Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Owner's Manual page 46

The following system components are
monitored or undergo a self-check:
crash-sensor, airbag ignition circuits,
driver and passenger seat belt buckles.
Initially, when the key is turned from
steering lock position 0 to positions 1
or 2, malfunctions in the crash-sensor
are detected and indicated (the "SRS"
indicator lamp stays on longer than 4
seconds).
In the operational mode, after the
indicator lamp has gone out following
the initial check, interruptions and short
circuits in the airbag ignition circuit
and in the driver and passenger seat
belt buckle harnesses, and low voltage
in the entire system are detected and
indicated.
In the event a malfunction of the "SRS"
is indicated as outlined above, the
"SRS" may not be operational. We
strongly recommend that you visit an
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer
immediately to have the system
checked; otherwise the "SRS" may not
be activated when needed.
Important!
The airbags are designed to activate
only in certain frontal and front-
angled impacts (within the shaded
area shown in the illustration on
page 44). Only during these types of
impacts will they provide their
supplemental protection. The driver
and passenger should always wear
the seat belts, otherwise it is not
possible for the airbags to provide
their intended supplemental
protection.
In cases of other frontal impacts, roll-
overs, certain side impacts, rear
collisions, or other accidents without
frontal forces, the airbag will not be
activated. The driver and passengers
will then be protected by the fastened
seat belts.
Important!
The "SRS" is designed to reduce the
potential of injury in certain frontal
and front-angled impacts which may
cause injuries, however, no system
available today can totally eliminate
injuries and fatalities.
The activation of the "SRS"
temporarily releases a small amount
of dust from the air-bags. 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.
46