
Seat belts23
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Seat belt protection
Passengers not wearing seat belts risk severe injuries in the 
event of an accident.Properly worn seat belts hold the vehicle occupants in the correct sitting posi-
tions and substantially reduce the kinetic energy in the event of an accident. 
Seat belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements that could lead to 
severe injuries. In addition, properly worn seat belts reduce the danger of 
being thrown from the vehicle.
Passengers wearing their seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability 
of the belts to absorb kinetic energy. The front part of your vehicle and other 
passive safety features (such as the airbag system) are also designed to 
absorb the kinetic energy released in a collision. Taken together, all these 
features reduce the releasing kinetic energy and consequently, the risk of 
injury.
Our examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts 
substantially reduce the risk of injury in all other types of accidents. This is  why it is so important to fasten seat belts before every trip, even when "just 
driving around the corner".
Ensure that your passengers wear their seat belts as well. Accident statistics 
have shown that wearing seat belts is an effective means of substantially 
reducing the risk of injury and improving the chances of survival in a serious 
accident. Furthermore, properly worn seat belts improve the protection 
provided by airbags in the event of an accident. For this reason, wearing a 
seat belt is required by law in most countries.
Although your vehicle is equipped with airbags, the seat belts must be 
fastened and worn. The front airbags, for example, are only triggered in some 
frontal accidents. The front airbags will
 not be triggered during minor frontal 
collisions, minor side collisions, rear collisions, overturns or accidents in 
which the airbag trigger threshold value in the control unit is not exceeded.
Therefore, you should always wear your seat belt and ensure that your 
passengers have fastened their seat belts properly before you drive off!
Safety instructions on using seat belts
If seat belts are used correctly, they can reduce the risk of 
injury in an accident.– Always wear the seat belt as described in this section.
– Ensure that the seat belts can be fastened at all times and are not  damaged.
WARNING
•If the seat belts are worn incorrectly or not at all, the risk of severe inju-
ries increases. The optimal protection from seat belts can be achieved only 
if you use them properly.
Fig. 11  A driver wearing 
the seat belt properly is 
secured by the belt in 
sharp braking
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Seat belts
28
– Press the upper part of the shoulder  belt guide and hold it in this 
position  ⇒page 27, fig. 17 .
– Move the shoulder belt guide up or down until you have adjusted  the seat belt  ⇒page 25.
– After adjusting, pull the shoulder belt sharply to check that the  catch on the shoulder belt guide is engaged securely.Incorrectly fastened seat belts
Incorrectly worn seat belts can cause severe or even mortal 
injuries.Seat belts can provide optimal protection only if the belt web is 
properly worn. The seat belts must be fastened exactly in the order 
described in this chapter. An in correct sitting position impairs 
substantially the protection a seat belt offers and can lead to severe 
or fatal injuries. The risk of severe or fatal injuries is especially 
increased when a deploying airbag strikes an occupant who has 
assumed an incorrect sitting position. As the driver, you are respon-
sible for all vehicle occupants, especially children. Therefore:
– Never allow anyone to wear the seat belt incorrectly while the  vehicle is moving  ⇒.
WARNING
•An incorrectly worn seat belt increases the risk of severe injuries.•Before every trip, instruct your passengers to adjust their seat belts 
properly and to wear them for the whole journey.
•Read and always observe information and warnings concerning the use 
of seat belts  ⇒page 23.
Seat belt tensionersFunction of the seat belt tensioner
During a frontal collision, the seat belts on the front seats are 
retracted automatically.The seat belts for the front occupants are equipped with belt tensioners. 
Sensors will trigger the belt tensioners during severe head-on, lateral and 
rear collisions only if the seat belt is being worn. This retracts and tightens the 
seat belts, reducing the forward motion of the occupants.
The seat belt tensioner can be triggered only once.
The seat belt tensioners will not be triggered in the event of a light frontal, 
side or rear collision, if the vehicle overturns or in situations where no large 
forces act on the front, side or rear of the vehicle.
Note
•If the seat belt tensioners are triggered, a fine dust is produced. This is 
normal and it is not an indication of fire in the vehicle.•The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or 
components of the system are scrapped. Specialised workshops are familiar 
with these regulations, which are also available to you.WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system
32Monitoring of airbag and belt tensioner system
Both the airbag and belt tensioner systems operation is constantly monitored 
electronically. Each time the ignition is switched on, the warning lamp 
 T 
lights for several seconds and the display in the instrument panel* shows 
AIRBAG / TENSIONER.
The system must be checked when the warning lamp 
 T :
•does not light up when the ignition is switched on,•after the ignition is switched on, it turns off after 4 seconds,•turns off and then lights up again after the ignition is switched on,•lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving.
In the event of a malfunction, the warning lamp remains on continuously. In 
addition, depending on the malfunction, a fault message appears in the 
display of the instrument panel for approx. 10 seconds and a short acoustic 
signal is given. In this event, you should have a specialised workshop check 
the system immediately.
