What's a fool-proof way of verifying if a used Track edition I'm buying has the side airbag option. I've heard two different stories on the same car! (Seller doesn't have original window sticker and Carfax report run on this car lists options but doesn't list side airbag)

 

The seats will have small panels sewn in on the upper door side of the seats.

 

Very easy, if the first number of the last 6 on the VIN is a Zero, it has the optional side curtain airbags, If it starts with a one, it does not have them.. Also take a look at the hearlinder over the door on the inside of the car, and you will see a notice saying it has the SRS curtain air bags. My car's last six are 001890. I have the side curtain airbags. This is ONLY correct on a 2003 model.

Good Luck..

Steve (k2we) Dobbs Ferry, NY 15,831 miles since Sept 17,2002

 

Or, you could install the seats and run the car in to a tree.


My seats have the side air bags and the side panels are embossed "SRS" just like any airbag cover. (supplemental restraint system)

 

k2we...last 6 numbers are 102911, so it's true it can't have side impact bags? If so the crapmouth dealer lied to me; makes me think he's lying about other stuff too.

 

The VIN decodes as follows (per the 2004 Electronic Service Manual)


JN1 A Z 3 4 D * 4 T XXXXXX
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| | | | | | | | | Vehicle serial number
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Manufacturing plant
| | | | | | | | T: Oppama
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Model year
| | | | | | | 4: 2004 model year
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | Check digit (0 to 9 or X)
| | | | | |
| | | | | Restraint system
| | | | | D: Driver and passenger SRS air bags
| | | | | A: D + SRS side air bags
| | | | | E: A + SRS curtain air bags
| | | | |
| | | | Body Type
| | | | 4: Coupe
| | | | 6: Roadster
| | | |
| | | Model change (0 to 9)
| | |
| | Vehicle line
| | Z: Nissasn 350Z
| |
| Engine type
| A: VQ35DE
|
Manufacturer
JN1: Nissan, Passenger vehicle

My 04 Touring has dash/steering wheel air bags, side air bags and curtain air bags so I have an 'E' in the 10th from the right position.

If the Z in question has an 'A' then it will have the side air bags on the seats. If there is a 'D" in that position then you only have the SRS air bags in the dash/steering wheel.

Hope that helps.

 

There's also a smal tag on the side of the seat that says so.

 

Thanks all. You guys were right on. The dealer now admits it doesn't have side bags. The car is such a deal I might buy anyway ($26,500 including all dealer fees for 2003 Track model, chrome silver, 9000 miles, 1 private owner.)

 

CARFAX

I love it when a dealer lies and you already know the truth.

 

If I am to buy another Z, I will not be botrhering with the side airbag option this time around. Cement wall + 65/70 mph and NO airbag in the entire car goes off, well yeah that would make my decision. BTW the car felt very solid, probably better that it did not go off, but still...

 

JSN350Z is right. If the bags don't go off what's the use of having them. But, my understanding is that side bags won't go off in a head on crash, only a side or front-side crash. Front bags should have definitely gone off. Report this to Nissan. Thank God you walked away which says a lot about passenger compartment reinforcement in the car!
My friend totaled a Saab 9-3 last month with a tough front crash and both front bags went off. Walked away without even a face burn. Car buckled just like it should and pasenger compartment was protected. I think the side bags are worth it in a sports car to protect head and upper torso from crashing into side/roof/windows. Anyone know what % of 350Zs were equipped with side bags? By 2005 I bet it will be standard on 350Zs---its expected to be standard in all US sold cars within the next 3 years--making present 350Zs without side bags obsolete as far as safgety features go.

 

I know it has already been figured out on this thread, but just another place to verify the option is to look at the headliner just behind the a-pillar. It has the SRS printed there where the side curtains come out of the roof.

 

Well, the worst hit was a front impact, but not compleatly straight on, a bit to the right. ( After the accident, if you looked at the front of the car, it looked like it was stareing off to the left instead of right at you. ) Car also hit in the rear. But your right maybe it wasnt enough for the side airbags *shurgs*

So yeah, three hits in total, 65/70 mph, cement wall, and totalled, no airbag. Everyone tells me to report it to nissan, but I am thinking they wont do anything about it...

 

Well you should tell Nissan and complain, you might be able to get something out of it.