Mercedes-Benz 1998 SL 500 Operator's Manual page 50

The activation of the "SRS"
temporarily releases a small amount
of dust from the airbags.
This dust, however, is neither
injurious to your health, nor does it
indicate a fire in the vehicle.
The service life of the airbags
extends to the date indicated on the
label located on the driver-side door
latch post. To provide continued
reliability after that date, they should
be inspected by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer at that time
and replaced when necessary.
Warning!
It is very important for your
safety to always be In a properly
seated position and to wear your
seat belt.
For maximum protection in the event
of a collision always be in normal
seated position with your back
against the seat back. Fasten your
seat belt and ensure that it is
properly positioned on the body.
For unobstructive inflation of side
airbags, keep door pocket lids closed.
Since the airbag inflates with
considerable speed and force, a
proper seating and hands on steering
wheel position will help to keep you
in a safe distance from the airbag:
•
Sit properly belted in an
upright position with your
back against the seat back.
•
Adjust the driver seat as far
as possible rearward, still
permitting proper operation
of vehicle controls.
•
Do not lean with your head
or chest close to the steering
wheel or dashboard.
•
Keep hands on the outside
of steering wheel rim.
Placing hands and arms
inside the rim can increase
the risk and potential
severity of hand/arm injury
when airbag inflates.
•
Adjust the passenger seat
as far as possible rearward
from the dashboard when
the seat is occupied.
•
Children 12 years old and
under must never ride in
this vehicle, except in a
Mercedes-Benz authorized
BabySmart™ compatible
child seat, which operates
with the BabySmart™
system installed in the
vehicle to deactivate the
passenger side front airbag
when it Is properly installed.
Otherwise they will be
struck by the airbag when it
inflates in a crash. If this
happens, serious or fatal
injury will result.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in severe injuries to you
or other occupants.
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