2014 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS SALOON airbag

The restraint system includes the:
R seat belt system
R airbags
R child restraint system
R child seat securing system
The components of the restraint system work
in conjunction with each other. They can only
offer protection if all vehicle occupants
always:
R have the seat belt correctly fastened
(Y page 48)
R have the seat and head restraint adjusted
properly (Y page 119)
As the driver, you must also make sure that
the steering wheel is also adjusted properly.
Observe the information on the correct driv-
er's seat position (Y page 118).
In addition, you must make sure that the air-
bags can inflate properly if they are deployed (Y page 51).
An airbag supplements a correctly worn seat
belt and, as an additional safety device,
increases protection for vehicle occupants in
applicable accident situations. The airbags
are not deployed, for example, in the event of an accident in which sufficient protection is
offered by the seat belt. In addition, only
those airbags, which in the applicable acci-
dent situations offer additional protection,
are deployed in the event of an accident.
However, the seat belt and airbag generally
do not protect against objects penetrating
the vehicle from the outside.
Information on how the restraint system
operates can be found under "Deployment of
belt tensioners and airbags" (Y page 60).
See "Children in the vehicle" for further infor- mation on children travelling in the vehicle as
well as on child restraint systems
(Y page 63). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If the restraint system is modified, it may no
longer work as intended. The restraint system
may then not perform its intended protective function by failing in an accident or triggering
unexpectedly, for example. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Never modify parts of the restraint system. Do not attempt to modify the wiring as well as
electronic components or their software.
If it is necessary to modify an airbag system to
accommodate a person with disabilities, con- tact an authorised Mercedes-Benz Centre. 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 run-
ning. Therefore, malfunctions can be detec-
ted in good time.
The 6 restraint system warning lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up when the igni- tion is switched on. It goes out no later than afew seconds after the engine is started. The
components of the restraint system are in
operational readiness.
A malfunction has occurred if the 6
restraint system warning lamp:
R does not light up after the ignition is
switched on
R does not go out after a few seconds with
the engine running
R lights up again while the engine is running
All vehicles, except hybrid vehicles: G
WARNING
If the restraint system is malfunctioning,
restraint system components may be trig-
gered unintentionally or might not be trig-
gered at all in the event of an accident with a high rate of vehicle deceleration. This can
effect belt tensioners or airbags, for example. Occupant safety
45Safety
Z

There is an increased risk of serious or even
fatal injuries.
Have the restraint system checked and
repaired immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Hybrid vehicles: G
DANGER
If the restraint system is malfunctioning,
restraint system components may be trig-
gered unintentionally or might not be trig-
gered at all in the event of an accident with a high rate of vehicle deceleration. This can
effect belt tensioners or airbags, for example. In addition, the vehicle's high-voltage electri-
cal system may not be deactivated as inten-
ded in the event of an accident. Touching
damaged components of the vehicle's high-
voltage electrical system could result in an
electric shock. There is an increased risk of
injury, possibly even fatal.
Have the restraint system checked and
repaired immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. After an accident, immediately
switch the ignition off and remove the key
from the ignition lock. PASSENGER AIRBAG indicator lamp
PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp
:
and PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp ;are part of the deactivation system of
the front-passenger front airbag. The indicator lamps display the status of the
front-passenger front airbag.
R PASSENGER AIR BAG ON :lights up: the
front-passenger front airbag is enabled. If,
in the case of an accident, all deployment
criteria are met, the front-passenger front
airbag is deployed.
R PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ;lights up: the
front-passenger front airbag is disabled. It
will then not be deployed in the event of an accident.
Depending on the person in the front-
passenger seat, the front-passenger front air-
bag must either be disabled or enabled; see
the following points. You must make sure of
this both before and during a journey.
R Children in a rearward-facing child
restraint system: the PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp must be lit. The
front-passenger front airbag is disabled.
Always observe the information on the
"Automatic front-passenger front airbag
deactivation system" (Y page 54) and on
"Children in the vehicle" (Y page 63).
R Children in a forward-facing child
restraint system: depending on the instal-
led child restraint system, the age and size of the child the front-passenger front airbag
is either disabled or enabled. Therefore,
always observe the information on the
"Automatic front-passenger front airbag
deactivation system" (Y page 54) and on
"Children in the vehicle" (Y page 63).
R All other persons: the PASSENGER AIR
BAG ON indicator lamp must be lit. The
front-passenger front airbag is enabled.
Depending on the build of the person on the front-passenger seat, the PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp may light up. The
front-passenger front airbag is disabled. It
will then not be deployed in the event of an
accident. In this case, the front-passenger
seat should not be used.
Always observe the information on the
"Automatic front-passenger front airbag
deactivation system" (Y page 54) as well46
Occupant safetySafety

