In the glovebox of my 89 300TE there is a MB sticker suggesting airbag replacement in 1999. This probably means that the airbag in my 86 300E is far overdue! Is this a typical and necessary service? I know it would be pricey....

On the topic of airbags/steering wheels...
can the steering wheels of older 124s (ie 86) be exchanged with one of the newer, and much smaller ones? It's probably a strange request, but I wear an artificial leg and during tight maneuvers at speed I occasionally have a clearance problem. I know smaller wheels are available on the aftermarket but I'm hesitant to lose the airbag function.

I know this is getting lengthy... the SRS light flashes with wheel movement in the 86. I suppose this is a bent contact ring - would a new(er) wheel solve this problem too?

Thanks for the expert advice.

Mercedes has issued a service information about the "life" of their air bags. All U.S. versions A/Bags are now certified for 15 years from date of manufacture. So relax for a few more years. Some dealers will even get you a up-dated sticker!

I would replace the contact rings and the brushes to solve this problem. I have done this many times with no comebacks.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Thanks for the info!

Can I replace the contact ring/brushes myself? That is, is it a reasonable task for the adventurous DIYer to attempt? If so, what precautions should I take? (explosive devices are really only fun on TV...)

Is the steering wheel switch possible (no electrical changes...?)?

Thanks again.

You can do this yourself if you are cautious. Disconnet the battery before working on the SRS sysetm and never reconnect it untill you are finished. (You could set a fault code.) Before touching the underside of the bag, touch a metal object in the car to discharge yourself of any static you might be possesing. The bag can be set off by less than 1V so we are told.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

I too have an '89, 300E with June 99 Air Bag Sticker. Where can I get printed copy of the Mercedes Benz service announcement on 15 year bag life? This could help get me a new sticker from nearby Benz Dealer.

Benzmac:

Wasn't part of the Sportline package a smaller steering wheel, or am I mistaken on this? If it exists, can it be retrofitted to my 87 300E, and the 89 300TE?
I was thinking of doing this in a couple of years when it is time to replace the bag (I will probably do it a earlier than the 15 years MB says the bag is good for).

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JCE
87 300E 56,000 miles
Smoke Silver

Most air bags have a list price of $1500+ so don't run out & spend $$ before you need to. Yes sportline did include a slightly smaller wheel, and the airbag was different also. Most air bag steering wheels upto 1993 will fit earlier cars. Some of the wheels have different mounting lengths so look closly w/purchasing. Due to wrecks steering wheels have a good resale value.