w124 Air Bag Removal?

[Brian77]

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