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 ClampMONTVALE, 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.