as on "Seat belts" (Y
page 47) and "Air-
bags" (Y page 51). There you can also find
information on the correct seat position. Seat belts
Introduction A correctly fastened seatbelt is the most
effective means of restraining the movement
of vehicle occupants in the event of a collision or if the vehicle overturns. This reduces the
risk of vehicle occupants coming into contact
with parts of the vehicle interior or being
thrown from the vehicle. Additionally, the
seat belt helps to keep the vehicle occupant
in the best position in relation to the airbag.
The seat belt system consists of:
R seat belts
R belt tensioners for the front seat belts and
the outer seat belts in the rear
R belt force limiters for the front seat belts
and the outer seat belts in the rear
If the seat belt is pulled too quickly or sud-
denly from the belt outlet, the inertia reel will
lock. The belt strap cannot be pulled out fur-
ther.
In an impact, the belt tensioner tightens the
belt to pull it close to the body. It does not pull the vehicle occupants back in the direction of
the seat backrest.
The belt tensioner cannot compensate for the
seat position being incorrect or for a seat belt being routed or worn incorrectly.
If the seat belt is also fitted with a belt force
limiter and this is triggered, the force exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle occupant is
reduced.
The belt force limiters on the front seats are
synchronised with the front airbags, which
take on a part of the deceleration force. This
reduces the forces to which vehicle occu-
pants are subjected during an accident.
! If the co-driver's seat is not occupied, do
not engage the seat belt tongue in the buckle on the co-driver's seat. Otherwise,
the belt tensioner could be triggered in the
event of an accident and would have to be
replaced.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The seat belt cannot perform its intended pro- tective function if it is not fastened correctly. Also, an improperly fastened seat belt can
cause additional injuries in the event of an
accident, sudden braking or abrupt changes
of direction. There is an increased risk of
injury, possibly even fatal.
Always make sure that all vehicle occupants
are wearing their seat belt properly and are
seated correctly. G
WARNING
The seat belt does not offer the intended level of protection if you have not moved the back-
rest to an almost vertical position. When brak-
ing or in the event of an accident, you could
slide underneath the seat belt and sustain
abdomen or neck injuries, for example. This
poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Adjust the seat properly before beginning
your journey. Always ensure that the backrest
is in an almost vertical position and that the
shoulder section of your seatbelt is routed
across the centre of your shoulder. G
WARNING
Persons under 1.50 mtall cannot wear the
seat belts correctly without a suitable, addi-
tional restraint system. The seat belt cannot
perform its intended protective function if it is not fastened correctly. Also, an improperly
fastened seat belt can cause additional inju-
ries in the event of an accident, sudden brak-
ing or abrupt changes of direction. There is an increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Secure persons less than 1.50 mtall in a suit-
able restraint system. Occupant safety
47Safety Z

If a child younger than 12 years old and under
1.50 m in height is travelling in the vehicle:
R always secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for this Mercedes-Benz
vehicle. The child restraint system must be appropriate to the age, weight and size of
the child
R be sure to observe the instructions and
safety notes on the automatic front-
passenger front airbag deactivation system (Y page 54)
R always observe the instructions and safety
notes on "Children in the vehicle" in this
Owner's Manual (Y page 63) in addition
to the child restraint system manufactur-
er's installation instructions G
WARNING
Seat belts cannot protect as intended, if:
R they are damaged, have been modified, are
extremely dirty, bleached or dyed
R the seat belt buckle is damaged or
extremely dirty
R modifications have been made to the belt
tensioners, belt anchorages or inertia reels
Seat belts may sustain non-visible damage in an accident, e.g. due to glass splinters. Modi-
fied or damaged seat belts can tear or fail, for example in the event of an accident. Modified
seat belt tensioners may be deployed unin-
tentionally or fail to be deployed when
required. There is an increased risk of injury,
possibly even fatal.
Never modify safety belts, seat belt tension-
ers, seat belt anchorages and inertia reels.
Ensure that seat belts are not damaged or
worn and are clean. After an accident, have
the seat belts checked immediately at a quali- fied specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use seat belts which have been approved
specifically for your vehicle by Mercedes-
Benz. Any such modifications could invalidate the vehicle's general operating permit. Correct seat belt use Observe the safety notes on the seat belt
(Y
page 47).
All vehicle occupants must be wearing the
seat belt correctly before beginning the jour- ney. Also make sure that all vehicle occu-
pants are always wearing the seat belt cor-
rectly while the vehicle is in motion.
When fastening the seat belt, always make
sure that:
R the seat belt tongue is only inserted to the
belt buckle belonging to that seat.
R the seat belt is tight across your body.
Avoid wearing bulky clothing, e.g. a winter
coat.
R the seat belt is not twisted.
Only then can forces which occur be dis-
tributed across the surface of the seat belt.
R the shoulder section of the belt is always
routed across the centre of your shoulder.
The shoulder section of the seat belt should
not touch your neck nor be routed under
your arm. If possible, adjust the seat belt to
the appropriate height.
R the lap belt passes across your lap as
tightly and as low down as possible.
The lap must always be routed across your
hip joints and never across your abdomen.
This applies particularly to pregnant
women. If necessary, press the lap belt
down into your hip joints and pull tight with the shoulder section of the belt.
R the seat belt is not routed across sharp,
pointed or fragile objects.
If you have such items located on or in your
clothing, e.g. pens, keys or spectacles,
store these in a suitable place.
R only one person is using a seat belt.
Infants and children must never travel sit-
ting on the lap of a vehicle occupant. In the
event of an accident, they could be crushed 48
Occupant safetySafety

