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Seat beltsWhy seat belts?It is a proven fact that seat belt s offer good protection in accidents fig. 105 . Thus
wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most countries.
Seat belts which have been correctly fasten ed and adjusted hold the occupants of the
car in the correct seated position fig. 105 . The belts reduce the kinetic energy
(energy of motion) to a considerable exte nt. They also prevent uncontrolled move-
ments which, in turn, may well result in severe injuries.
The occupants of a vehicle who have fastened and correctly adjusted their seat belt,
profit to a major extent from the fact that the kinetic energy is optimally absorbed by
the belts. The structure of the front end of the vehicle and other passive safety meas-
ures, such as the airbag system, also cont ribute to reducing the kinetic energy. The
energy produced is thus absorbed and there is less risk of injury.
Accident statistics prove that seat belts which are fastened and properly adjusted
reduce the risk of an injury and enhance the chance of survival in a major accident
page 113.
It is important that you pay attention to safety measures, particularly when trans-
porting children in the vehicle page 126, “Transporting children safely”.
WARNING
Fasten your seat belt each time before setting off, also when driving in town!
This also applies to the people seated at the rear - risk of injury!
Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the only way of
ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child page 115, “Fastening
three-point seat belts”.
It is important for the belt webbing to be properly routed if the seat belts are
to offer the maximum protection. You can see a description of how safety belts
should be fitted properly on the next pages.Note
Please comply with any differing legal requirements when using the seat belts.The physical principle of a frontal collisionFig. 106 The driver is catapulted forward if not wearing a belt / The rear seat occupant is cata-
pulted forward if not wearing a beltThe physical principle of a frontal a ccident can be explained quite simply:
Motion energy, so-called kinetic energy, is produced as soon as the vehicle is moving,
both for the vehicle and its occupants. The magnitude of this kinetic energy depends
essentially on the speed at which the vehicl e is travelling and on the weight of the
vehicle and the occupants. The greater the speed and weight increase, the greater the
amount of energy which has to be ab sorbed in the event of an accident.
Fig. 105 Driver wearing seat belt
WARNING (continued)
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How are seat belts correctly fastened?Fastening three-point seat belts
Fasten your seat belt before starting!Fig. 107 Routing of belt webbing over the sh oulders and the lap belt / Routing of belt
webbing for an expectant mother– Correctly adjust the seat and the head restraint before fastening your seat belt
page 110, “Correct seated position”.
– Slowly pull the belt webbing at the tongue of the lock over your chest and pelvis
.
– Insert the tongue of the lock into the seat belt buckle belonging to the seat until it is heard to lock in place.
– Pull on the belt to check that it has also reliably engaged in the lock.
Each three-point seat belt is equipped with an inertia reel. This inertia reel offers you
complete freedom of movement if the belt is unreeled slowly. If the brakes are applied
suddenly, the inertia reel will block. The belts also block when the car accelerates,
when driving downhill and when cornering.
Expectant mothers must also wear the seat belt .
WARNING
The shoulder part of the seat belt must never run across your neck but must
run approximately over the middle of the shoulder and fit snugly against the chest. The lap part of the belt must r
un across the hip and must never be routed
across the stomach. It must always fit snugly fig. 107 . Adjust the belt webbing
as required.
The lap part of the belt should be posi tioned as low as possible at the pelvis
of an expectant mother in order to avoid exerting any pressure on the lower
abdomen.
Always ensure that the webbing of the seat belts is properly routed. Seat
belts which are not correctl y adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in
minor accidents.
A seat belt which is hanging too loose can result in injuries as your body is
moved forward by the kinetic energy pr oduced in an accident and is then
suddenly held firm by the belt.
Only insert the lock tongue into the lock which is the correct one for your
seat. This will affect the protection which the belt offers and increase the risk of
an injury.
Seat belt height adjuster on the front seatsThe seat belt height adjuster makes it possible for you to adapt the routing of the front
three-point seat belt in the area of the shoulder to match your body size.
– To adjust the belt height press the heig ht adjuster and move it up or down
fig. 108 .
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 108 Front seat: Seat belt height
adjuster
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The fastened three-point seat belts are automatically tensioned in the event of a frontal
or side collision of a certain severity. The belts tensioners are also deployed if the seat
belts are not fastened.
Belt tensioners are not activated in the event of minor frontal collisions, side and rear-
end collisions, in the case of a rollover and also not in accidents in which no major
forces are produced from the front.
WARNING
Any work on the belt tightener system,
including removal and installation of
system components because of other repair work, must only be carried out by
a specialist garage.
The protective function of the system is only adequate for a single accident.
If the belt tensioners have been deployed, it is then necessary to replace the
entire system.
The Owner's Manual must also be handed over to the new owner if the
vehicle is sold.Note
Smoke is generated when the belt tensioners are deployed. This is not an indica-
tion of a fire in the vehicle.
It is essential to pay attent ion to relevant safety regulations if the vehicle or indi-
vidual parts of the system are scrapped. Specialist garages are familiar with these regu-
lations and will be able to provide you with detailed information in this respect.
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the system, it is important to comply with the
national legal requirements.
