Seat swap - 2009 C63
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 148
From: Richmond, VA Metro Area
2005 C230 Sport Sedan-6 Speed Manual
I like them better than the stock C230 seats. One caveat-the previous owner of the C63 seats swapped them because he found them uncomfortable. The lesson I take from that is that seat comfort is subjective. You may want to check them out in person before making a decision.
From my perspective the pros of the C63 seats are:
1. Easier adjustment makes finding the right setting easy. It is also easy to adjust them on long drives to vary pressure points.
2. Dual lumbar supports
3. Very nice leather
4. A feeling of “connection “ to the car
5. The adjustable bolsters are a neat feature that you don’t see in many cars, but I don’t adjust them often.
They also provide an incentive for watching my weight. If I put on too many pounds fitting between the bolsters will be challenging.
From my perspective the pros of the C63 seats are:
1. Easier adjustment makes finding the right setting easy. It is also easy to adjust them on long drives to vary pressure points.
2. Dual lumbar supports
3. Very nice leather
4. A feeling of “connection “ to the car
5. The adjustable bolsters are a neat feature that you don’t see in many cars, but I don’t adjust them often.
They also provide an incentive for watching my weight. If I put on too many pounds fitting between the bolsters will be challenging.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2008 ML63 AMG
Kevin, this has been a complete blessing! I am trying to adjust the seat back on one of these seats with no motor or switch...any way you could help me out with identifying the wires? Between the pdf and the other instructions, I got confused somewhere.
I managed to find this seat for a sim racing setup but typical me, never thought past that point. Any help you could provide would really be appreciated
I managed to find this seat for a sim racing setup but typical me, never thought past that point. Any help you could provide would really be appreciated
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 148
From: Richmond, VA Metro Area
2005 C230 Sport Sedan-6 Speed Manual
I eventually determined that these wires controlled the seat motors:
Rear raise/lower: White/Black and Blue/Black
Front raise/lower: White/Blue and Black/Red
Fore and aft travel: White and Black/Yellow
Seat back tilt: White/Green and Black/Grey
The third picture in post #8 shows the connector for the fore and aft travel. By reversing which wire you use as power and which you use for ground you can control the direction of travel. The reason there are 4 wires on each motor is that there are separate circuits for the signal from the manual controls and the memory.
Rear raise/lower: White/Black and Blue/Black
Front raise/lower: White/Blue and Black/Red
Fore and aft travel: White and Black/Yellow
Seat back tilt: White/Green and Black/Grey
The third picture in post #8 shows the connector for the fore and aft travel. By reversing which wire you use as power and which you use for ground you can control the direction of travel. The reason there are 4 wires on each motor is that there are separate circuits for the signal from the manual controls and the memory.
Last edited by KevinH2000; Feb 23, 2022 at 11:08 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2008 ML63 AMG
Finally figured it out through some trial/error. Quickly determined thick wires = motors. For mine the 6 pin white and brown wires control the seat back. Thank you! This thread was incredibly helpful in getting me to here
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 148
From: Richmond, VA Metro Area
2005 C230 Sport Sedan-6 Speed Manual
I recently installed the seat memory function in my car. The controls for the seat memory are mounted on the door. Installing the memory controls and reattaching the original wiring deactivated the controls on the side of the seat bottom. I may eventually get around to removing the seat bottom switches (which are very difficult to reach and operate with the seats in the car) and reinstall the smooth covers that came with the seats. Let me know whether you want the switches, and I will contact you when/if I remove them.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2011 C63 & LS swapped volvo 240
I began the process of determining the function of each wire with a multi-meter.
As I mentioned in the previous post, there are two brown wires that I assume are grounds. One is on terminal 7 and the other is on terminal 12.
The ground on terminal 7 forms a circuit with the following wires:
2. White/blue
4. Black/blue
5. Black/yellow
8. Red/black
I'm not sure what this means yet, but I'll keep at it.
The ground on terminal 12 forms a circuit with the following wires:
3. White/black
6. White/green
9. White
10. Black/gray
I also started to test the switch function.
Terminals 2 (white/blue) and 3 (white/black) form a circuit when the seat bottom tilt for the rear of the seat is turned on. It doesn't matter if the button is pushed up or down.
