Passenger airbag

[e320cdiestate]

Is there a way of disarming this, as I already own a car seat, and don't want to have to buy a mercedes car seat for a not inconsiderable amount of money.
I also can't understand why the dealer I spoke to said there was "legislation" to stop them from disarming the airbag. As airbags are not a legal requirement, how can disarming one contravene the law?

 

[angus falconer]

It's in case someone gets injured and the lawyers try to get compensation from the individual/garage/manufacturer.

Same problem with Renaults.

Some manufactures do make this easy, like Toyota. The most horrible modern car I have ever driven, the Toyota Corolla Verso, has a switch. It's the only good thing about it.

Some members have suggested buying an old MB seat off ebay and removing the transponder - I am not recommending this per se but it's an interesting idea.

 

[mlc]

This airbag question comes up on a regular basis, lots of other makes have switches, but I do think that the garage are right not to disarm the airbag for you as the basic construction and usage rule is "if it was fitted in the factory at has to remain working".

I also think that the idea of buying an old seat and pinching the transponder is dangerous, what happens if it doesnt work on the day you need it?

At the risk of losing myself a friend may I make a couple of suggestions:

E Class cars have wonderful rear seats that are much safer for a child of any age, the front passenger seat is the most dangerous seat in the car, wouldnt it be better to fit the seat safely in the back.

The cost of a proper MB seat isnt much to pay to ensure that your little one is safe. The last figure I heard put the cost of a child at over £100k, £150 to MB sounds a bargin!

Sorry to sound wicked but child safety has always been important to me.

Mark.

 

[jberks]

It was one of the pre-reqs when I replaced the wifes car a few years ago. Ended up with an A3 which has a key operated switch. I agree that whilst swapping a transponder from an old seat seems a reasonable idea, and you can tell if its working from the warning light on the console, I would still be concerned that in the event, the forces of an accident caused the transponder to disconnect at the moment you needed it. I think an MB seat or use the back are your only truly sensible options.

 

[Myros]

one word, ISOFIX

if your car has the isofix mounting points. Go and have a look at Britax's website, they list all the models and manufacturers who have Isofix compatibility. Now it has never been easier to put your pride and joy into your pride and joy. The middle of the rear seat is the safest place for any mercedes munchkins to be placed, then the outer sides of the rear, and as a last resort, the front.