If any of the airbags are de-activated by the Authorised Service Centre, the 
indicator lights for several seconds more after the verification and will turn off 
if there is no fault.WARNING
•If there is a malfunction, the airbag and belt tensioner system cannot 
properly perform its protective function.•If a malfunction occurred, have the system checked immediately by a 
specialised workshop. Otherwise, in the event of an accident, the airbag 
system and belt tensioners may not be triggered, or may not be triggered 
correctly.
Repairs, maintenance and disposal of airbagsThe parts of the airbag system are installed in various places in your vehicle. 
If work is carried out on the airbag system or parts have to be removed and 
fitted on the system when performing other repair work, parts of the airbag 
system may be damaged. In the event of an accident this could cause the 
airbag to inflate incorrectly or not inflate at all.
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or 
components of the airbag are scrapped . Specialised workshops and vehicle 
disposal centres are familiar with these requirements.
WARNING
•If repairs are not carried out by a professional, or if the airbags are used 
incorrectl y, the  ris k of severe or fatal inju ries  is  increase d. T he airbags  may  
fail to inflate, or could inflate in the wrong circumstances.•Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the surface 
of the airbag unit on the passenger side of the dash panel, and do not 
obstruct or modify them in any way.•It is important not to attach any objects such as cup holders or tele-
phone mountings to the surfaces covering the airbag units.•To clean the steering wheel or dash panel, you may use only a dry or a 
water-moistened cloth. Never clean the dash panel and the airbag module 
surface with cleaners containing solvents. Solvents cause the surface to 
become porous. If the airbag triggered, plastic parts could become 
detached and cause injuries.•Never attempt to repair, adjust, remove or install parts of the airbag 
system.•Any work on the airbag system or removal and installation of the airbag 
components for other repairs (such as repairs to the steering wheel) should 
be performed only by a specialised workshop. Specialised workshops have 
the necessary tools, repair information and qualified personnel.
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Airbag system
34Front airbagsDescription of front airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.
The front airbag for the driver is located in the steering wheel  ⇒fig. 18  and 
the airbag for the front passenger is located in the dash panel  ⇒fig. 19. 
Airbags are identified by the word “AIRBAG”.
In conjunction with the seat belts, the front airbag system gives the front 
occupants additional protection for the head and chest in the event of a 
severe frontal collision ⇒ page 37, “Safety notes on the front airbag system”.
In addition to their normal function of restraining the occupants, the seat 
belts also hold the driver and front passenger in a position where the airbags 
can provide maximum protection in a frontal collision.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but it is an integral part 
of the vehicle’s overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the 
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their 
seat belts correctly and have adjusted the head restraints properly. Therefore, 
it is most important to wear the seat belts at all times, not only because this 
is required by law in most countries, but also for your safety ⇒ page 19, 
“Brief introduction”.
The main parts of the front airbag system are:•an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit)•the two front airbags (airbag with gas generator) for the driver and front 
passenger,•a warning lamp 
 T on the instrument panel  ⇒page 31
The airbag system operation is monitored electronically. The airbag warning 
lamp will light up for a few seconds every time the ignition is switched on 
(self-diagnosis).
There is a fault in the system if the warning lamp 
 T:
•does not light up when the ignition is switched on ⇒ page 31•after the ignition is switched on, it turns off after 4 seconds,•turns off and then lights up again after the ignition is switched on,•lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving.
Fig. 18  Driver airbag 
located in steering wheelFig. 19  Front passenger 
airbag located in dash 
panel
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Airbag system35
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
The front airbag system will not be triggered if:
•the ignition is switched off•there is a minor frontal collision,•there is a side collision,•there is a rear-end collision•the vehicle turns overWARNING
•The seat belts and airbags can only provide maximum protection if the 
occupants are seated correctly  ⇒page 10, “Proper sitting position for 
occupants”.•If a fault has occurred in the airbag system, have the system checked 
immediately by a specialised workshop. Otherwise, during a frontal colli-
sion the system may fail to trigger, or not trigger correctly.
Operation of front airbags
Inflated airbags reduce the risk of head or chest injury.The airbag system is designed so that the airbags for the driver and front 
passenger are triggered in a severe frontal collision.
In certain types of accident the front, curtain and side airbags may be trig-
gered together.
When the system is triggered, the airbags fill with a propellant gas and 
deploy in front of the driver and front passenger ⇒ fig. 20. The fully deployed 
airbags cushion the forward movement of the front occupants and help to 
reduce the risk of injury to the head and the upper part of the body.
The special design of the airbag allows the controlled escape of the propel-
lant gas when an occupant puts pressure on the bag. Thus, the head and 
chest are surrounded and protected by the airbag. After the collision, the 
airbag deflates sufficiently to allow visibility.
The airbags deploy extremely rapidly, within thousandths of a second, to 
provide additional protection in the event of an accident. A fine dust may 
Fig. 20  Inflated front 
airbags
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Airbag system
38hold the passengers in the front seats and the outer rear seats in a position 
where the side airbags can provide maximum protection.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but it is an integral part 
of the vehicle’s overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the 
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their 
seat belts. Therefore, it is most important to wear the seat belts at all times, 
not only because this is required by law in most countries, but also for your 
safety  ⇒page 19, “Brief introduction”.
