What causing an airbag malfunction in my Mercedes-Benz CLK 350 and does it mean the airbags aren't functional?
I have been having problems with the airbag warning light since last September on my 50,000 mile 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK 350. The light has been on for the majority of the time and four repairs have so far been attempted. One question that I cannot get a straight answer to is whether, if the light is on, I have functioning airbags. The local non-franchised garage says no, but the dealership is not forthcoming with an answer.
I do have an extended warranty so the cost is not an issue, but the inconvenience of the dealer having the car for a day to diagnose the problem, and a follow-up to fit the new part once it has arrived, has become too much. The last repair was yesterday and the warning light appeared this morning. They now want the car for a week but after four attempts I cannot see that this is going to be of any benefit. How should I proceed?
I do have an extended warranty so the cost is not an issue, but the inconvenience of the dealer having the car for a day to diagnose the problem, and a follow-up to fit the new part once it has arrived, has become too much. The last repair was yesterday and the warning light appeared this morning. They now want the car for a week but after four attempts I cannot see that this is going to be of any benefit. How should I proceed?
Asked on 2 May 2011 by SB, Arundel
Answered by
Honest John
These are often triggered by speed humps, especially if the car is on bling 19-inch wheels with 35-profile tyres at the back. There is not enough tyre between rim and road to cushion the shock so they set off the airbag triggers.
Similar questions
My wife was driving our six-year-old Ford Mondeo Ghia X Estate along a local road when the driver’s airbag exploded without any impact. The car was travelling at approximately 25mph, well within the speed...
Back in May you had this article which revealed a problem with potentially exploding airbags affecting certain Toyota, Honda and Nissan cars. http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/miscellaneous/2015-05/huge-number-of-uk-cars-involved-in-exploding-airbag-recall/
That...
In 2010 you stated that "You only ever turn off the passenger airbag when fitting a rear-facing baby carrier in the front passenger seat." However, this advice is wrong. Please see here: www.cdc.gov/features/passengersafety/...
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Much better second attempt at CLK. Goes well, handles well and is comfortable. Attractive looks.
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
