
Seat belts27
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Never adjust the belt height while the vehicle is in motion.
Seat belt tensioners
Automatic belt retainer, belt tension device, belt tension
limiter
Seat belts are part of the vehicle safety concept Ÿpage 33 and consist of the
following important functions:
Automatic belt retainer
Every seat belt is equipped with an automatic belt retainer on the shoulder
belt. If the belt is pulled slowly or during normal driving, the system allows for
total freedom of movement on the shoulder belt. However, during sudden
braking, during travel in mountains or bends and during acceleration, the
automatic belt retainer on the seat belt is locked is pulled quickly.
Belt tension devices
The seat belts on the front seats and the outer seats of the second row are
equipped with belt tension devices.
Sensors will trigger the belt tension devices during severe head-on, lateral
and rear collisions and retract and tighten the seat belts. If the seat belt is
loose, it is retracted to reduce the forwards movement of occupants or move-
ment in the direction of the collision. The belt tension device works in combi-
nation with the airbag system. The belt tension device will not be triggered in
the event of the vehicle overturning if the side airbags are not deployed.
If the belt tension device is triggered, a fine dust is produced. This is normal
and it is not an indication of fire in the vehicle.Belt tension limiter
The belt tension limiter reduces the force of the seat belt on the body in the
event of an accident.
Note
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or
components of the system are scrapped. A qualified workshop is familiar with
these requirements Ÿpage 27.
Service and disposal of belt tension devices
If you work on the belt tension devices or remove and install other parts of the
vehicle when performing other repair work, the seat belt may be damaged.
The consequence may be that, in the event of an accident, the belt tension
devices function incorrectly or not at all.
So that the effectiveness of the belt tension device is not reduced and that
removed parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution, regula-
tions must be observed. These requirements are known to qualified dealer-
ships.
WARNING
Improper handling and homemade repairs of seat belts, automatic belt
retainers and tension devices increase the risk of sustaining severe or fatal
injuries. The belt tension device may fail to trigger or may trigger in the
wrong circumstances.
xNever attempt to repair, adjust or remove or install parts of the belt
tension devices or seat belts. Any work must be performed by a qualified
workshop only Ÿpage 285.
xBelt tension devices and automatic belt retainers cannot be repaired
and must be replaced.

Airbag system29
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Airbag system
Brief introduction
Introduction
Front airbags have been installed for both driver and passenger. The front
airbags can also protect the chest and head of driver and passenger if the
seats, seat belts head restraints and, for the driver, the steering wheel are
correctly adjusted and used. Airbags are considered as additional safety
equipment. An airbag cannot replace the safety belt, which must be worn at
all times, even in front seats where front airbags have been installed.
Additional information and warnings:
xDriving tips Ÿpage 7
xCorrect sitting positions Ÿpage 10
xSeat belts Ÿpage 22
xChild seats (accessories) Ÿpage 42
xCare and cleaning of the vehicle interior Ÿpage 278
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
xNotes for the user Ÿpage 283
WARNING
Never exclusively trust the airbag system as a means of protection.
xEven when triggered, airbag protection is only auxiliary.
xThe airbags provide the best protection when the seat belts are prop-
erly fastened, thus reducing the risk of sustaining injuries Ÿpage 22,
“Seat belts”.
xBefore each trip, every occupant must sit properly, correctly fasten the
seat belt belonging to his or her seat and keeping it fastened throughout
the trip. This rule is valid for all occupants.
WARNING
Occupants sitting in the front of the vehicle must never carry any objects in
the deployment space between them and the airbags, as this increases the
risk of sustaining injuries if the airbag is triggered. This modifies the
airbag deployment space or the objects may fly uncontrollably and hit your
body.
xNever carry objects in your hand or on your lap while the vehicle is in
motion.
xNever transport objects on the front passenger seat. In the event of
sudden braking and manoeuvres, the objects may end up in the airbag
deployment space and fly uncontrollably around the vehicle interior if the
airbag is activated.
xOccupants of the front and outer rear seats must never carry any other
people, pets or objects in the deployment space between them and the
airbags. Make sure children and other passengers also respect this recom-
mendation.
WARNING
The airbag system provides protection for one accident only. If they have
been deployed, they must be replaced.
WARNING (continued)