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Airbag system119
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When are the airbags deployed?The airbag system is designed in such a way that the driver and the front passenger
airbag* are deployed in the event of a frontal collision of major severity.
In the case of a violent side crash , the side airbag* in the front seat and the head
airbag* on the side on which the collision occurs are deployed.
It is also possible under certain special accident situations that the front as well as the
side airbags and head airbags* are deployed at the same time.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, rear-end
collisions, tilting of the ve hicle and vehicle rollover.
Deployment factors
It is not possible to state globally which deployment conditions apply to the airbag
system in every situation as the circumstances which exist in the case of accidents vary
greatly. An important role in this case, for ex ample, is played by factors such as the type
of object against which the vehicle impacts (h ard, soft), the angle of impact, the vehicle
speed etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which occurs
during a collision. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the
relevant restraint system. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured
during the collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified in the
control unit, the airbags are no t deployed although the vehicle may well suffer severe
damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The airbags are not deployed if:
ignition is switched off;
a minor frontal collision;
a minor side collision;
a rear-end collision;
Rollover of the vehicle.Note
A grey white or red, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is
perfectly normal and is not an indi cation of a fire in the vehicle.
In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed:
the interior lighting comes on (if the swit ch for the interior light is in the door
contact position),
the hazard warning li ght is switched on;
All the doors are unlocked.
Front airbagsDescription of the front airbags
The airbag system is not a su bstitute for the seat belt!Fig. 110 Driver airbag in the steering wheel / front passenger airbag in the dash panelThe front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel fig. 110 . The front
airbag for the front passenger* is housed in the dash panel above the storage compart-
ment fig. 110 . The installation positi ons are each marked with the “AIRBAG” logo.
The front airbag system, in combination with three-point safety belts, offers additional
protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger in the event of
a frontal collision of major severity in “Important safety information regarding
the front airbag system” on page 120.
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but is part of the complete passive
vehicle safety concept. Please note that an airbag can only offer you optimal
protection in combination with a seat belt which is fastened .
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It is essential to always switch off page 124, “Deactivating airbags” the
front passenger airbag when attaching a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in direction of
travel (in some countries also when the child is facing the direction of travel). If
this is not done, there is a risk of the ch ild suffering severe or even fatal injuries
if the front passenger airbag is deploy ed. In certain countries national legal
provisions also require that the side or head passenger airbags be deactivated.
When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with the
appropriate national regu lations regarding the use of child safety seats.
There must not by any further persons, animals or objects positioned
between the front seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag.
The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash panel
on the passenger side must not be stuck onto, covered or modified in any other
way. These parts should only be cleaned with a dry cloth or a cloth moistened
with water. No objects such as cup holders, mobile phone mounts, etc. may be
attached to the covers of the airbag modules or be located within the imme-
diate area.
No modifications of any kind may be made to parts of the airbag system.
Any work on the airbag system including installing and removing system
components because of other repair wo rk (e.g. removing the steering wheel)
must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
Never carry out changes on the front bumper or on the body.
Never place any objects on the surface of the dash panel on the front
passenger side.
Side airbags*Description of side airbags
The side airbag increases protection of the passenger concerned in the
case of a side impact.The side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the seat backrests of the front seats
and are marked with the lettering “AIRBAG” fig. 113 on the middle part.
The side airbag system in combination with the three-point seat belts, offers additional
protection for the upper area of the body (chest, stomach and pelvis) in the event of
severe side collisions in “Important safety information on the side airbag” on
page 122.
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to also
hold the driver and front pass enger in a correct seated position in the event of a side
collision so as to enable the side ai rbags to offer the maximum protection.
You should therefore always fasten the seat belts, not only because this is required by
law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection page 113, “Why seat
belts?”.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 113 Driver seat : Installation posi-
tion of airbag
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Any work on the side airbag system including removing and installing
system components because of other repair work (e.g. removing seats) must
only be carried out by a specialist garage.
Head airbags*Description of the head airbags
The head airbag together with the side airbag offers enhanced occu-
pant protection in the event of a side collision.The head airbags are positioned above the d oors on both sides in the interior of the
car fig. 115 . The installation positions of the head airbags are each marked with the
“AIRBAG” logo.
The head airbag together with the three-poin t seat belts and the side airbags, offers
additional protection for the head and neck area of the occupants in the event of a side
collision of major severity in “Important safety information on the head airbag”
on page 124.
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to also
hold the driver and the occupants in a correc t seated position in the event of a side
collision so as to enable the head ai rbags to offer the maximum protection.
You should therefore always fasten the seat belts, not only because this is required by
law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection page 113. Together with other elements (such as cross bars in the seats, stable vehicle structure)
the head airbags are the consequent further development of occupant protection in
the case of side collisions.
Function of the head airbags
The risk of injury to the head and ne
ck area is reduced in the event of a
side collision by fully inflated head airbags.In the case of a side collision the head airbag is deployed together with the relevant
side airbag on the side on which the accident occurs fig. 116 .
If the system is deployed, the airbag is fille d with propellant gas and covers the entire
area of the side window including the door pillars fig. 116 .
