Well, don't worry about the airbags. Mercedes-Benz extended their life expectancy from the original 10 years to 15 years, and they may even have gone higher than that. Bottom line, they're unlikely to ever fail.

Problems with the SRS "brain" are, unfortunately, more common.

If you have issues with your OVP (Over Voltage Protector), the SRS light will come on, but the OVP affects the ABS circuit as well as the idle control so unless you have issues with those items, it is unlikely that a new OVP will solve the SRS issue. If you OVP is the original, you might want to change it regardless.

The SRS box is connected to the front seat belts (at both ends) and the airbags. The most likely contact problem would be the switch in the belt buckle (coffee spills and such...) so I would check those out first.

I had issues with my SRS light and it turned out to be the "brain" under the center console. Your mechanic is correct that they are expensive from the dealer. I was quoted more than $2,000 for a replacement box. They can be found used for about $300-$400.

One thing you should be aware of; when the SRS light is on the system is shut down, which means that the airbags will not deploy and the seat belt tensioner will not trigger.

 

One more thing -my SRS light has been a much better indicator of a low battery condition than the useless battery light on the dashboard. Just make sure your system voltage is acceptable, then try all the intelligent suggestions expounded by the inestimable Axel.

Also, we've saved as much as possible from a '91 560SEC before it was sent to the crusher. Let me know if you need/want some parts.

 

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The SRS box is connected to the front seat belts (at both ends) and the airbags. The most likely contact problem would be the switch in the belt buckle (coffee spills and such...) so I would check those out first.

SRS in 1980 did not use the belt buckle for anything. If they did make a change it would be to turn off the passenger bag only. The driver had to be protected even if they did not wear their seatbelt - that's the idea isn't it? Therefore even later systems should self check and the light go out no matter what. The most likely contact to fail or be intermittent is the slip rings in the steering wheel.

 

It didn't come on for a couple of days and now it started again.

 

Realising the original post is some time ago, but will update based on my experiences.

Of course, intermittent light could be a number of things.

In my case, it was pretty clear to be related to the steering wheel slip rings.

Resolving the problem is easy. Take the steering wheel off, and clear the deposits/dust inside the slip ring. I used a vacuum with a light brush. Note that some slip rings are lubricated, others are specifically designed NOT to be lubricated.

No need to buy replacement slip ring so long as plenty of electrode length remains.

Best regards.