Introduction to restraint system. Important safety notes. Restraint system warning lamp. PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

The restraint systems of the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation W212, 2009–2016) are a key element of occupant safety. This article explains more about airbags, belt tensioners and other protection systems. These systems are designed to provide the best possible protection in emergency situations. Discover the technology behind the high safety standard of the E-Class.

Introduction to restraint system

In an accident, the restraint system can reduce the risk of vehicle occupants coming into contact with parts of the vehicle interior. In addition, the restraint system can also reduce the loads on vehicle occupants during an accident.

The restraint system includes

• Seat belt system
• Airbags
• Child restraint system
• Child seat anchorages

The components of the restraint system are matched to one another. They can only develop their protective potential if all vehicle occupants are always

• that you have fastened your seat belt correctly
• that you have adjusted the seat and head restraint correctly

As the driver, you must also make sure that the steering wheel is correctly adjusted. Observe the information on the correct driver's seat position

In addition, you must make sure that an airbag can deploy freely when it is triggered

An airbag supplements a correctly fastened seat belt. As an additional safety device, the airbag increases the protective potential for the occupant in the corresponding accident situation. If, for example, in an accident the protective potential of the seat belt is sufficient, the airbags do not deploy. In addition, in an accident only those airbags are triggered that increase the protective potential in the corresponding accident situation. Seat belts and airbags generally do not provide protection against objects that penetrate the vehicle from outside.

For information on how the restraint system works, see "Triggering of belt tensioners and airbags"

For further information on children travelling in the vehicle and on child restraint systems, see "Children in the vehicle"

Important Safety Notes

WARNING

Modifications to the restraint system can prevent it from functioning as intended. The restraint system may then be unable to protect the vehicle occupants as intended, and may, for example, fail in an accident or be triggered unexpectedly. There is an increased risk of injury or even of fatal injury!

Never modify any part of the restraint system. Do not make any changes to the wiring, electronic components or their software.

If it is necessary to modify an airbag system to suit a person with a physical disability, contact a Mercedes-Benz Service Center for details.

Restraint system warning lamp

The functions of the restraint system are checked after the ignition is switched on and at regular intervals while the engine is running. This allows faults to be detected at an early stage.

When you switch on the ignition, the restraint system warning lampin the instrument cluster lights up. It goes out at the latest a few seconds after the vehicle is started. The components of the restraint system are then ready for operation.

There is a malfunction if the restraint system warning lamp

• does not light up after the ignition is switched on
• does not go out after a few seconds with the engine running
• lights up again while the engine is running.

WARNING

If the restraint system is faulty, restraint system components may be activated unintentionally or may not deploy in an accident involving high vehicle deceleration. This can affect, for example, the belt tensioners or the airbag. There is an increased risk of injury or even of death!

Have the restraint system checked and repaired immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lampis part of the automatic child seat detection system in the front passenger seat.

When the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is lit continuously, the front passenger airbag is deactivated.

Depending on the person in the front passenger seat, the front passenger airbag must be deactivated or activated, see the following points. You must check this before driving and always ensure it while driving.

• Child in a child restraint system: Whether the front passenger airbag must be deactivated or activated depends on the child restraint system installed, and on the age and size of the child. Therefore, be sure to observe the notes on "Children in the vehicle". There you will also find information on rear-facing and forward-facing child restraint systems on the front passenger seat.
• All other persons: The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp must be off. Be sure to observe the notes on "Seat belts" and "Airbags". There you will also find information on the correct seating position.

Observe the information on the automatic child seat detection system in the front passenger seat

The restraint system of the Mercedes E-Class 4th generation (W212) is designed to protect occupants as well as possible in all conceivable accident situations. The combination of seat belts, airbags and child restraint systems meets the highest safety requirements.

Warning systems and indicator lamps reliably inform the driver about the status of the restraint system, ensuring that maximum safety is maintained at all times.

With this safety concept, Mercedes-Benz impressively demonstrates the high quality and safety standards for which the brand has stood for decades.