Terminals 4 (black/blue) and 5 (black/yellow) form a circuit when the seat bottom tilt for the front of the seat is turned on. It doesn't matter if the button is pushed up or down.
Terminals 8 (Red/black) and 2 (white/blue) form a circuit when the seat back rest button is pushed.
As I mentioned in the previous post, there are two brown wires that I assume are grounds. One is on terminal 7 and the other is on terminal 12.
The ground on terminal 7 forms a circuit with the following wires:
2. White/blue
4. Black/blue
5. Black/yellow
8. Red/black
I'm not sure what this means yet, but I'll keep at it.
The ground on terminal 12 forms a circuit with the following wires:
3. White/black
6. White/green
9. White
10. Black/gray
I also started to test the switch function.
Terminals 2 (white/blue) and 3 (white/black) form a circuit when the seat bottom tilt for the rear of the seat is turned on. It doesn't matter if the button is pushed up or down.
Terminals 4 (black/blue) and 5 (black/yellow) form a circuit when the seat bottom tilt for the front of the seat is turned on. It doesn't matter if the button is pushed up or down.
Terminals 8 (Red/black) and 2 (white/blue) form a circuit when the seat back rest button is pushed.
I’ve been following along with the wiring discussions, and I was hoping to get some clarification on this post. Specifically, I understand where the seat needs power and how to change direction by reversing polarity, similar to a car window motor.
However, I’m looking for more details regarding the wiring from the non-memory seat switch to the seat itself. Any insights or confirmation about how the switch communicates with the motors would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again for all the help so far!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 148
From: Richmond, VA Metro Area
2005 C230 Sport Sedan-6 Speed Manual
It sounds like you have an interesting project.
I don't have complete understanding of the seat electronics. For the non-memory system, I swapped the harness from a non-memory seat, added the switch and it worked.
The non-memory harness has 2 wires for each seat motor while the memory system has 4 wires per motor. Based on that, I concluded that the memory system has two circuits for providing a movement signal to seat. The first is from the seat control and the second is from the memory module. I don't know how these two circuits communicate with each other, but I assume they do. The memory module under the seat must control this function.
I don't fully understand the challenge you face with this project. If you would like to discuss, please send me a private message and we can set up a time to discuss it on the phone.
I don't have complete understanding of the seat electronics. For the non-memory system, I swapped the harness from a non-memory seat, added the switch and it worked.
The non-memory harness has 2 wires for each seat motor while the memory system has 4 wires per motor. Based on that, I concluded that the memory system has two circuits for providing a movement signal to seat. The first is from the seat control and the second is from the memory module. I don't know how these two circuits communicate with each other, but I assume they do. The memory module under the seat must control this function.
I don't fully understand the challenge you face with this project. If you would like to discuss, please send me a private message and we can set up a time to discuss it on the phone.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2011 C63 & LS swapped volvo 240
Thank you for the offer to discuss this further. Unfortunately, since this is a new account, I don’t currently have permissions to send private messages. I’m working on getting access, and I’ll reach out as soon as I’m able to.
In the meantime, I really appreciate the insight you’ve provided so far. To avoid cluttering this clean thread, I’ll create a new forum post here to continue the discussion while I work on getting PM access.
You can also reach me directly at masonl16102@gmail.com if that’s easier for you.
In the meantime, I really appreciate the insight you’ve provided so far. To avoid cluttering this clean thread, I’ll create a new forum post here to continue the discussion while I work on getting PM access.
You can also reach me directly at masonl16102@gmail.com if that’s easier for you.
Last edited by mleol92; Aug 27, 2024 at 04:54 PM. Reason: added my email so kevin can contact me eaiser to resolve my problem
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,266
Likes: 170
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Holy Mole'. How did I miss this post? Wow what a project.
I wonder what seat could be swapped into a C Coupe with NO
electric seats. That would be a real feat, and probably require some coding with SDS.
