Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Safety

Automatic child seat recognition in front passenger seat

In this manual: Safety
Introduction — 5At a glance — 6Safety — 25Opening and Closing — 17Seats, steering wheel and mirrors — 12Lights and windshield wipers — 11Climate Control — 11Driving and parking — 44On-board computer and displays — 29Stowing and Useful Information. Good to Know — 1Stowing and Useful Information. Storage Options — 10Stowage and convenience features. Convenience features — 7Maintenance and care — 11Roadside assistance — 13Wheels and tires — 13Technical data — 13
~4min read

The automatic child seat recognition of the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation W212, 2009–2016) increases safety in the front passenger seat. The system recognizes special child seats and deactivates the airbag when required. This minimizes the risk of injury in accidents. This section explains how it works and what you need to observe when using it.

The sensor system of the automatic child seat recognition in the front passenger seat detects whether a special Mercedes-Benz child restraint system with transponder is installed. In this case, the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp lights up permanently. The front passenger airbag is deactivated.

Info

If the front passenger airbag is deactivated by automatic child seat recognition, the following remain active on the front passenger side:
  • the sidebag
  • the pelvisbag
  • the windowbag
  • the belt tensioner
WARNING

If you secure a child in a child restraint system on the front passenger seat and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off, the front passenger airbag may deploy in a crash. The child may be struck by the airbag. There is an increased risk of injury or even of fatal injury!

In this case, always make sure the front passenger airbag is deactivated. The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp must light up.

WARNING

When the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is lit, the front passenger airbag is deactivated. It does not deploy in a crash and therefore cannot provide protection as intended. A person on the front passenger seat may then come into contact with parts of the vehicle interior, especially if seated too close to the cockpit. There is an increased risk of injury or even of fatal injury!

In this case, no person may use the front passenger seat. Only a child seated in a suitable rearward-facing or forward-facing child restraint system may be carried on the front passenger seat. Always observe the information on the correct positioning of the child restraint system in these operating instructions, as well as the installation instructions of the child restraint system manufacturer.

WARNING

If you secure a child in a forward-facing child restraint system on the front passenger seat and position the front passenger seat too close to the cockpit, the child can, in a crash,

  • e.g. come into contact with parts of the vehicle interior if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is lit,
  • be struck by the airbag if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off.

There is an increased risk of injury or even of fatal injury!

Always move the front passenger seat as far back as possible. Always observe the correct routing of the shoulder belt webbing from the belt outlet on the vehicle to the shoulder belt guide of the child restraint system. The shoulder belt webbing must run forward and downward from the belt outlet. If necessary, adjust the belt outlet and the front passenger seat accordingly. Always also observe the information on the correct positioning of the child restraint system in these operating instructions, as well as the installation instructions of the child restraint system manufacturer.

Info

Make sure your vehicle is equipped with automatic child seat recognition in the front passenger seat. If it is not, always install a child restraint system on a suitable rear seat.

Automatische Kindersitzerkennung im Beifahrersitz

Using the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lampyou can see whether the front passenger airbag is deactivated.

Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 1 or 2, or, on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the START/STOP button once or twice.
  • The system performs a self-test.

    The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp must light up for approx. six seconds.

    After the system self-test, if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
    • lights up, the front passenger airbag is deactivated. It does not deploy during a crash.
    • does not light up, the sensor system has not detected a child restraint system with transponder for automatic child seat detection. If the deployment criteria are met in an accident, the front passenger airbag will deploy.
    WARNING

    Electronic devices on the front passenger seat can interfere with the function of automatic child seat detection, e.g.

    • Laptop
    • Cell phone
    • Transponder card such as a ski pass or access card

    In an accident, the front passenger airbag could deploy unintentionally or fail to function as intended. There is an increased risk of injury or even risk of death!

    Do not place any of the listed devices or similar devices on the front passenger seat. Make sure the front passenger airbag is in the correct status before and also during driving.

    The automatic child seat detection in the front passenger seat of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) provides additional safety by automatically deactivating the front passenger airbag when a correctly installed Mercedes-Benz child seat is detected. This prevents an increased risk of injury in an accident.

    This intelligent system makes a significant contribution to the comprehensive safety concept of the E-Class and reflects Mercedes-Benz's high standards for the protection of all occupants.

    Every journey becomes safer for children in the front passenger seat when a suitable restraint system is used.

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