98 E320 Seat Belts

[Alabama E320]

My front seat belts will not retract quickly enough. I can shove the belt into the slot and wind them up. If it sits over night they wind themselves up. Are there any problems I can look at prior to taking to a dealer? I think that the tanks for the side airbags are also in the post and dont need anything going boom in my face. Do they just wear out?

[cudaspaz]

Yes,

Your seat belt retractors are ten years old.

I would replace them if they become a nuissance especially when they start getting caught in the door upon closing and chewing up the door panel and B-pillar coverings.

Just keep the key off when you unplug the srs connector on the retractor, you may also want to disconnect the battery, but it really is not necessary, but you will set an SRS code if the key is on when you unplug the connector from the retractor.

[Matt L]

Mine are occasionally slow to retract. The retractor is supposed to increase tension when you turn the car off, but it doesn't always happen.

I did once shut the door on the belt clip, and instantly broke the door contact switch. A new one is cheap and easy to install, but I had to unplug the old one until I had the new part in hand to prevent the battery from draining.

[Alabama E320]

Is this something I should tackle myself, I am pretty handy but am new to the Benz world and dont know all of the tricks. I dont want to set off the SRS bells and whistles. I let the battery drain last weekend and had ARS and SRS codes that I had to buy a code scanner to get rid of. Do Y'all have a source for discount parts or is the dealership the only option. Where can I get service manuals? I bought some off of Ebay on DVD but got scammed.