Function of the restraint system in
the event of an accident
How the restraint system works depends on the
severity of the impact detected and the appa-
rent type of accident:
R
frontal collision
R
rear collision
R
side impact
R
overturn
The activation threshold for the restraint system
components is determined based on the analy-
sis of the sensor values measured at various
points in the vehicle. This process is pre-emptive
in nature. The triggering process of the restraint
system components should take place in good
time at the start of the collision.
Factors which can only be seen and measured
after a collision has occurred do not play a deci-
sive role in the deployment of an airbag, nor do
they provide an indication of airbag deployment.
The vehicle may be deformed significantly with-
out an airbag being deployed. This is the case if
only parts which are relatively easily deformed
are affected and the rate of vehicle deceleration
is not high. Conversely, an airbag may be
deployed even though the vehicle suffers only
minor deformation. If, for instance, very rigid car
parts such as longitudinal body members are hit,
the rate of vehicle deceleration may be suffi-
cient.
The restraint system components can be acti-
vated or triggered independently of each other:
component
detected trigger sit-
uation
belt tensioners
frontal collision, rear
collision, side impact,
overturn
driver's airbag, front-
passenger front air-
bag and kneebag
frontal collision
sidebag
side impact
windowbag
side impact, frontal
collision
The front-passenger front airbag can be
deployed in an accident only if the PASSENGER
AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off. If the front-
passenger seat is occupied, make sure that the
status of the front-passenger front airbag is cor-
rect both before and during the journey
(
Y
page 41).
G
WARNING
After the airbag deploys, the airbag parts are
hot. There is a risk of injury.
Do not touch the airbag parts. Have a
deployed airbag replaced at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop as soon as possible.
i
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the vehicle towed to a qualified specialist
workshop after an accident. Take this into
account, particularly if a belt tensioner was
triggered or an airbag was deployed.
If the belt tensioners are triggered or an airbag is
deployed, you will hear a bang, and a small
amount of powder may also be released:
R
the bang will not usually affect your hearing.
R
in general, the powder released is not haz-
ardous to health but may cause short-term
breathing difficulties to persons suffering
from asthma or other pulmonary conditions.
provided it is safe to do so, leave the vehicle
immediately or open the window in order to
prevent breathing difficulties.
Seat belts
Seat belt protection
Always fasten seat belts correctly before com-
mencing your journey. A seat belt can only pro-
vide maximum protection when worn correctly.
G
WARNING
If the seat belt is worn incorrectly, it cannot
perform its intended protective function. Fur-
thermore, an incorrectly worn seat belt can
cause additional injuries, e.g. in the event of
an accident, heavy braking or sudden
changes of direction. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always ensure that all vehicle occupants have
their seat belts fastened correctly and are sit-
ting properly.
Seat belts
37
Occup
ant
saf
ety
Z
