Correct safety procedure for 124 airbag removal?
 

I searched, but didn't find anything for the 124...I couldn't find it in my FSM either ??

So what is the correct removal procedure? I know how to take it off, but what are the safety procedures?

I got a Sportline/500E wheel from the junkyard today, but obviously it was safe to remove as no battery.

Anybody know exactly "what" wheel I got?

http://www.ps2cho.net/downloads/phot.../new_wheel.jpg

Thanks,
Robert

Looks like the wheel from my '95 E320.
The proceedure to remove the wheel on said '95-
Disconnect the battery, take up the floor mat and toe board on the right side then remove the red connector from it's socket.
Use a 4 mm hex key from the back of the wheel to unscrew the airbag securing screws.
The airbag connect pulls off.

Disconnect battery and *wait at least 20 minutes*. This is the first safety procedure listed for almost every make/model/year vehicle with an airbag.

It's not part of the proceedure in the Benz FSM.
The FSM for my other than Benz states to wait at least one minute after disconnecting the battery to procede.

Disconnect battery (both terminals) When Disconnected, turn ignition to run and start.
There are capacitors in the ignition and alternators of most cars, that carry enough current to fire an airbag. I had a drivers bag blow one time when I worked in a body shop, it was a faulty mechanism, and it blew out the front window! :eek:

I thought the screws were T-30 torx. Extend teh wheel all the way forward before disconnecting the battery. Minimize any time you are in front of the airbag, and do not lay it face down. ALso, do not reconnect the battery while the bag is out - at least on the W210 this gives an SRS light which can only be reset with an SDS or similar computer.

The Benz FSM describes a built in circuit that depletes the capacitors automatically.

The FSM claims the screws are Torx, but I have removed them a number of times with 4mm hex key. Good luck finding a Torx bit that will fit without modification on a car that has a non-adjustable steering wheel.
The SRS light on a '95 124 will self extinguish when the airbag(s) are reconnected.

I'll stay on the safe side, wait 30mins and turn the key just in case.

Thanks guys!

4mm hex key worked for me great as the T30 I had was not thin enough to fit.

The Benz FSM advises to leave the key in the 0 position.

Easy, just order Mercedes special tool 126 589 00 10 00

Torx and inhex are NOT interchangeable.

You just have to hope that it still works...

As much as airbags cost, I'd wait.

Working on cars always involves a measure of faith. Certainly waiting isn't a bad idea. Neither is following the FSM.

Following the FSM *is* a bad idea if it's telling you to do something that could possibly injure you, even if that possibility is remote. After all, if the airbag goes "bang", what is your recourse? None. "The book said so" isn't going to get you a replacement part or pay any medical bills.

2 weeks ago there was a nice, fresh 23 year old mechanic in the county morgue who was crushed when the jack he was using slipped off whatever he was working under.

Faith is for church, not the garage.

I've had the airbags out of my 124 a coupla times without waiting a second. If you want to wait feel free.
To bad about the young man; I've worked under cars for over 40 years without mishap. Got anymore strawmen to prove your case?
In any case I'm not intimidated by cars because I have faith in my abilities and equipment.