After 3 Months

[ALFIE CONN]

I am still not able to find a comfortable driving position in my SL500 (230.)
I have tried so many different positions but am getting pain (in my Lower Back/Right Buttock/Upper Leg) every time i drive the car.
I dont get this problem in ANY other car.

Are the pedals offset in the SLs?

This is really stopping me from enjoying the car.
I have even started using the wifes Smart car when i can.

P.S.The car has the Comfort/Massage Seats and has only done29,000 miles.

 

[Mr E]

I had similar problems after a back injury - my chiropractor showed me how to set up the seat and with this method I've had no problems since:

1. Move the seat fore/aft until you can depress the clutch and/or accelerator to the full amount but still keep a comfortable bend in the knees.

2. Adjust the seat base up/down so that it supports the thighs lightly when at rest. Check it doesn't imped pressing the pedals. If you have it, adjust the seat base length until it's about 50mm short of your knee.

3. Adjust the seat back so that your right wrist breaks over the top of the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position.

4. Adjust the steering wheel up/down so that it points directly at your chest.

5. Do a quick recheck and tweak as needed.


You may find (as I did) that you're sitting far more upright and with the wheel much closer to you than you are used to. Persevere - it took me about a month to get used to - but I can drive drive 750+ miles in a day with no back pain rather than 10 miles. She told me that it's the stretching and reaching that cause the problem, but this should set up the driving position so that your back, bum and thighs are well supported.

The only time this ever gives me problems is if I can't adjust the base angle on the seat (for thigh support) or the steering wheel is offset to the left by a large amount. Apart from that, works every time (E-Class, S-Class, Vectra, CLK, Fabia, M5...)

Hope it helps.