2008 Mercedes R-Class Owner's Manual - Page 78

Safety and Security Occupant safety In addition, the window curtain air bags 2 are deployed in certain vehicle rollovers. The front passenger side impact air bag will not deploy if the OCS senses that the front passenger seat is empty and the front passenger seat belt is not fastened (latch plate is not inserted into the buckle). With an empty front passenger seat and the seat belt fastened (latch plate properly inserted into buckle) the front passenger side impact air bag will deploy independently of the empty seat. The side impact air bags and window curtain air bags are not deployed in impacts which do not exceed the system's deployment threshold. Occupant Classification System The Occupant Classification System (OCS) automatically turns the front passenger front air bag on or off based on the classified occupant weight category determined by weight sensor readings from the front passenger seat. Furthermore, the occupant weight may appear to increase or decrease due to objects hanging on the seat, other passengers pushing on the seat, objects lodged underneath the seat or stuffed between seat and middle console or between seat and door or due to objects applying pressure on the back of the seat. Always make sure the seat has clearance in all directions at all times. i The system does not deactivate the front passenger side impact air bag, the window curtain air bag, and the emergency tensioning device. i If your seat, including your trim cover and cushion needs to be serviced in any way, take the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. Only seat accessories approved by Mercedes-Benz may be used. Occupants must sit properly belted in a position that is as upright as possible with their back against the seat backrest and feet on the floor to be correctly classified. If the occupant's weight is transferred to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by leaning on armrests), the OCS may not be able to properly approximate the occupant's weight category. Both, driver and the front passenger should always use the 59 indicator lamp as an indication of whether or not the front passenger is properly positioned. 77