If a rear seat passenger unfastens their seat
belt when travelling at a speed above
25 km/h, a short warning tone also sounds.
You can also cancel the rear seat belt status
indicator immediately (Y page 314).Airbags
Introduction The installation location of an airbag is iden-
tified by the AIRBAG symbol.
An airbag supplements a correctly worn seat
belt. It is not a replacement for the seat belt.
The airbag offers additional protection in
applicable accident situations.
Not all airbags are deployed in an accident.
The different airbag systems work independ-
ently of each other (Y page 60).
However, no system available today can com- pletely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
It is also not possible to completely rule out a
risk of injury caused by an airbag due to the
speed at which the airbag must be deployed.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you deviate from the correct seat position,
the airbag cannot perform its intended pro-
tective function and can even cause addi-
tional injuries when deployed. There is an
increased risk of serious or even fatal injuries.
In order to avoid such risks, always ensure
that all vehicle occupants:
R fasten their seatbelts correctly, including
pregnant women
R are seated correctly and maintain the fur-
thest possible distance from the airbags
R observe the following notes
Always ensure that there are no objects loca-
ted between the airbag and the vehicle occu-
pant.
R Adjust the seats properly before beginning
your journey. Always make sure that the seat is in an almost upright position. The
centre of the head restraint must support
the head at about eye level.
R Move the driver's and front-passenger
seats as far back as possible. The driver's
seat position must allow the vehicle to be
driven safely.
R Only hold the steering wheel on the out-
side. This allows the airbag to be fully
deployed.
R Always lean against the backrest while driv-
ing. Do not lean forwards or lean against
the door or side window. You may other-
wise be in the deployment area of the air-
bags.
R Always keep your feet in the footwell in
front of the seat. Do not put your feet on the
dashboard, for example. Your feet may oth-
erwise be in the deployment area of the
airbag.
R For this reason, always secure persons less
than 1.50 mtall in suitable restraint sys-
tems. Up to this height, the seat belt cannot
be worn correctly.
If a child is travelling in your vehicle, also
observe the following notes:
R Always secure children under 12 years of
age and less than 1.50 mtall in suitable
child restraint systems.
R Child restraint systems should be fitted to
the rear seats.
R Only secure a child to the front-passenger
seat when the front-passenger front airbag
is disabled, and only then in a rearward-
facing child restraint system. If the
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is
permanently lit, the front-passenger front
airbag is disabled (Y page 46).
R Always observe the instructions and safety
notes on the automatic front-passenger
front airbag deactivation system
(Y page 54) and on "Children in the vehi-
cle" (Y page 63) in addition to the child
restraint system manufacturer's installa-
tion instructions. Occupant safety
51Safety Z

Objects in the vehicle interior may pre-
vent the airbag from functioning cor-
rectly. Before starting your journey and to
avoid risks resulting from the speed of the
airbag as it deploys, make sure that:
R there are no people, animals or objects
between the vehicle occupants and an air-
bag.
R there are no objects between the seat, door
and B-pillar.
R no hard objects, e.g. coat hangers, hang on
the grab handles or coat hooks.
R no accessories, such as cup holders, are
attached to the vehicle within the deploy-
ment area of an airbag, e.g. to doors, side
windows, rear side trim or side walls.
R no heavy, sharp-edged or fragile objects
are in the pockets of your clothing. Store
such objects in a suitable place. G
WARNING
If you modify an airbag cover or affix objects
such as stickers to it, the airbag can no longer function correctly. There is an increased risk
of injury.
Never modify an airbag cover or affix objects
to it. G
WARNING
Sensors to control the airbags are located in
the doors. Modifications or work not per-
formed correctly to the doors or door panel-
ling, as well as damaged doors, can lead to the function of the sensors being impaired. The
airbags might therefore not function properly any more. Consequently, the airbags cannot
protect vehicle occupants as they are
designed to do. This poses an increased risk
of injury.
Never modify the doors or parts of the doors.
Always have work on the doors or door pan-
elling carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. Front airbags !
Do not place heavy objects on the front-
passenger seat. This could cause the sys-
tem to identify the seat as being occupied. In the event of an accident, the restraint
systems on the front-passenger side may
be triggered and have to be replaced. Driver's airbag
:deploys in front of the
steering wheel; front-passenger front air-
bag ;deploys in front of and above the glove
compartment.
When deployed on the front seats, the front
airbags offer additional protection for the
head and thorax.
The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF and
PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamps
inform you about the status of the front-
passenger front airbag (Y page 46).
Front-passenger front airbag ;will only
deploy if:
R the automatic front-passenger front airbag
deactivation system has detected that the
front-passenger seat is occupied
(Y page 54). The PASSENGER AIR BAG
ON indicator lamp lights up (Y page 54)
R the restraint system predicts a high
severity of an accident 52
Occupant safetySafety