The side airbag system will not be triggered if:•the ignition is switched off•there is a minor side collision•there is a frontal collision•there is a rear-end collision•the vehicle turns over
The main parts of the airbag system are:•an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit)•The front side airbags in the backrests of the front seats and the rear side 
airbags in the lining of the rear wheel housing•a warning lamp 
 T on the instrument panel  ⇒page 31
The airbag system operation is monitored electronically. The airbag warning 
lamp will light up for approx. 4seconds ever y time the ignition is switched on 
(self-diagnosis).
WARNING
•In a side collision, the side airbags will not work, if the sensors do not 
correctly measure the pressure increase on the interior of the doors, due to 
air escaping through the areas with holes or openings in the door panel.•Never drive the vehicle if the interior panels have been removed.
•Never drive if the interior door panels have been removed or if the 
panels have not been correctly fitted.•Never drive the vehicle if the loudspeakers in the door panels have 
been removed, unless the holes left by the loudspeakers have been 
correctly closed.•Always check that the openings are closed or covered if loudspeakers 
or other equipment are fitted in the interior door panels.•Any work carried out to the doors should be made in a specialised work-
shop.•The seat belts and airbags can only provide maximum protection if the 
occupants are seated correctly  ⇒page 10, “Proper sitting position for 
occupants”.•If a fault has occurred in the airbag system, have the system checked 
immediately by a specialised workshop. Otherwise, during a side collision, 
the system may fail to trigger, or not trigger correctly.WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system
40Safety notes on the operation of the side airbag system
If airbags are used correctly, they can considerably reduce the 
risk of injury in side impact collisions.
WARNING
•If you do not wear a seat belt, if you lean forward, or are not seated 
correctly while the vehicle is in motion, you are at a greater risk of injury if 
the side airbag system is triggered in an accident.•In order for the side airbags to provide their maximum protection, the 
prescribed sitting position must always be maintained with seat belts 
fastened while travelling.•Occupants of the outer seats must never carry any objects or pets in the 
deployment space between them and the airbags, or allow children or 
other passengers to travel in this position. It is also important not to attach 
any accessories (such as cup holders) to the doors. This would impair the 
protection offered by the side airbags.•The built-in coat hooks should be us ed only for lightweight clothing. Do 
not leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets.•Great forces, such as hard blows or kicks, must not be exer ted upon the 
backrest bolster because the system may be damaged. In this case, the 
side airbags would not be triggered.•Under no circumstances should protective covers be fitted over seats 
with side airbags unless the covers have been approved for use in your 
vehicle. Because the airbag is triggered from the side of the backrest, the 
use of non-approved seat covers would obstruct the side airbag, seriously 
reducing the airbag’s effectiveness  ⇒page 224, “Accessories, parts 
replacement and modifications”.•Any damage to the original seat upholstery or around the seams of the 
side airbag units must be repaired immediately by a specialised workshop.•The airbags provide protection for just one accident; replace them once 
they have deployed.
•When children assume an incorrect sitting position, they expose them-
selves to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This is 
particularly the case if the child is travelling on the front passenger seat 
and the airbag system is triggered in an accident; this could have critical 
consequences including serious injury or death  ⇒page 46, “Child safety”.•Any work on the side airbag system or removal and installation of the 
airbag components for other repairs (such as removal of the front seat) 
should only be performed by a specialised workshop. Otherwise, faults 
may occur during the airbag system operation.•Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any way.•The side and head airbags are managed through sensors located in the 
interior of the front doors. To ensure the correct functioning of the side and 
head airbags neither the doors nor the door panels should be modified in 
any way (e.g. fitting loudspeakers). If the front door is damaged, the airbag 
system may not work correctly. All work carried out on the front door must 
be made in a specialised workshop.WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system41
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Curtain airbagsDescription of curtain airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.The curtain airbags are located on both sides in the interior above the doors 
⇒fig. 24  and are identified with the text “AIRBAG”.
In conjunction with the seat belts, the curtain airbag system gives the occu-
pants additional protection for the head and upper body in the event of a 
severe side collision ⇒ page 42, “Safety notes on the operation of the 
curtain airbag system”.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but it is an integral part 
of the vehicle’s overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the 
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their 
seat belts correctly and have adjusted the head restraints properly. Therefore, 
it is most important to wear the seat belts at all times, not only because this  is required by law in most countries, but also for your safety 
⇒page 19, 
“Brief introduction”.
The main parts of the curtain airbag system are:
•an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit)•the curtain airbags (airbags with ga s generator) for the driver, front 
passenger and passengers on the rear seats,•a warning lamp 
 T on the instrument panel  ⇒page 31
The airbag system operation is monitored electronically.
The curtain airbag system will not be triggered if:
•the ignition is switched off
Fig. 24  Location of head airbags on the left side of the 
vehicle
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