S211 Seating suggestions please

[GordonTarling]

I love my current E320cdi estate, it's the sports version and is fitted with sports seats. Now, I'm sure these are supeb for the average driver, but I've had a spinal fusion carried out and am finding that the seat is making my lower back and thighs ache on longer journeys. The main problem seems to be not enough lumbar support, coupled with side bolsters that are a bit too supportive for my lardy *rse. Now, I did think about buying an aftermarket seat, but the only one I can find that's approved for the car is a Recaro 'Ergomed', which would cost around £2500 to have supplied and fitted. Bear in mind, that's for ONE seat only! So, I'm looking for any suggestions that might make my life more comfortable. Is there another type of OEM Mercedes seat that could be used? If so, where to look for them? Is there a custom upholsterer in the country who could re-jig my current seats somehow? Or should I just change the car? Currently, the latter is seeming the more attractive option! If I do change the car, what seats were available that might be more comfortable? All suggestions will be gratefully received!

 

[Doodle]

Have a chat with a company called Capital Seating. They're based in Leicester and are a big Recaro dealer, but can work with pretty much anything.

They did the custom fitting work on my Type R Recaros in the past, and have also customised a friends TT seats to relieve the back pain they were causing.

 

[corned]

Is the standard Classic/Elegance/Avantgarde seat better for you?

If so, why not get one from a breakers in the same colour and put that in. Keep the original for when it's time to sell the car on at a later date.

 

[A210AMG]

^ that had to be the easiest option just change the drivers in the same colour you would hardly be able to tell.

Only issue maybe have to buy the front two or whole set as could struggle finding a seller for just one?

What colour seats are they?

 

[GordonTarling]

Thanks for the suggestions chaps!

DolphinTech - Capital Seating certainly sounds good, I'll give them a call on Monday and see what they can offer.

Corned - The seats from some other models may well be better for me and I'm still exploring that option.

A210AMG - Seats are black at the moment. As you say, finding just one seat is almost impossible - most interiors I've found so far are for the whole lot, including door cards etc. I'm still looking though! Another snag is that most examples I've found so far are from pre-facelift cars and I'm not sure they'll fit my car.

Although almost impossible to track down used, I'm wondering if one of the original 'option' seats might still be available new from MB? I'll make a few calls on Monday and try to find out!

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Do you have memory seats or do you have the adjustments on the side of the seat?

 

[rascalmaster]

How about exploring a cheap add on (example lumbar cushion)to make sure additional lumbar support is the missing ingredient?
I'm sure you've already tried all different settings on the seat to see if a change in them would make some difference?...
Hope the tyres/ suspension are not too firm?

 

[GordonTarling]

Sweetpea - not memory seats in my current car, just the standard 'sports' seats.

Rascalmaster - there's very limited lumbar adjustment on the present seat and I've tried various adjustments. Aftermarket cushions and the like are made for 'normal' seats and don't fit the sports seat properly, due to the side supports. Suspension/Tyres give a firm ride, but don't affect my back as far as I can tell.

 

[developer]

I've had two E Classes (one a Sport) and have been disappointed with the seats on both.
Buttock and small of back ache after not too many miles.

There have been previous threads about E Class and CLS seats and the view I took after reading was that they are too hard.

A specialist upholsterer to alter the squab would be my approach.

 

[trapperjohn]

Have a look at this thread. It may help a little with what you have.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/interior/111420-s204-seat-comfort.html

 

[GordonTarling]

Thanks chaps. I've read what *** said and will give that a try. I'll also be making a couple of calls tomorrow. Dare I say it, but my Volvo V70 did have very comfortable seats, but that really was the best thing about it!