Installed this airbag over the weekend. Was always annoyed Mercedes can charge $8k for the top interior package and upcharge for $900 for the steering wheel but leave the generic plastic airbag in place. Came across this one online and was well worth it. Easy upgrade.

 

I feel EXACTLY the same. Would you please share where you found that part and how to replace. I would love to do this.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/39308691877...wAAOSw2sVf92Ja

Very easy there are two spots on the steering wheel. Disconnect battery. Insert a medium-size straight blade screwdriver to press the pin on each side and lightly pull on the airbag to release. One yellow plug and press new airbag in until it clicks in place. This is the only piece that isn't covered in leather and the focal point of the car. Makes a huge difference.

 

The OE polymer airbag cover is designed specifically to yield and disintegrate in a manner that allows the airbag to inflate while the cover itself doesn't become a collection of flying projectiles. Does this leather replacement have all the prerequisite DOT, NHTSA, etc. certifications?

 

It's an OEM part, so yes. Leather-covered airbags are not uncommon in other higher-end cars. The part number corresponds to the facelift S classes with AMG wheel etc. Install at your own risk.

 

In an earlier life (many years ago), I dealt with an injection molding company that made these kinds of polymer covers for airbags supplied to domestic car makers. The plastic was really tough stuff, and on the backside there were molded in relief depressions positioned radially from the center to the edge (like a cut pizza) intended to weaken the cover and allow it to fracture in a controlled manner when the airbag deployed. Scared the crap out of me -- made me want to disable my airbags, knowing that my cars are equipped with incendiary devices intended to blow up in my face. The Takata airbag recall hasn't improved my attitude.