dpwilliams

I have a 2002 W210 E320 (java leather) and the lower seat heater in the drivers seat has failed. To fix, dealer wants $1,2XX to replace the seat cover. Is there any way to restore a warm seat (seat back heater works fine) without spending $1,200? If I could find a whole seat in good shape and with a working heater, I'd consider just swapping it out. Accordingly, can anyone advise a dismantler/recycler in the northeast? I'm located in Wilmington, DE. Any advice much appreciated!
Dave

E-420

don't know about the O2, but on the 96-98 you can buy the seat heater element for a W203? and use it to replace the 210 heater element. 203 element isn't sewn in.

Here is the PN for the one that works on earlier 210's, look it up in EPC to see if it might work on yours.

PN 202 820 35 98.

You will need to install a shorting strap on the bottom connector that attaches to the very front element in the 203 that is sewn into the seat. Otherwise the center section of the seat will have an "open circuit" and won't heat.

cost is about $120 IIRC.

dpwilliams

You refer to looking up a part number on "EPC". This is an unfamiliar term. Can you please advise what EPC is and where I could access it to look up a part number?

(Watch this turn out to be something amazingly obvious that I'm not catching, like the abbreviation IIRC which I puzzled over for a while until I realized it meant "if I remember correctly." Maybe there's just too much junk rolling around in my brain!)

Thanks for your input --
Dave

E-420

EPC is mercedes online exploded view parts list, free for those in the U.S. You do need to register for it, but it is free for U.S. folks. website is: http://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/

It will ask for a credit card number, but it won't charge anything to it. I thinks thats just for some form of verification.