my airbag deployed for no reason while i was driving down the freeway
 

so as I was driving down i80 in traffic my airbag deployed its gotta be the scariest thing that's ever happened. right before it blew I could hear the rubber disc inbetween the tranny and driveline brake but why would the airbag go off help anyone?? this is on an 87 300e

The sensor is right above the transmission hump in the console, so any serious vibration will set it off - this has happened on SL's also.

If the front flex joint fails, the driveshaft can hit the tunnel. Right above the flex joint is your SRS controller, bolted to the top of the driveshaft tunnel.

Wow, that IS scary! I would imagine a lot of people would have had accidents as a result. Wasn't your view of the road obstructed? or did it deflate immediately.

I don't remember what happened it was all so fast my hands were blown right off the wheel why the hell would they put the sensor there?

They put it there cause thats next to where you sit and is basically the center of the car.

Most flex disks dont cut loose w/o previously making some noises or creating nagging vibrations.

I just kept driving hopeing to make it home

is there anything I need to do besides replacing the flex joint and the airbag?

You will have to replace the module. You only get one deployment from an SRS module. The steering wheel may be deformed from the deployment. The electrical connector that connects to the airbag will usually be melted from the pyro charge so you'll likely need a new harness to connect the airbag.

Ummm....... new underwear?:eek:

god damn thats spoooookkyy

Yeah, I think I'd need a clean pair of drawers after that.:eek:

yeah it was so weird I have one other question for u guys I gotta replace the flex disc and I need to know if one from a 190e would fit on the 300?

I think the moral of the story here is to replace the front flex disc before it fails.

It is a wear item, and should be inspected regularly.

You need to replace the seatbelt too if the pretensioner went off.

-Jason

But on the good side....the old airbag worked considerably outside it's lifespan(?) I feel so much better now about my 1989 airbag's ability to work as required.
And a question.
Can you buy new airbags with the updated stickers for the door jambs?? I noticed the airbag stickers in a 1991 560SEL I drove recently had 2002 sticker dates, so i assume the airbags were replaced in 2002.