W124 E300d Airbag Removal

[tismehi]

I Have A Nice 1995 E300d Auto And Would Like To Make A Storage Compartment, (glove Box), Where The Passengers Airbag Is.
I Would Like To Disconnect The Airbag And Remove It Plus The Original Covering.

 

[television]

If you want the info on how to remove it please ask

Malcolm

 

[tismehi]

yes i would like help with instructions on how to remove the airbag.
if you have them or can point me in the right direction i'd be greatful.
thanks.
joe.

 

[television]

You may have second thoughts if I tell you that the stering wheel, lower dashboard and the whole dash in the car has to come out, it is a massive job
Still going to do it ?

Malcolm

 

[tom7035]

You may have second thoughts if I tell you that the stering wheel, lower dashboard and the whole dash in the car has to come out, it is a massive job
Still going to do it ?

Malcolm

Malcolm, I'm reading from a W124 Haynes and, after carrying out the usual battery disconnect and the red test connector in the pass. footwell, this is all it says, and I quote; "Passenger Side Airbag Removal - Slacken and remove the large retaining bolt then remove the airbag unit from the facia, disconnecting its wiring connector as it becomes accessible" - end quote, and that's all it says!
Surely can't be this simple, and is a '95 300D that much different?

 

[television]

Malcolm, I'm reading from a W124 Haynes and, after carrying out the usual battery disconnect and the red test connector in the pass. footwell, this is all it says, and I quote; "Passenger Side Airbag Removal - Slacken and remove the large retaining bolt then remove the airbag unit from the facia, disconnecting its wiring connector as it becomes accessible" - end quote, and that's all it says!
Surely can't be this simple, and is a '95 300D that much different?

The air bag container is bigger than the aperture hole for the bag itself, that's why. I went through it all 3 times and no other way

Malcolm

 

[kth286]

tismehi

Yes the passenger airbag CAN be removed easily from the dash of a UK right hand drive car, by following the appropriate safety instructions.

I did it, so that I could remove the centre dash air vents to replace the bulb on the adjuster knob. (There is a side screw hidden by the airbag cover).

However, I do not know if by disabling the passenger airbag it would also disable the driver airbag.

Even if it did not disable the driver airbag, my conscience would not allow the removal of such an important safety aid.

How would you live with yourself if a passenger were killed or facially disfigured for want of an airbag that you removed ????????

There is available an armrest with a hinged up lid that is designed for a telephone, perhaps that would be the answer for you. Dont know any part numbers but someone must.

Regards

 

[tom7035]

tismehi

Yes the passenger airbag CAN be removed easily from the dash of a UK right hand drive car, by following the appropriate safety instructions.

I did it, so that I could remove the centre dash air vents to replace the bulb on the adjuster knob. (There is a side screw hidden by the airbag cover).

I certainly couldn't see it requiring complete removal of the entire dash. The airbags do after all require to be changed in certain circumstances for service/safety reasons.

 

[Charlotte001]

Hi As everyone has said "Yes" you can remove the airbag's!! you can but (and heres the but) Do you have an Explosives containment license? I doubt it (Here everyone goes upset time) Airbags comprise of several components one being a small detonator (for a better word) then a box/bag of little tablets style things (These are very very explosive and don't like to be with air) When you hit something (or if you have a Vauxhall Corsa Elegance) there is a set of sensors these send a signal to the detonator that sets the reaction in motion. This reaction happens in less than (I don't remember the exact figure) it's quicker than you can blink.

You will need to remove the entire dash because the airbag is being the dash look for the telltale line on the plastic (looks like a fold line) DO NOT DO NOT try to open this slit the bag will explode in your face (which aint pretty)

Why don't you just get an earlier dash from a model that didn't have an airbag ??

There is one consideration if you remove the airbag you may be affecting Usage Regulations of the vehicle and intern the MoT man may get touchy or worse he/she may demand the vehicle goes for an SVA test (Safety test)

I really wouldn't bother removing the airbag it's a lot of work, plus the airbag is there for a reason.

Charlotte

 

[tom7035]

Hi As everyone has said "Yes" you can remove the airbag's!! you can but (and heres the but) Do you have an Explosives containment license? I doubt it (Here everyone goes upset time) Airbags comprise of several components one being a small detonator (for a better word) then a box/bag of little tablets style things (These are very very explosive and don't like to be with air) When you hit something (or if you have a Vauxhall Corsa Elegance) there is a set of sensors these send a signal to the detonator that sets the reaction in motion. This reaction happens in less than (I don't remember the exact figure) it's quicker than you can blink.

A suspect a little over dramatisation here Charlotte. Yes, of course the recommended precautions must be observed and care taken, but let's face it, drivers' side airbags are removed regularly by mechys. for all sorts of reasons during routine repairs. Handling of a passengers' side airbag is no different. (I suppose I'm the first of the 'everyone gets upset' types you refer to - but I'm not, really!)

 

[tismehi]

thanks for the advice/interest.

all replies where valued.

not at all sure now about my dream of a custom built glove box.

i have ordered cd's from ebay which hopefully describe in fine detail what the whole proceedure is - and what the consequences are.

will keep you posted.

Joe.

 

[42864]

If you do remove the Air Bag, and best of luck with the work, you may well find that in the case of an accident your insurance may be deemed to be invalid, they will try and wriggle out of paying anyway that they can.

Dave

 

[jimmymack]

For what its worth, I had a Peugeot 406 who's airbag light came on and stayed on, took it to a non peugeot garage but they said that I would have to go to the main dealer as he wouldn't touch it, so took it to the dealer and the service guy said that under no circumstances should anyone but a dealer touch the airbag or the mechanism which operates it as they have to use their electronic gizmo's to disable it, apparently, even static from your clothes when the battery is disconnected can trigger the airbag to inflate and if it is not contained in it's enclosed environment can kill. (Obvious I guess).
I don't know how long lived airbags are, but I guess the pyrotechnics don't last forever, I certainly don't have any idea when mine should be replaced in the merc, hopefully many years from now if it's not used before. I guess some poor soul in years to come when he gets the car will have to shell out to change it to keep it on the road as it is a MOT failure if the light doen't go out.