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Airbag on ‘85 500SEL

Luke Margolis
Thu, 25 Jun 2020 11:09:04 GMT

I am checking out a 1985 500SEL for sale that has a drivers side airbag, but if I understand correctly, airbags were optional equipment in 1985. The window sticker doesn’t list an airbag as an installed option. Would it? Trying to find out if the steering wheel airbag was original equipment or added later. Any ideas on how to confirm? Thanks!

190Efan
Thu, 25 Jun 2020 15:47:32 GMT

Try contacting the MB Classic Center with the VIN# for the car.

Luke Margolis
Thu, 25 Jun 2020 16:29:28 GMT

Thanks!

normajean
Fri, 03 Jul 2020 17:21:35 GMT

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.

Luke Margolis
Fri, 03 Jul 2020 17:28:14 GMT

Good call. I ended up passing on the vehicle anyway. Thanks!

Alex
Fri, 03 Jul 2020 18:53:34 GMT

Which brings up the question: How long is an unexploded air bag good for in a car, from a reliability standpoint?

Luke Margolis
Fri, 03 Jul 2020 18:58:35 GMT

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

Alex
Fri, 03 Jul 2020 20:15:52 GMT

And good for the life of the car on cars after 1992.

Luke Margolis
Fri, 03 Jul 2020 21:02:40 GMT

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.

190Efan
Fri, 03 Jul 2020 21:09:50 GMT

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.

Alex
Fri, 03 Jul 2020 21:56:28 GMT

How does replacing the SRS module relate to replacing the airbags? Do they get replaced at the same time?

190Efan
Sat, 04 Jul 2020 02:21:47 GMT

The control module is the brain of the airbag.

normajean
Sat, 04 Jul 2020 03:00:11 GMT

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.