[Bob the brush]

On one of the nicer March mornings I had my 216 cabriolet parked outside my house, roof down, bonnet up, just checking fluids, pressure's etc, when my neighbour came over to 'have a look'. He's a nice enough chap and was asking about the car and what work needs to be done to it, the normal stuff, when I told him that I planned to remove the drivers seat, to replace a couple of the straps that have sagged / broken / stretched, when he told me in no uncertain terms NOT to remove the seats as they are connected to the air bag system, and this could cause an explosion! I am no mechanic, and I planned to carry out this in the warm summer months, and do hold a little scepticism over the statement, but would hate to find out he was right, so I thought my very knowledgeable friends on this forum will know and I will ask for their views. Is there any truth in this statement, or is it complete bunkum?

[itcaptainslow]

Absolute scaremongering from your neighbour as long as you follow the precaution of disconnecting the battery and leaving it for 15 minutes before working on the car.

[RoverRevival]

yes it is connected to the air bag system.
No there are no airbags in the seat but there is a restraint system.
Just unplug from under the seat.

[rjessett]

On an R8,if pretensioners are fitted seats, they are mechanical, and not electrically connected to the airbag system, there are no connetors under the seat on these

On the later R3 200, they are electrical, but since yours is a cabriolet, then they will be manual

You, or they, or the car won't come to any harm removing the. just dont drop them, or bang

Id be more worred about the bolts that hold the seats in being siezed, and the captive nut spinning!. that can be a pain (been there, dont that!)

[JOHNDQ]

Discount the battery, no risk

[961tat]

On an R8,if pretensioners are fitted seats, they are mechanical, and not electrically connected to the airbag system, there are no connetors under the seat on these

On the later R3 200, they are electrical, but since yours is a cabriolet, then they will be manual

You, or they, or the car won't come to any harm removing the. just dont drop them, or bang

Id be more worred about the bolts that hold the seats in being siezed, and the captive nut spinning!. that can be a pain (been there, dont that!)

Spot on usually the bolts that go into the centre tunnel are the problem the rest usually ok get yourself a good torque bit and if I remember right there a red plastic clip so you can de-arm the pretensions at the rear of seats enjoy .

[Bob the brush]

Thanks all. So, his comments did have a little
foundation after all. I will start soaking the nuts in WD 40 for a few days before starting this work, the car has been very well looked after, so hopefully will not put up much of a fight. Did the car come with an 'emergency roof? I have been told they did, but no more details. If it was, it is not with the car now. Where would I get one from? There is no mention in the owners handbook of how to fit or where stored. Again, advice would be much appreciated, as I am new to this, as drove fully maintained vehicles for work, but am very much looking forward to doing little bits and pieces to keep my vehicle in good maintainance. Thanks. Bob.

[961tat]

I have got emergency cover and bag I can sell you just pm me and we can take from there