Side Airbags ? - Benzworld.org

39ranger · 08-09-2008, 10:03 AM

I have a 1996 E320 with side air bags. The car has a few minor door dings that I want to remove via Paintless Dent Removal. This process pushes the dent out from behind the dent using leverage, I just am worried about leveraging against one of the sensors for the air bag. Has anyone had any PDR on the doors and is this an issue or not, where are the sensors located?

**Matt L** · 08-09-2008, 10:13 AM

There is only one sensor, and it is bolted to the transmission tunnel, near the radio head unit.

But still, do not lever against any air bag. Remove it if it is in the way, or work around it.

suicidal4life · 08-09-2008, 08:25 PM

Removing the interior door panel is pretty easy on these cars. Basically all you need is a phillips head screwdriver. There are DIY's somewhere around here. Probably safe insurance if you are worried about what you are using to leverage against.

**Musikmann** · 08-09-2008, 09:31 PM

I have read that airbags typically have an effective lifespan of 10 years so you might be looking at more money than you think. I don't know how you can test them, but you might do an internet search.

raymond- · 08-09-2008, 09:34 PM

Disassembly

**Matt L** · 08-10-2008, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musikmann

I have read that airbags typically have an effective lifespan of 10 years so you might be looking at more money than you think. I don't know how you can test them, but you might do an internet search.

Other than the simple electrical resistance check (already performed whenever you start your car), the only way to test an airbag is deployment.

I have yet to hear about any airbag not deploying in a test, no matter how old the piece.

**Musikmann** · 08-10-2008, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt L

Other than the simple electrical resistance check (already performed whenever you start your car), the only way to test an airbag is deployment. I have yet to hear about any airbag not deploying in a test, no matter how old the piece.

Come to think about it, I haven't either and the ones Mercedes uses are likely to be better than most.

ohlord · 08-10-2008, 12:19 PM

PDR guys know what to do and how to get the thin spoon down the door and wedge the glass out of the way to smooth the spoon around the ding or dent after they properly heat the door skin.Don't worry about it,the air bag won't be an issue.
ohlord