SRS Airbag replacement???

1987 560SL:

There is a sticker in my glove box that says something about changing the airbag in 3/1997? Is there really a 10 year life span to these things? If so, is this something the dealer needs to do for free since it's a safety component? If not - what is the cost?

Is there danger is NOT getting this replaced? Am I sitting behind an explosion waiting to happen? OR am I sitting behind an airbag that won't go off when I need it to?

Thanks!!

[maheath]

I believe I read somewhere that Mercedes has increased the expected life from 10 to 15 years for the airbags. That means you're only six months past due. I seriously doubt that Mercedes replaces them for free. I believe the airbags themselves retail for over $1000 from Mercedes.

I had a problem with my SRS light coming on intermittently. My independent Mercedes mechanic quoted me $70 to take off the airbag and clean off the contact points. So I figure that's what it would cost to install a new one.

Don't know what the ramifications are of not replacing the airbag after 15 years.

[ILUVMILS]

The service life of MB airbags has changed from 10 to 15 years. Several years ago the door-jamb stickers were replaced to reflect this change. These stickers were installed over the original date tags whenever the car was in the dealership for service. If your tags still indicate a 10 year life span I'm sure your local dealer will install the updated stickers. Also, the $70 charge to clean the slip rings includes removal of both the airbag and the steering wheel. Please keep in mind that MB DOES NOT recommend cleaning the slip rings. The material that was cleaned off was the material that the contact brushes are made of. To make certain that the SRS system works when needed, the slip rings and the brushes should be replaced.

[suginami]

A buddy of mine is intalling a leather / wood steering wheel on his '86 300E.

The later W124's have a different shaped steering wheel, smaller diameter with a different shaped center / horn section, which to him are more desirable. The airbag and the way it connects is also different.

He purchased a leather / wood steering wheel for a late model W124 and found a used airbag from one of the Mercedes dismantling yards. It was from a '95 E320, and I don't remember how much he paid, but it wasn't very much at all.

Try e-mailing Potomac Pat. I believe he works at a Mercedes wrecking yard.