Air bag and srs system question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 07-06-2002, 11:39 PM

Hi everyone.I own a 1987 420 sel with approx.250 km.My question is about the air bag and srs system.Is there any maintenance required on the air bag?Is there a big cost involved?Any advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated.
This is the best car I've ever owned and plan to drive it for many years to come.Thanks,Chunky

Gilly · #2 07-06-2002, 11:58 PM

Chunky:
The advisement for replacement of the airbag itself is the only concern. It was updated a few times, I believe originally it was scheduled for a 10 year life, this i belive is noted either on the drivers door jamb, on the body side by the latch striker on a sticker label, or possibly on the inside of the gove box door. I believe the current limit for your car was changed to 15 years. The main concern isn't the explosive propellant, but the bag material itself. So at 15 years, yes you are due for a drivers airbag, but it is quite expensive.
My personal opinion is that I wouldn't replace it, just use the seat belt, which contains an ETR reel anyways, which will help, and hope for the best as far as the condition of the airbag material is concerned.
Gilly

#3 07-07-2002, 07:03 AM

Gilly,you are right about the servicing sticker in the glove box.Indeed it says that servicing is required at a ten year interval.Should I worry about the bag opening during normal driving condition?Depending on the cost and if there is no danger of it opening,I will probably leave it be.Chunky

Gilly · #4 07-07-2002, 08:30 AM

Chunky:
As I said, this was extended to 15 years, so it recently expired, not 5 years ago.
No, self-deployment isn't a concern. MB is/was concerned about how well the bag material itself holds up. Of course there is no feasable way to "unpack" the bag material for inspection, but experience has shown the bags to be good out to 15 years.
Your first line of protection is the seatbelt. I'd hope for the best with the original airbag, a new one if I remember another poster's question (do a search) is somewhere in the neighborhood of $1500.00.
Gilly