General Information

The driver airbag unit in the steering wheel, as well as the front passenger airbag unit which replaces the glovebox. in combination with the emergency tensioning retractors (ETRs) of the seat belts and the energy-absorbing padding on the driver and passenger sides, are designed to enhance the protection offered by the standard 3-point seat belts when fastened.

Both systems are activated electrically by a control module in the event of a medium to severe head-on collision. Based on current knowledge, the entire (undamaged) airbag and emergency tensioning retractor restraint system is fully operational for at least 15 years. In contrast to the 3-point seat belt which is able to offer protection only if the belt is fastened, the occupant of the car has no influence on the protective effect offered by the airbag and emergency tensioning retractor restraint system. The enhanced protective effect exists only if the 3-point seat belt is fastened and if the driver airbag and emergency tensioning retractor restraint system is fitted. The driver airbag and emergency tensioning retractor restraint system offers enhanced protection only in the event of a head-on collision. If the car is involved in a side-on or rear-end collision, or roll-over, the occupants remain unprotected if not wearing their 3-point seat belt.

Driver Airbag:

Driver and Passenger Airbag:

1 Driver Airbag Unit
2 Passenger Airbag Unit
3 Emergency Tensioning Retractor (left and right)
4 Control module (N2/2)
6 Energy-absorbing padding below instrument panel (driver side)
7 SRS Malfunction Indicator Lamp
8 Energy-absorbing padding below instrument panel (passenger side)

Vehicles Equipped with Side Airbags
The side airbag essentially provides protection for the upper body and the head in the event of a side-on collision.

The side airbag units are activated by the airbag control module (N2/2). The electronic circuitry of the control module has been enlarged by this function. The modified control module for vehicles with side airbags is recognizable from the 50-pin connector.

In addition, a side airbag sensor is located at the side member below the driver and passenger seats for activating the control module in the event of a side-on collision. The two sensors detect the lateral acceleration and transmit signals to the control module which cause the left or right side airbag to be activated.

NOTE: The inscription "SRS AIRBAG" is embossed on the door trim panel to identify vehicles fitted with side airbags.