here either...

The point I was trying to make in a round about way was that unless he could find new replacements, anything he replaced would be just as old as what is in there so I would not worry about it.

Not going to argue with you, and I agree that science and airbags have saved lives, but so have seat belts.....and I have never heard of a worldwide recall on seatbelts for accidently triggering and tossing shrapnel in your face (aka Takata). I'm just not a huge fan of airbags, that's all....'nuff said.

shertex · #8 07-07-2021, 10:55 AM

The air bag on my 91 is original...have often wondered if it would work if the need arises.

dude99 · #9 07-07-2021, 07:39 PM

Did a little hunting, seems that the official Mercedes statement is that any airbag 1992 or newer is good for life, older ones should be replaced every 15 years. Not sure what the change in technology was or if its arbitrary.

ILUVMILS · #10 07-07-2021, 08:28 PM

The two possible issues concerning the older airbags are,

1. The accelerant may not light completely, if at all, resulting in incomplete inflation of the airbag.

2. The airbag material may deteriorate with age, resulting in a face full of confetti when the airbag deploys (if the accelerant lights).

glenlloyd · #11 07-07-2021, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psaboic

The point I was trying to make in a round about way was that unless he could find new replacements, anything he replaced would be just as old as what is in there so I would not worry about it.

Not going to argue with you, and I agree that science and airbags have saved lives, but so have seat belts.....and I have never heard of a worldwide recall on seatbelts for accidently triggering and tossing shrapnel in your face (aka Takata). I'm just not a huge fan of airbags, that's all....'nuff said.

I tend to agree with you on this issue, I grew up without them, one of my DD's doesn't have airbags (1990) the 97 Jetta tdi has driver and passenger. I don't really think about them that much, but that's not to say I'll remove one where it was installed from the factory, it's just not having one isn't all that important to me. Had a friend had an impact with an airbag once and it wasn't pretty....

Steve

jbach36 · #12 07-08-2021, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psaboic

Not sure about the rest of you but I am old school and learned to drive in cars without airbags, so their age and functionality does not concern me too much. I drive alone most of the time so it is just me I have to worry about. That and the fact that I am not crazy about having an explosive device a foot or so from my face when I am driving......

Car crashes are NOT a joke. I've been in 3 of them and one could have been deadly. Most happen very fast and without a lot of warning. Airbags are a terrific safety feature. Without them you could suffer from whiplash, back problems, punctured lung, and a forehead smashed into the steering wheel. Be thankful such safety equipment is here to protect us. Yes, it DOES concern you VERY MUCH.

psaboic · #13 07-08-2021, 11:22 PM

Who said that car crashes are a joke?? Not me.....I have or have had several cars equipped with airbags........and two of them had inadvertent deployments. Deployments that caused occupant injury. Then there is the whole Takata issue. All said and done, no, I am not a fan of airbags but I don't actively speak out against them. I know several people who don't bother to wear a seatbelt because they believe "the airbag will keep me safe".....their choice. Not going to argue with anyone about it any further, just please respect my opinion.

Usaguy · #14 07-09-2021, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psaboic

... Then there is the whole Takata issue...

Old mb airbags won't act like the faulty takata bags.

But there is a good alternative to airbags. It's called PROCON-TEN and all non-airbag audis from 1986 had it and some vw's too.

It's basically a cable that pulls the steering wheel away in a crash.

here's how it works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzaBJkpdoa8

psaboic · #15 07-09-2021, 10:11 AM

Agreed, old airbags wont act like the Takata ones.....I guess my point was the newer 2nd generation airbags (aka Takata) were supposed to be the best thing since sliced bread, and like most things failed to live up to the so-called hype. Again, I'm not anti airbag, just not a fan. I know several people who have been saved from serious injury due to airbags, but also know a few who have been injured and would probably have been better off if the bag had not deployed. Guess you can say the same for seatbelts.......#nothingsperfect.