The real question I have is whether or not it would be possible to retrofit side curtain airbags into the w126 body. I understand you would also need a lateral crash sensor, powered independantly, and made sure you got a model, (maybe from the c-class or maybe BMW's early tubular HPS)that is able to fit. Judging from my experience at a few BMW junk yards, the late 90's HPS system is quite compact and can possible be made to fit with minimal bulging of the headliner and A-pillar trim in that area.

I am curious because:

1) It would be a fun project and most of the parts (I think) I could get cheeply from a yard here in Phoenix.

2) Side curtain airbags are one of the major and most important safety innovations in automobiles of the last 20 years. Only ABS and Stability Control can come close in its statistically proven ability to prevent serious injuries.

Any thoughts on wether it is possible and what problems I might have?