C124 seat base losing support

[Comleys]

Hi all- hoping you can help me please:
I've just bought a '95 E320 coupe with an electric driver's seat that lacks the support of my '95 E220 coupe with a manual seat. The main difference is in the seat base, which in the 220 is much fuller and firmer and thus more comfortable. I'm planning on keeping the 320 and am happy to use the 220 as a doner car. Both have mushroom leather.

What's my best option? Are the seats swappable (I'm assuming not)? Could I change just the swab and retain functionality? Any thoughts much appreciated.
Thanks

 

[DSM10000]

Welcome.

Might have less padding to provide room for the electric motors? How about finding a local car trimmer / upholsterer and asking if they can add some support etc?

 

[d w124]

Hi and welcome to the forum.The seats can be swapped without a problem,you`ll just need to remove the drivers door card to if you change the seat

 

[WDB124066]

This is a common problem. Yes they can be swapped, even the passengers seat base can be swapped to the drivers side. The seat base needs to be removed from the motor frame though. if you are handy it is something you can do yourself.

Alternatively it is possible to put a small piece of foam between the spring and the cushion.......

 

[Comleys]

Thanks for the welcomes and quick replies guys- much appreciated. So if I put the manual 220 seat in the 320 can I effectively make it an electric seat, or would this only be the case if I swapped the driver and passenger seats within the 320?

 

[d w124]

If you put the 320 seats on the 220,you`ll only have manual seats

 

[WDB124066]

The bit you sit on bolts onto the bit that bolts to the car. It can be used on manual or electric seats, it is just the bit that bolts to the car that is different between electric and manual. The wiring is fantastic in that it can be swapped over complete with connectors. Take my hat off to Recaro, the seats are just like a Lego set. I'm just doing all this now & have taken photos. My only concern now is do I need to synchronise the seat position with the memory motor position, have asked the question and just waiting a response.

 

[Comleys]

That is great news thanks WDB. So just to clarify, when you say "the bit you sit on", I take it you mean just the base (as opposed to the whole seat)? Do you know of anywhere where I can find instructions of how to swap them please? Thanks

 

[WDB124066]

Yes.

There are no MB instructions that I know of.

If you are handy with the tools it is quite straightforward once the seat is removed. The connectors come apart so you can thread the wires through the frame and reassemble them once routed.

If your seats are heated you will need to swap the covers as the heating element is in the covers. I don't know how to do this but from what I understand it is entirely possible, but a bit of a physical battle.

Pontoneer has a lot of experience with this, nice bloke too as is/has d w124 of course....

Do you think you would like to give it a go yourself, I am happy to answer any questions I can if you're game - I know exactly how you feel!!

 

[bolide]

The squabs do compress with age, particularly if used by heavier drivers. Mercedes used to sell a kit of two foam blocks to give a bit more support but I would think they are now probably NLA

New squabs do turn up on German eBay. The whole seat is bolted & rivetted together so, with a bit of care, it can be chopped & changed

One thing you can't do is to interchange seat back covers for orthopaedic and non-orthopaedic seats

The electric seats are unbelievably heavy and difficult to work with. Make sure they are in the right position before you remove them from the car

Nick Froome
the independent Mercedes Estate specialists

 

[WDB124066]

I think on the later models the foam blocks were fitted as standard in the front left and right of the seat base bolide, but I have seen pictures of half round "things" that apparently go in there somewhere as well?? Do you have any knowledge of these and where they go.........??

 

[Comleys]

Very useful thanks. Neither the manual nor the electric seats are memory, heated or ortho, so I'll probably try a swap. Will do the seat back too if I can. I saw Pontoneer's post about changing his 190 seats but would be very interested to know any more details on your seat work WDB, including the photos. Will be good to know tools required and approximate time. Am assuming from what you say that all connectors, vacuum tubes etc are compatible. Ref Bolide's comment would also be good to know if this requires 2 people or if I'll manage it myself. Thanks again

 

[WDB124066]

You just need a modicum of intelligence, patience and a bit of confidence. The thought that went into producing these seats so they can be assembled and disassembled easily is amazing to me, every time I think I’m in the sh1t, it all works out if you just stop and think for a while. Take your time, it is possible to do it all on your own. Shouldn’t take more than a day unless you are like me and like to pee about a bit looking at all manner of stuff along the way. You will need a torx T30 & T45.

I would say the best way to approach it would be to make a start and post up on here anything that is giving trouble, taking photos along the way so you can refer back to them when it is going back together. Mind your back when you are lifting. Take particular note of the location and tie points of the cables as they are located to give free movement when the seat moves forward and back but not become tangled.........

 

[Comleys]

Thanks W- you've inspired me to give it a go. May well be back on for advice during the job! While driving again today I was reminded of what a difference a decent seat makes- the current one just doesn't have the support any more and (with sportline suspension) I'm feeling the road a bit too much compared to what I'm used to...