Air Bag Systems: Application and ID

NOTE: The airbag system installed in any particular vehicle can be determined using the VAG 1551 scan tool.


Airbag II
Airbag II was introduced for the 1993 model year. The airbag control module has On Board Diagnostic capability, and can differentiate between 12 different types of malfunctions.

Airbag III
A new Airbag III was introduced for the 1995 model year. The system features an airbag control module with expanded On Board Diagnostic capability, an optimized passenger side airbag, and a pyrotechnical seat belt tensioner system.

All safety precautions specified for Airbag II remain valid for Airbag III.

Airbag V
A new Airbag V with BAE basis release unit was introduced for the 1996 model year, replacing Airbag III for all new vehicles. Service information for Airbag II is still valid; only the airbag control module software has changed.

Airbag expiration date
- The expiration date for the airbag has been increased to 15 years. This is retroactive for all airbag units with a lower expiration date.

- After 15 years, the airbag and the sticker with the expiration date must be changed. The sticker is now applied to the lower part of the driver side B-pillar.

- With every replacement of an airbag, a new sticker with the expiration date must be attached on the lower part of the driver side B-pillar.