62 Restraint systems and airbags › Seat belts
If there is a collision with a certain severity, the seat belt is tight-
ened by the belt tensioner so that unwanted body movement is
prevented.
Restraint systems and airbags
Seat belts
The belt tensioner can also be deployed when the seat belt is
not fastened.
Functionality
Seat belts that are fastened correctly offer very good protection
in the event of an accident. They reduce the risk of an injury and
increase the chance of survival in the event of a major accident.
Belt tensioners are not activated in the event of minor collisions
or in accidents in which no major forces are produced.
Smoke is released when the belt tensioner is deployed. This
does not indicate a vehicle fire.
WARNING
The seat belts must not be removed or altered in any other
▶
Reversible belt tensioner
Vehicles with a proactive occupant protection system include
reversible belt tensioners » page 182.
way.
If the driver's seat belt is damaged, stop driving.
If another seat belt is damaged, the seat must not be occupied.
Do not repair damaged seat belts yourself.
Have a damaged seat belt replaced immediately by a specialist
garage.
▶
▶
▶
▶
The reversible belt tensioners increase safety for the belted
driver and front passenger by automatically tightening the seat
belt tightly over the body in critical driving situations and then
releasing it again.
Automatic belt retractor
Status display in the instrument cluster display
The automatic retractor locks the belt in the event of a jerky pull
on the belt. The belts lock, for example, when full braking, when
the car accelerates, when driving downhill and when cornering.
illuminated – a front and rear seat belt is not fastened
lights up - rear seat not occupied
WARNING
If the seat belt does not lock when pulled jerkily, have the re-
tractor checked by a specialist garage.
▶
illuminated – a rear seat belt is fastened.
Belt tensioners
The safety of the driver, front passenger and passengers on the
outer rear seats who are wearing their seat belts is enhanced
by the belt tensioners fitted to the inertia reels on the front and
rear external seat belts.
English 
