S-Class (W221) 2007-2013: S 320 CDI, S 350, S 450, S 500, S 550, S 420 CDI, S 600

Modifying Seat Height

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Old 05-12-2016, 11:16 AM
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Post Modifying Seat Height

I've been thinking about getting into an S-Class but after a few test drives have found that the panoramic equipped models severely restrict my headroom. I was wondering if anyone knows of a company or accessory kit that could lower the seat so that I could get more clearance?
Old 05-12-2016, 12:00 PM
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I'm guessing you totally bottomed out on the adjustment range and you're very very tall? I guess a non Pano car would be your best bet. There's a lot of business underneath the seat. I don't think a mod to drop it further is an option.
Old 05-12-2016, 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by SnowCub
I've been thinking about getting into an S-Class but after a few test drives have found that the panoramic equipped models severely restrict my headroom. I was wondering if anyone knows of a company or accessory kit that could lower the seat so that I could get more clearance?
I'm assuming you have hired a driver and do all of your riding in the back seat. In this case, you might want to pick a model with the rear seat package where the seats recline. The S600 has this standard, while it is a somewhat hard to find option on the S550. The reclining seats will allow more headroom for those folks over 6'8 where they might not have all of the headroom they want.

Or you could try beating the seat down with a rubber mallet. If you ask nicely, I have a feeling BenzS55 would let you borrower his mallet.
Old 05-12-2016, 12:15 PM
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I had an E320 with limited leg room for the driver. For years I noted that the passenger seat went back several inches farther than the left one. The problem was solved by resetting the driver seat. The sych was done by moving the seat all the way forward and all of the way back. The full range was restored. Check the seat and compare to the passenger seat.
Old 05-12-2016, 05:02 PM
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I was referring to the driver's set and yes I have bottomed it out. I've been looking at the non-panoramic cars but that really limits my selection and eliminates the S63 and S65 from consideration.
Old 05-12-2016, 11:32 PM
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Originally Posted by SnowCub
I was referring to the driver's set and yes I have bottomed it out. I've been looking at the non-panoramic cars but that really limits my selection and eliminates the S63 and S65 from consideration.
I think even Shaq would have enough head room in the front of an S-class. The guy even supposedly fits in a Buick. All S's come with at least a moon roof, so a pano should not change your front seat headroom at all.

I have a feeling that there might be an issue with the front seat of the car that you sat it where it wasn't adjusting low enough. Or you need to fiddle with the controls more....such as moving the seat forward a little, which may give the seat more room to move lower. You could also try reclining the seat back. The S-class is one of the roomiest cars on the market. You'd have to go with a full size SUV like a Suburban to find more head room.
Old 05-18-2016, 07:30 AM
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I've sat in 2 S class cars with the panoramic roof and in both my scalp brushes the edge of the roof opening. Whereas my wife's X3 has a panoramic roof and I can make a fist above my head and not touch the roof. The S with a regular sunroof is OK. When I was shopping for my E class I came across one with no sunroof and I just had to have it. That's my current daily driver.
Old 05-18-2016, 08:40 AM
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Hi,


Something is wrong with your driver's seat adjustment, and you should have it checked out.


When my 6' 6" 320lbs son drives my car, he has the seat so far back and bottomed that when I get into the car, my feet can't reach the brake peddle, and I barely reach the steering wheel - I am 6' 1"...


Jeff
Old 05-28-2016, 11:37 AM
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It's funny I'm sitting in the 3rd row of our '13 GL450 and it has more room above my head than any S class driver's seat that I've been in. I suppose I can try sitting in another one.

Last edited by SnowCub; 05-29-2016 at 07:03 AM.
Old 05-28-2016, 09:01 PM
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Originally Posted by JDowney
Hi,


Something is wrong with your driver's seat adjustment, and you should have it checked out.


When my 6' 6" 320lbs son drives my car, he has the seat so far back and bottomed that when I get into the car, my feet can't reach the brake peddle, and I barely reach the steering wheel - I am 6' 1"...


Jeff

I'm nearly 6'3" with long torso and its just enough for me. I think the OP means how much it can lower, not reverse.
Old 10-02-2017, 11:33 AM
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Revisiting this thread as I am now the owner of a 2013 S350. The crucial item that I was missing and hopefully I'll help people that come upon this thread in the future is the seat extension. In the BMW 7 series it extends a part of the seat out to support the underside of your thighs. In the S class, the seat extension moves the *entire* bottom cushion. And due to the configuration of the bottom, or amount of padding, the back of the cushion is much lower than the front of the cushion. I suspect that the cars that I sat in when I started shopping, had the extension all the way in. I now have at least 2 inches above my head when driving my car and am quite happy with it.
Old 10-02-2017, 10:49 PM
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Originally Posted by DaveW68
I think even Shaq would have enough head room in the front of an S-class. The guy even supposedly fits in a Buick. All S's come with at least a moon roof, so a pano should not change your front seat headroom at all.

I have a feeling that there might be an issue with the front seat of the car that you sat it where it wasn't adjusting low enough. Or you need to fiddle with the controls more....such as moving the seat forward a little, which may give the seat more room to move lower. You could also try reclining the seat back. The S-class is one of the roomiest cars on the market. You'd have to go with a full size SUV like a Suburban to find more head room.
Shaq's 2006 custome convertable
Attached Thumbnails Modifying Seat Height-s550-shaq.jpg  

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