I am wondering, because I have heard that the older Mercedes with airbags, from the introduction of them in Mercedes in 1984 as an option, thru the 1980s, that they have "overly strong" airbags. I am considering a 1985 500SEL with the driver airbag option and this is why I was concerned. I was wanting to know if anyone here ever owned a 80s Mercedes (particularly mid 80s) and had a frontal crash and if so, was you injured by the inflating airbag. I know that the NHTSA crash test result was not that great for a tested 1985 300SD with the airbag. Not because the cars structural integrity, as that was great, but rather that was the injury reading for the dummy in the car. The one without the airbag was less. I am assuming that the overpowered airbag was the cause for the higher injury rating on the 300SD with the airbag. If this is so, is it difficult to disconnect the airbag on a 1984-1985 Mercedes? I know it is illegal, but many cars did not even have airbags in 1984-1985, except for the 10000+ GM models that had them from 1973-1976, and a few of the 71-72 Mercury's equipped with them for testing and only the Ford Tempo/Topaz had them as an option beginning in 1986. I will probably just leave it connected, even if I do buy it and remember to keep the seat back as far as possible.

Thanks in advance.