The side airbags in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class W465 are an integral part of the vehicle's occupant protection system, designed to reduce the risk of injury during a side-impact collision. These airbags deploy from the side of the vehicle to protect the occupants' torso, reducing the chances of serious injuries, particularly to the chest and abdomen.

Overview of Side Airbags in the G-Class W465:

1. Purpose:
   • The main function of the side airbags is to protect the occupants during a side collision, where a direct impact from the side of the vehicle can cause significant injury. The side airbags help cushion the impact and prevent the occupant from being struck by the door or windows.
   • These airbags are particularly important in narrow spaces or in scenarios where another vehicle or object strikes the side of the G-Class W465.
2. Deployment Locations:
   • In the G-Class W465, side airbags are typically mounted in the side of the seat backrests, although they can also be integrated into the door panels or curtain areas for larger coverage.
     • Seat-mounted side airbags: These airbags are usually built into the side of the front seat backrests. They deploy to protect the torso and upper body in case of a side-impact collision.
     • Curtain airbags: In some configurations, the G-Class W465 may be equipped with curtain-type side airbags, which deploy from the ceiling or roof liner along the sides of the vehicle. They extend downward to cover the head and upper body, offering additional protection for all passengers in the event of a side crash.
3. Sensors and Activation:
   • Side airbags are triggered by sensors that detect a side-impact collision. These sensors measure the force and location of the impact and, if necessary, activate the airbags in milliseconds.
   • The airbags are usually connected to the central airbag control unit (ECU), which processes the sensor signals and determines if deployment is necessary based on the severity and direction of the impact.
4. Integration with Other Safety Features:
   • Side airbags in the G-Class W465 work together with other vehicle safety features like side impact beams, seat belts, and curtain airbags to provide a comprehensive protection system.
   • Seat belts work in conjunction with side airbags by holding the occupant in place, ensuring that the airbag can provide optimal protection. In more advanced versions of the G-Class W465, seatbelt tensioners and load limiters also function alongside side airbags for enhanced safety.

Types of Side Airbags:

1. Side Thorax Airbags:
   • These airbags deploy from the seat backrest or the door trim to protect the torso of the occupant, particularly the chest and abdomen. Their primary role is to prevent the occupant from being slammed into the door during a side-impact crash.
2. Curtain Airbags:
   • Curtain airbags deploy from the roof lining and extend downward to shield the head and neck area of the occupants in the front and rear seats during a side collision.
   • These airbags provide head protection and are particularly useful for preventing injury from side window glass or objects that may intrude into the cabin during a collision.
3. Pelvic Airbags (in some models):
   • Some advanced safety systems include pelvic airbags, which deploy from the seat base to protect the pelvic area in a side collision. However, these airbags are less common and might not be available in all configurations of the G-Class W465.

Activation and Deployment Process:

• Sensors located in the vehicle's body and seats detect a side-impact collision. If the system determines that the crash is severe enough to require airbag deployment, it sends a signal to the airbag control unit.
• Upon receiving the signal, the airbag control unit activates the side airbags (either seat-mounted or curtain-type), which inflate rapidly to form a cushion between the occupant and the vehicle’s interior structure.
• The side airbags are designed to deflate quickly after deployment to avoid obstructing the occupant’s movement and vision.

Maintenance and Care:

1. Airbag Inspection:
   • Regular inspections should be performed to ensure that the airbag system, including the side airbags, is functioning correctly. The airbag warning light on the dashboard is an indicator of a potential issue, such as a malfunction in the airbag system. If the warning light comes on, the system should be checked by a professional.
   • Seat cover and upholstery should be fitted carefully to avoid damaging the airbags. Some seat covers or modifications may interfere with airbag deployment, so it's essential to use compatible accessories.
2. Airbag Replacement:
   • After an airbag deploys, it must be replaced. This includes the side airbags, and the airbag control unit (ECU) may need to be reset or recalibrated.
   • If the side airbags deploy in a collision, the vehicle may need to go through a post-collision inspection to ensure all airbags and related components are replaced or repaired.
3. Avoid Obstructions:
   • The side airbags in the G-Class W465 are usually designed to deploy from specific areas, such as the seat backrests and door panels. Any objects or obstructions placed near these areas can impede the airbag’s deployment and compromise the safety system.
   • It's important not to modify or remove any parts of the airbag system, such as the seatback components or door panels, without professional assistance.

Common Issues:

1. Airbag Warning Light:
   • If there’s an issue with the side airbags, such as a sensor malfunction or a fault in the wiring, the airbag warning light may illuminate on the dashboard.
   • In this case, a diagnostic scan should be performed to determine the root cause of the issue.
2. Faulty Deployment:
   • In rare cases, side airbags may fail to deploy during a side-impact collision due to a sensor issue or other technical faults in the airbag system. This highlights the importance of regular maintenance and system checks to ensure everything is functioning as it should.
3. Improper Repair or Modifications:
   • After a collision, improper repair or failure to replace deployed airbags could lead to the inoperative deployment of airbags in future accidents, leading to potential safety risks.

Conclusion:

The side airbags in the G-Class W465 provide crucial protection in the event of a side-impact crash. They help reduce the risk of injury to the torso, head, and neck by inflating rapidly in response to a side collision. The system is designed to work seamlessly with other safety features like seat belts and curtain airbags to provide maximum protection for all occupants. Regular maintenance, proper care, and timely repairs are essential to ensure the system remains fully functional. Always ensure that no modifications are made that could interfere with the airbags' deployment in case of an accident.