Driver's kneebag
Driver's kneebag
:deploys under the steer-
ing column. The driver's kneebag is triggered
together with the front airbag.
The driver's kneebag on the driver's seat
offers additional protection for the thighs,
knee and lower leg.
Sidebags G
WARNING
Unsuitable seat covers can obstruct or pre-
vent the deployment of the airbags integrated into the seats. Consequently, the airbags can-
not protect vehicle occupants as they are
designed to do. In addition, the function of the automatic front-passenger front airbag deac-
tivation system could be restricted. This
poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal
injury.
You should only use seat covers that have
been approved for the corresponding seats by Mercedes-Benz. Front sidebags
:and rear sidebags ;
deploy next to the outer bolster of the seat
backrest.
When deployed, the sidebag offers additional thorax protection. However, it does not pro-
tect the:
R head
R neck
R arms
In the event of a side impact, the sidebag is
deployed on the side on which the impact
occurs.
vehicles with the automatic front-passenger
front airbag deactivation system: the sidebag on the front-passenger side (front) deploys
under the following conditions:
R an occupant is detected on the front-
passenger seat or
R the belt tongue is engaged in the belt
buckle of the front-passenger seat
If the belt tongue is engaged in the belt
buckle, the sidebag on the front-passenger
side deploys if an appropriate accident situa- tion occurs. In this case, deployment is inde- pendent of whether the front-passenger seatis occupied or not.
Windowbags Windowbags
:are integrated into the side
of the roof frame and deployed in the area
from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.
When deployed, the windowbag enhances the
level of protection for the head. However, it
does not protect the chest or arms. Occupant safety
53Safety Z

In the event of a side impact, the windowbag
is deployed on the side on which the impact
occurs.
If the system determines that they can offer
additional protection to that provided by the
seat belt, a windowbag may be deployed in
other accident situations (Y page 60).Automatic front-passenger front air-
bag deactivation
Introduction In order to recognise a child restraint system
on the front-passenger seat, the automatic
front-passenger front airbag deactivation sys- tem categorises the person in the front-
passenger seat. Depending on that result, the
front-passenger front airbag is either enabled or disabled. If a rearward-facing child
restraint system is fitted to the front-
passenger seat, the PASSENGER AIR BAG
OFF indicator lamp must light up after the
system self-test and remain lit. The front-
passenger front airbag is disabled.
The system does not disable:
R the sidebag
R the windowbag
R the seat belt tensioner
Make sure that your vehicle is equipped with
the automatic front-passenger front airbag
deactivation system (Y page 66). If this is
not the case, always fit the child restraint sys- tem on a suitable rear seat (Y page 68).
If it is absolutely necessary to install a child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat,
be sure to observe the correct positioning of
the child restraint system. Never place
objects under or behind the child restraint
system, e.g. cushions. Fully retract the seat
cushion length. The entire base of the child
restraint system must always rest on the seat cushion of the front-passenger seat. The
backrest of the forwards-facing child restraint
system must, as far as possible, be resting on the backrest of the front-passenger seat. The child restraint system must not touch the roof
or be put under strain by the head restraint.
Adjust the angle of the seat backrest and the
head restraint position accordingly. Only then is the correct function of the automatic front- passenger front airbag deactivation system
guaranteed. Always observe the information
on suitable positioning of the child restraint
system (Y page 68) in addition to the child
restraint system manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Operation of automatic front-passenger front airbag deactivation :
PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp
; PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
The indicator lamps inform you whether the
front-passenger front airbag is disabled or
enabled.
X Press the Start/Stop button once or twice,
or turn the key to position 1or 2in the
ignition lock.
The system carries out a self-diagnosis.
The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF and
PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamps
must light up simultaneously for approx-
imately six seconds.
The indicator lamps display the status of the
front-passenger front airbag.
R PASSENGER AIR BAG ON :lights up: the
front-passenger front airbag is enabled. If,
in the case of an accident, all deployment 54
Occupant safetySafety