R129 Interior trim removal help.

[Hartzpartz]

Anyone know how to remove the carpeted trim below the passenger side air bag (1991 SL)?

There are a couple of screws along the lower edge but I can't see what holds the top bit. Maybe the airbag has to come out first?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Doodle]

No, I've had that trim part off and it didn't require airbag removal. I'm fairly sure there are a couple of screws hidden in the carpet as per the drivers side, but I can't remember off the top of my head and it'll be a couple of days before I'm back home with the SL.

 

[stats007]

From memory there's a third screw - it is very simple so should be obvious if you prod around.

 

[Hartzpartz]

There are no fixings hidden in the carpeted top edge but I've just found a hole in the middle of the trim as it starts to curve under the dash. It's about the size of your little finger (well mine anyway) and is quite deep. Perhaps there's a screw up in there somewhere? I'll have a prod around with a longer screwdriver later.

 

[grober]

Thats probably the bolt that holds the PASSENGER airbag in. I wouldn't mess with that unless you have deactivated the airbag circuit. Theres normally a link in the passenger footwell you have to set/ break to de-activate the circuit. You want to get the info on this exactly correct before you do it. Maybe another R129 owner can tell you for sure?

 

[stats007]

The airbag is mounted in the dash - you don't need to get involved with it to drop the lower trim. Let me see if I have a video somewhere.

 

[stats007]

It doesn't show it on the video but it's only a couple of screws - the top is wedged in.

 

[Hartzpartz]

Thanks for the info guys.............makes sense that the hole would be inline with the air bag securing bolt! Better not touch that I suppose!

I'll have another look tomorrow and give it a harder tug this time! I expect I was just being over cautious, although it did seem to be securely fixed.

 

[Hartzpartz]

Just for future reference, the lower panel is also secured along it's top edge by another 3 screws (8mm hex head). To get to these you do have to remove the single long bolt that secures the airbag unit (after taking the necessary precautions of course!!!!). You will need a 10mm socket on a long extension to gain access via the hole in the lower trim panel. The left hand top screw is a little fiddley but if you get your right arm in the airbag hole it's not too bad.

On the subject of the passenger side airbag, is there an official modification to disable it for safe childseat use??

 

[stats007]

They obviously changed the design as I've had that trim off a few times and didn't need to touch any of what you mention.

The later cars have child seat recognition via a pressure pad in the seat - won't be cheap or easy to retrofit though.

 

[Hartzpartz]

As this was an option on my car, I assume there may be a logical break in the wiring loom somewhere, although I suppose the SRS control unit could be totally different?


Thanks for the info. so far Stats007. Have you still got your R129 then? Any pics of your new toy?

 

[stats007]

Sold my R129 and bought a Porsche Carrera 4 - some photos here.

 

[Hartzpartz]

Very nice! Much of a performance difference between the 996 and your old 5litre V8?

 

[stats007]

The Porsche is considerably quicker - though harder work to drive and most of the power comes in at 4000rpm.

I suppose I miss the torque and comfort of the SL - though to be honest it didn't have me grinning from ear to ear the way the 911 does!

 

[nickg]

Just for future reference, the lower panel is also secured along it's top edge by another 3 screws (8mm hex head). To get to these you do have to remove the single long bolt that secures the airbag unit (after taking the necessary precautions of course!!!!). You will need a 10mm socket on a long extension to gain access via the hole in the lower trim panel. The left hand top screw is a little fiddley but if you get your right arm in the airbag hole it's not too bad.

On the subject of the passenger side airbag, is there an official modification to disable it for safe childseat use??

there is no official mod, and you will probably find that nobody will be willing to disconnect your airbag - merc dealer or indy.
They always say that they are not allowed to do so because you might sell the car on and not inform the buyer that its been disconnected.
So you'd have to do it yourself.......

 

[Hartzpartz]

Thanks for that nickg.

I could easily disconnect the wiring plugs at the gas generators (there are two) but this would illuminate the SRS warning lamp which would be a pain.

I was wondering, as this was an option on early R129's, what the component differences are? Is there just an extra bit of loom that plugs into a usually redundant connector maybe? (I can't see anything obvious). Maybe the control module is totally different? Who knows?

Anyway, It goes without saying that I would never wish jeopardise the safety of a passenger or a future purchaser's passenger but it would be good if I could put the child seat in the car very occasionally.

 

[Hartzpartz]

The Porsche is considerably quicker - though harder work to drive and most of the power comes in at 4000rpm.

I suppose I miss the torque and comfort of the SL - though to be honest it didn't have me grinning from ear to ear the way the 911 does!

Much more a true sports car than a luxury sports tourer I should imagine!

Glad to hear you're having fun with the 911 but great to see we still have the benefit of your R129/MB knowledge via the forum.