The protection offered by the head airbags is thus available simultaneously both to the
front occupants of the car seated on the side on which the collision occurs, as well as
to the rear occupants. Any impact of the head against parts of the interior or objects
outside of the car, is cushioned by the in flated head airbag. The reduction in any
impact to the head and the resultant minimi zing of any movements of the head addi-
tionally reduce the risk of injuries to the neck area. In certain accident situations, the
front, side and head airbag are simultaneously deployed.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second an d at a high speed in order to be able to
offer that additional protection in the event of an accident. A grey white, non harmful
gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is perfectly normal and is not an indication
of a fire in the vehicle.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 115 Installation position of the
head airbags
Fig. 116 Inflated head airbag
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switching off the airbag is indicated in the middle of the dash panel on the right by
the lighting up of the indicator light in the display
fig. 117 .
Note
A specialist garage will be able to advise you whether national legislation in your
country allows airbags in your vehicl e to be deactivated, and which ones.Switch for the front passenger airbag*Fig. 117 Switch for the front passenger airbag / indicator light for a switched off front seat
passenger airbagOnly the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the switch.Deactivating an airbag– Switch off the ignition.
– Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the ignition key in the direction of the arrow
to the position OFF fig. 117 .
– Check whether the airbag indicator light in the display
in
the middle of the dash panel on the right lights up when the ignition is switched on
fig. 117 .
Switching on an airbag– Switch off the ignition.
– Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the ignition key in the direction of the arrow
to the position ON fig. 117 . – Check whether the airbag indicator light in the display
in
the middle of the dash panel on the right lights up when the ignition is switched on
fig. 117 .
The airbag should only be switched off under exceptional circumstances page 124.
Indicator light in display
(airbag switched off)
The airbag indicator light is located in the middle of the dash panel fig. 117 on the
right.
If the airbag is switched on, the airbag indicator light comes on for a few seconds after
switching on the ignition.
In cases where the front passenger airbag is switched off the airbag indicator light
comes on for a few seconds after switching on the ignition, goes out for about a second
and then comes on again.
There is a system fault present in the airbag switch off if the indicator light
flashes.
WARNING
The driver is responsible for whethe r the airbags are switched on or
switched off.
Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for the airbag deactivation.
If the warning light
(airbag switched off) flashes:
Front passenger airbag is not deployed in the event of an accident!
It is also important to have the system inspected without delay by a
specialist garage.
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is moving. This particularly applies to children who are transported on the front
passenger seat if the airbag system deploy
s in the event of an accident. This can
result in severe or even fatal injuries.
It is important that the belt webbing is properly routed if the seat belts are
to offer their maximum protection page 115, “How are seat belts correctly
fastened?”. Pay particular attention to the information provided by the manu-
facturer of the child safety seat regarding correct routing of the belt. Seat belts
which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in minor
accidents.
Safety belts must be checked to ensure that they are running properly. One
should also ensure that the belt is not damaged by sharp-edged fittings.
It is essential to always switch off th e front passenger airbag when attaching
a child safety seat to the front passenger seat where the child is seated with its
back facing in direction of travel page 124. If this is not done, there is a risk of
the child suffering severe or even fatal in juries if the front passenger airbag is
deployed. When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please
comply with the appropriate national regulations regarding the use of child
safety seats.
Use of child safety seats on the front passenger seat
Child safety seats should always be attached to the rear seats.We recommend, for safety reasons, that you always mount a child restraint systems on
the rear seats whenever possible. If you still decide, however, to use a child safety seat on the front passenger seat then you must pay attention to the following warnings in
connection with the use of the airbag system on the front passenger seat.
WARNING
Warning - particular hazard! Never use a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat in which the child is seated with its back facing the direction of
travel. This child safety seat is positioned in the deployment area of the front
passenger airbag. The airbag may cause th e child severe, or even fatal injuries,
in the event of it being deployed.
This is also clearly stat ed on the sticker which is located on the centre
column of the body on the front passenger side fig. 118 . The sticker is visible
upon opening the front passenger door. For some countries, the sticker is also
affixed to the sun visor of the front passenger.
It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag when a child
safety seat is nevertheless attached to the front passenger seat where the child
is seated with its back facing in direction of travel page 124, “Deactivating
airbags”. If this is not done, there is a ri sk of the child suffering severe or even
fatal injuries if the front passenger ai rbag is deployed. In certain countries
national legal provisions also require that the front passenger side airbag or the
front passenger head airbag be deactivated. When transporting a child on the
front passenger seat, please comply with the appropriate national regulations
regarding the use of child safety seats.
If the front passenger airbag has been switched off by a specialist garage
using the vehicle system te ster, the side airbag* or the head airbag* and the
passenger belt tensioner re main switched on. Please comply with any differing
national legal regulations regardin g the use of child safety seats.
If a child safety seat in which the child faces in the direction of travel is used
on the front passenger seat, the front pa ssenger seat must be moved back and
to the top fully. Move the seat backrest into the vertical position.
You should have the front passenger airbag (or airbags) reactivated just as
soon as you no longer use a child safe ty seat on the front passenger seat.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 118 Sticker on the centre column of
the body on the front passenger side.
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