Used Mercedes-Benz GLS Airbag

The GLS has two main generations: the first-generation X166, produced from 2016 to 2019 as a rebadged GL, and the second-generation X167, which launched in 2020 and is still in production. Generation is the single most important factor for airbag fitment, as the interior architecture, SRS system, and airbag designs differ significantly between X166 and X167. Always confirm your generation with your registration plate before contacting a breaker, and have any used airbag professionally fitted as these are safety-critical, single-use components.

A 2018 GLS is X166 generation, while a 2020 GLS is the newer X167 generation, so these sit either side of the generation boundary and the interiors are not the same. You should not assume an X166 airbag will fit an X167 vehicle, and you must confirm compatibility with the breaker against your exact registration before purchasing. Airbags are safety-critical and must be fitted by a qualified professional.

Trim level can matter for the GLS because seating style and interior specification vary across trims such as AMG Line, and this can affect which seat-mounted or curtain airbags are fitted. If you are replacing a seat-mounted side airbag, confirm the original trim with the breaker so they can match the seat type accurately; dashboard or steering wheel airbags are generally less affected by trim differences but you should still check. Airbags are single-use safety components, so professional fitting is strongly recommended regardless of trim.

Yes, side absolutely matters for certain airbags such as seat-mounted side-impact units and door or pillar-mounted curtain airbags, as nearside (NS, passenger side) and offside (OS, driver side) are not interchangeable. When contacting a breaker, always specify whether you need the NS or OS unit along with your generation and trim details. Fitting the wrong side airbag is a serious safety risk, so always use a qualified professional for installation.

No, engine type and drivetrain do not affect airbag fitment on the GLS — interior safety components are matched by generation, trim level, and side rather than what is under the bonnet. This means a part from a diesel X166 and a petrol X166 of the same trim would be equivalent for airbag purposes, assuming no other differences. Always confirm the specific SRS module compatibility with the breaker against your registration, as this is something only they can verify accurately.

Airbags are classified as safety-critical components and we strongly recommend they are fitted only by a qualified automotive technician or an approved garage. Used airbags are single-use after deployment, so you must ensure any unit you buy from a breaker has never been triggered. Beyond the installation itself, the SRS control module and pretensioner seat belts also form part of the system — confirm all related component compatibility with the breaker against your registration before ordering.