Hi,

I need to replace the combination stalk on my '94 E420 (w124) which requires removal of the driver's side air bag. I have read various posts that range from advising never to touch it because the air bag is ready to burst in a split second and crush you to death even when disconnected to it's very easy so long as you are careful. It seems that the procedure is may possibly be as simple as 1) disconnecting the battery 2) unplugging the red SRS plug underneath the passenger floor 3) using torx screws to take out the bolts in the back. I have also read that 1) you should allow the vehicle sit for awhile after disconnecting the battery and 2) you should store the air bag with the air bag up to prevent damage. Wondering whether the bag generally just falls out of the wheel when the torque screws are taken out or whether you have to really tug at it to get it removed from the steering wheel.

What is the general consensus here from people who regularly work on MB's? Do they send in robots and video cameras first to disable the air bags from the vehicles and then wear protective suits and helmets while working on them (just kidding)? Do they really take any additional precautions or any additional measures to make sure they will not go off?

Thanks,
Brian

__________________
Brian
'94 E420 - 99K
'12 C300 4 Matic

Previously owned:
'06 CLK 500K Cabriolet
'85 300SD (Old Smokey)
2002 Boxster
2002 C320 (The five-pointed star Mercedes)
1993 300E 3.2 (Dealership's cash cow)
1979 300SD (Chrome beauty)
1983 300D (Old faithful)
1983 240D (Right lane cruiser)
1977 240D (Miracle of bondo)

Brian,

I do exactly what you have said in the first paragraph and have not had any problems. It does come out very easily when you remove the torx screws. No tugging necessary.

__________________
Norm K.
'97 E420 Sport
'06 E350 Sedan
'67 Mustang Coupe
'70 F-250
'15 VW Jetta

You've got it covered. There is a tiny connection after you release the torx so a small screwdriver comes in handy.

Yep. Got it covered.
You won't damage the Air Bag by storing it face down. But, if static or a stray spark set it off it would go through the ceiling. Good idea to ground yourself before touching it.

It's quite a spectacle to see when they blow up.

__________________
600SEL '91
300E 4Matic '88
240D '83
280SE '77
350SE '73
The most complex systems can fail in the simplest way.
Contra verbosus noli contendere verbis, sermo datur cunctis, animi sapientia paucis.

i don't believe in the lord! He's never bought me a Mercedes Benz.

Hi folks,

As part of the s124 restoration I replaced the whole interior.

During reassembly of the engine I have started her up for various checks and balances with (I think) the air bags connected.

Is it possible without either being connected the immobiliser kicks in? I noticed the red light flickering on the radio (removed al, of that also) to indicate immobilised, tried locking/unlocking with remote but still flickering.

Does the radio need to be re-set or some procedure followed?

Thanks

__________________
David


1996 Mercedes S124 E300TD - 129k - rolling restoration project -

1998 Mercedes W210 300TD - 118k (assimilated into above vehicle)

Battery disconnected.
Remove red plug.
Remove airbag.

Notes:
Torx T-25 is needed.
Further, a socket and extension is to large in diameter to fit hole.
I used a T-25 with a handle.

If you have a telescoping column, run it all the way out before disconnecting the battery.

Exercise due care wrt to static electricity.

I've R&R'ed many this way without a problem.

Jim

__________________
14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

Thanks Jim.

I used a 10mm long extension socket to remove the air bag from passenger side, then two separate red/green plugs at the back - no torx needed that I could see.

Do the air bags need to be installed for immobiliser to work?


Cheers

__________________
David


1996 Mercedes S124 E300TD - 129k - rolling restoration project -

1998 Mercedes W210 300TD - 118k (assimilated into above vehicle)

My advice is for the steering wheel airbag.

Jim

__________________
14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles