I think your description of how it works if fairly exact. The impact triggers the charge that tightens the belts. Once released, they won't re-tension so the car cannot be driven unless one is prepared to go without the belts. Still surprised that these items wouldn't be on the shelf at the dealers since this sort of thing must happen regularly. The car is not damaged really beyond the back bumper and could be driven while they wait for the parts to fix that.
Randy -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 11:32 AM To: mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] Seat Belt Q I am pretty sure these belts use an explosive charge, in the winder,?to pre-tension the belts in a collision.? My guess is they are a one time use (like an airbag) and at least part of them must be repaced.? Demand may have exceeded availability. Jim in Phoenix Friends have an 01 (I think) E430 4Matic. It was rear ended hard enough to set off some sensor that locks the seat belts but then has to be replaced. This was a month ago and they still cannot drive the car because the dealer is still waiting for the part. They have been told it has to come from Germany. Anyone encounter this sort of thing? Seems odd that this part is so hard to come by. Can't help wondering if they could get it out of the US by overnight courier instead of waiting for some munchkins in Germany to produce it. -----Original Message----- From: R A Bennell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Mercedes Discussion List <mercedes@okiebenz.com> Sent: Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:16 am Subject: [MBZ] Seat Belt Q Friends have an 01 (I think) E430 4Matic. It was rear ended hard enough to set off some sensor that locks the seat belts but then has to be replaced. This was a month ago and they still cannot drive the car because the dealer is still waiting for the part. They have been told it has to come from Germany. Anyone encounter this sort of thing? Seems odd that this part is so hard to come by. Can't help wondering if they could get it out of the US by overnight courier instead of waiting for some munchkins in Germany to produce it. Randy _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ________________________________________________________________________ More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! - http://webmail.aol.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
