I found a 2004 EX 4WD Auto at the local dealer - but I was looking for the side air bags. I'd be more than happy to pay the $300 or so for them... but can I get the EX without side air, and have it installed subsequently?

Wiring harness is different, and while I haven't checked specifically, the SRS control module may be different, too.

The EX-with-sidebags is a distinct model manufactured at the factory. Rightfully so, Honda does not want dealer mechanics or us or anybody else messing around with SRS circuitry.

You have to buy the vehicle side airbag equipped at purchase time. For 2003, there are actually THREE (3) models from the factory: DX, EX and EXS. Only the EXS comes with them, and, as Mike said, the seats, wiring harnesses and (possibly) the SRS control module are all different.

For 2004, the story is the same, except there are four models, DX, LX, EX and EXS, with only the EXS having the side airbags.

-brendan

First, the SRS control unit is in fact a different part number, so it would have to be replaced (at a cost of nearly $300 by itself).

And the kicker - there are side-impact sensors hidden in the door sills, which also play into the wiring harness difference.

While not impossible, even if somebody wanted to assume this dangerous project, it would cost you at least 3X more in parts alone than to buy the option from the factory. Plus, it would take hours to replace the wiring harness.

So basically Honda is telling us that if we don't cough up X amount of dollars for the E - then our safety is not thier concern?

That is the only complaint I've ever had about Honda - The way they split up the different levels of trims for the vehicles.

Last year when my wife was looking for a car to replace her 93 Camry some of her requirements for an automobile included a power drivers seat and a leather interior.

I was rather dismayed when we went to the Honda dealer and we found in order to get a power seat in the Accord we pretty much had to buy the top of the line Accord they had. I wasn't happy about this at all. (At the time I was a VERY pro-GM product kind of guy.)

We went to the local Pontiac/GMC dealer and found a really nice used 2000 Pontiac Grand Am that was LOADED to the gills for 12k. The only option it didn't have was the heated seats... hehe

We had purchased a 2000 GMC Jimmy from them the year before and they treated us good - until the electric box that turned the 4x4 mode on malfunctioned at 33,000 miles..... 3k after the so called warranty went out...

I went into the dealership and pretty much demanded they make some kind of deal with me - and the service manager agreed to charge me $200 for a job they originally quoted for $1000.

BUT - I called a week later and the doofus still had not ordered the parts from GMC and I told him to forget it... I'm buying a Honda. :)

-CRC

PS Can you say tangent? Sorry for hijacking the thread :)

I have no idea what you were trying to say there, CRCError. I've always loved the Calvin and Hobbes quote in your signature, but, come on! Are you suggesting that because a pedestrian could be mowed down by a passing Honda, that all potential "victims" are owed protection of some kind by Honda? Actually, you've already pretty much said it yourself -- you get what you're willing to pay for. You like GM cars? Buy one and be very happy.

The orignial question was, "Can you retro-equip an Element with side air-bags?" The correct answer is: You can buy one with AND without side air-bags for what it will cost someone to retro-fit them on one that didn't come originally equipped with them. And the "best" answer is: Stay home. Hold your breath. The End is nigh!

What I was suggesting was that I thought it was kinda stupid that Honda made it damned near impossible to add the side air bags to E's that did not come with them standard. I think it's rather rude of Honda to not offer the side airbags with the "lesser" DX and LX trim. That is what I meant by "coughing up the dough" for the more expensive model. In my opinion safety in a vehicle should always be the #1 concern for consumers and manufacturers alike. Offering an important safety feature in only the "highest" trim level is, in my opinion, stupid. That was one of the things I liked about GM vehicles. a vast majority of options was available on any trim level. Available for a price - but available. In the E's case - getting side airbags on the DX and LX is just plain impossible.

I made no references to pedestrians and/or potential victims of any sort. Where you got that idea I have absolutely no idea. The only conclusion I have been able to come to regarding your comment was you might think that the side airbags are mounted on the outside of the vehicle? The side airbags we are refering to are mounted inside the vehicle on the outside-facing sides of the front seats. This is why Honda says not to put the optional seat covers on vehicles equipped with side air bags as they would interfere with the proper operation.

I also said I *used* to be pro-GM... That is no longer the case. In the time I had written the previous post in this thread I've had to fork out yet another big repair bill for the 200 Grand Am. Just shy of 45000 miles we had antifreeze/water in the oil pan... We never had this kinda of repair trouble with previously owned Toyota and Honda vehicles.

So in conclusion - I hope I cleared up any misconceptions that anyone may have infered from my post.

-CRC

PS I again apologize for off topic posting, however I felt that I neded to clarify my points.

[quote:3689dd1467=" "]What I was suggesting was that I thought it was kinda stupid that Honda made it damned near impossible to add the side air bags to E's that did not come with them standard. I think it's rather rude of Honda to not offer the side airbags with the "lesser" DX and LX trim. That is what I meant by "coughing up the dough" for the more expensive model. In my opinion safety in a vehicle should always be the #1 concern for consumers and manufacturers alike. Offering an important safety feature in only the "highest" trim level is, in my opinion, stupid. That was one of the things I liked about GM vehicles. a vast majority of options was available on any trim level. Available for a price - but available. In the E's case - getting side airbags on the DX and LX is just plain impossible.

I made no references to pedestrians and/or potential victims of any sort. Where you got that idea I have absolutely no idea. The only conclusion I have been able to come to regarding your comment was you might think that
-CRC
[/quote:3689dd1467]
This is not just Honda, almost every large vehicle manufacturer has car/truck models or trim levels which do not have side air bags, as well as other options. Nothing unusual, same way as with front airbags for the first decade or so. Same as with ABS brakes, still. I have never heard of any manufacturer offering the ability to add airbags of any kind to a vehicle after it has left the factory. Nothing to be "down" on Honda about. 8)

So, following this argument, Honda SHOULD make standard,

Side curtain airbags, rear side airbags,
traction control,
vehicle stability assist,
Lane Keeping Assist System (honda Japan only)
adaptive cruise control,
. . .

[quote:acee51b4af=" "]So, following this argument, Honda SHOULD make standard,

Side curtain airbags, rear side airbags,
traction control,
vehicle stability assist,
Lane Keeping Assist System (honda Japan only)
adaptive cruise control,
. . .[/quote:acee51b4af]

And badge it as an Acura and charge twice as much!

Sheesh.

Bill