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Mercedes-Benz Recalling Early 1999 E-Class Sedans

30 October 1998

Mercedes-Benz Recalling Early 1999 E-Class Sedans 4,163 Cars to Be Inspected for Loose Clamp
    MONTVALE, N.J., Oct. 29 -- Mercedes-Benz of North America
(MBNA) today announced that it has initiated a voluntary recall of
4,163 E-Class sedans manufactured in July and August of 1998.  These
early-production 1999 model-year cars will be inspected for a possible loose
clamp on the new curtain-type side airbag system.  While the curtain airbag
would still deploy in a side-impact collision, it possibly may not inflate to
full volume.
    Mercedes-Benz emphasized that substantial side-impact protection is still
provided by the car's safety cell body construction and its existing side
airbags mounted in the front doors; the curtain-type side airbag units provide
an additional level of protection.  In model-year 1999, E-Class sedans are the
only Mercedes-Benz vehicles that come with curtain-type side airbags.
    MBNA will send a letter to owners of all affected vehicles during the week
of November 30, 1998, offering a free inspection of their car by the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.  The inspection takes about 60 minutes, and
if a car is found to have a loose clamp between the airbag and its gas
generator, the dealer will replace the side airbag unit at no charge to the
customer.