I wonder what seat could be swapped into a C Coupe with NO
electric seats. That would be a real feat, and probably require some coding with SDS.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 148
From: Richmond, VA Metro Area
2005 C230 Sport Sedan-6 Speed Manual
You may not have missed it. You probably read my first few posts, correctly concluded that I didn’t have a clue about how to make this work and stopped following the thread. It was so long ago that you forgot that you read any of it.
If I had a coupe, I think I would want set of AMG coupe seats. They are (in my opinion) cooler looking than the sedan seats.
Coupe seat
Another set
I was fortunate to pick up my seats from a local seller for $300. If I had to buy them online and pay for shipping I think the cost would be prohibitive.
I think that using the first method I tried (bypassing the memory system) could be made to work in a car without electric seats. You would need to figure out a way to add a power supply from the fuse box, but you can see how to do that in this thread.
If I had a coupe, I think I would want set of AMG coupe seats. They are (in my opinion) cooler looking than the sedan seats.
Coupe seat
Another set
I was fortunate to pick up my seats from a local seller for $300. If I had to buy them online and pay for shipping I think the cost would be prohibitive.
I think that using the first method I tried (bypassing the memory system) could be made to work in a car without electric seats. You would need to figure out a way to add a power supply from the fuse box, but you can see how to do that in this thread.
Last edited by KevinH2000; Aug 30, 2024 at 11:43 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,266
Likes: 170
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Yeah, if i had electric seats I could at least swap from a 209 CLK. Yeah, I suppose I could supply power directly
bypassing the CANBUS. Is that what you did?
Now living on the oregon coast and Eugene is the closest place with a picknpull.
They have $20 seat days!! At least my seats are intact, no tears, despite nearly 260K miles of use.
I've always Lexol'd them regularly!
bypassing the CANBUS. Is that what you did?
Now living on the oregon coast and Eugene is the closest place with a picknpull.
They have $20 seat days!! At least my seats are intact, no tears, despite nearly 260K miles of use.
I've always Lexol'd them regularly!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 148
From: Richmond, VA Metro Area
2005 C230 Sport Sedan-6 Speed Manual
My second installation did use the CANBUS for the memory and easy out functions. I'm not familiar with the pre-facelift coupes and I'm not sure that the process I used involving the CANBUS in a "facelifted" sedan will work for you. Some components such as door cards with the switches may be rare and difficult to obtain for coupes.
Another issue is that the C63 seats were a tight fit in my C230. The side of the seat does rub against the B pillar and the trim on the bottom of the door. You may want to take detailed measurements of the seats in your car and the seats you are considering before you move forward. I had a very bad moment during my installation process when I thought the seats wouldn't fit in my car. I assume that the dimension of the coupe in the front seat area are similar to those in the sedan, but if it is an inch or two smaller you may have a problem.
Good luck.
I think that if you find the right seats you could make this work for you.
Last edited by KevinH2000; Sep 1, 2024 at 11:37 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,266
Likes: 170
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Yeah, living in the So Bay area of Cali,
there were THREE picknpulls in San Jose, and at least
5 within a 50 mile radius, and even more if you were willing to go 100 miles
to Sacramento. W203's 1st started appearing in the PnP yards around 2010-ish.
All those 'hard to find' parts were there for the taking.
But alas I live in the boonies now.
And I've used up my stash of shift modules and most other stuff. I paid $15 for the last one shifter.
$700 new. Window switches were a no brainer.
there were THREE picknpulls in San Jose, and at least
5 within a 50 mile radius, and even more if you were willing to go 100 miles
to Sacramento. W203's 1st started appearing in the PnP yards around 2010-ish.
All those 'hard to find' parts were there for the taking.
But alas I live in the boonies now.
And I've used up my stash of shift modules and most other stuff. I paid $15 for the last one shifter.
$700 new. Window switches were a no brainer.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 148
From: Richmond, VA Metro Area
2005 C230 Sport Sedan-6 Speed Manual
The local pick and pull and a part out have been great sources for the parts that keep my car on the road at a reasonable cost.
Member
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 119
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
90 VW Corrado g60, 07 New Beetle Vert triple white & 09 Escalade ESV Plat LOL!
All the PnP down here in SoCal seem to have a network of buyers in direct contact with the yards. Whatever shows up is stripped of its family jewels in a matter of hours or days.
