Try contacting the MB Classic Center with the VIN# for the car.
Thanks!
Luke: Sorry I'm late to the party but I just saw your post. I recommend removing or at least disabling in some way that airbag. I would not want a 35yo airbag staring me in the face.
Good call. I ended up passing on the vehicle anyway. Thanks!
Which brings up the question: How long is an unexploded air bag good for in a car, from a reliability standpoint?
This article cites MB itself as estimating 15 years on their pre-1992 airbags: https://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/do-car-airbags-expire.html
And good for the life of the car on cars after 1992.
Yup. Although that begs the question - what is the “life” of the car? Hopefully, since it’s MB, they mean more than the 7-8 years most corporate accountants would associate with a commuter vehicle.
I had the original airbag on my 1991 W201 for 28 years before I finally had to get a new control module. The SRS light came on and didn't go out until it was replaced for $2,500. My W201 is an MBCA concours class winner so that's why I decided to pony up the $$ for it. I never saw any kind of replace after 15 years notice with my car either that the above referenced Hemmings article noted. I hope the OP will consider another W126. They're great cars and built like a bank vault. My W201 is the baby version of the W126 and I love it to death.
How does replacing the SRS module relate to replacing the airbags? Do they get replaced at the same time?
The control module is the brain of the airbag.
I actually removed the airbag from my 1988 560SL. Also replaced the steering wheel with a great looking Nardi wooden wheel. The main electrical plug on that car (and probably all) is located under the carpeting on the passenger side floor. After unplugging, never had an alert or warning light.