Split Folding Rear Seats in E550
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
Split Folding Rear Seats in E550
I know the split folding rears have more utility but are they less comfortable than the fixed rear seats? Also, do they create any annoying squeaking noises after a while? This was always a lively topic on BMW boards and I was wondering if it is the same with MB? Any comments from those who have the option or those that chose not to get it?
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From: Arizona
BMW FTW
Originally Posted by noka
I know the split folding rears have more utility but are they less comfortable than the fixed rear seats? Also, do they create any annoying squeaking noises after a while? This was always a lively topic on BMW boards and I was wondering if it is the same with MB? Any comments from those who have the option or those that chose not to get it?
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I've only had my E-class for a month, so I can't comment on long-term squeaks (although squeaks drove me insane in my C43 AMG...I drove with the seats folded a lot of the time because of it). The back seat in the E-class is perfectly comfortable with them; haven't been in the back seat of one with fixed rear seat backs to know if there's a difference.
One thing regarding the folding rear seat option that was never explained to me prior to or after delivery (nor did I read in any internet forum): The rear seat cushion needs to be removed for anything other than a very short trip for an average height driver and/or passenger. Releasing the rear seat backs automatically motors the front seats to their forward-most position, and once the bottom cushion is flipped forward and the seatback lowered, any rearward travel of the front seats (which is VERY little) is with pressure against the folded rear seats. The result is a very tight and awkward driving position for an average sized person. (Removing the rear bottom cushion allows full rearward front seat travel.)
So be warned...the option is an over-engineered afterthought.
One thing regarding the folding rear seat option that was never explained to me prior to or after delivery (nor did I read in any internet forum): The rear seat cushion needs to be removed for anything other than a very short trip for an average height driver and/or passenger. Releasing the rear seat backs automatically motors the front seats to their forward-most position, and once the bottom cushion is flipped forward and the seatback lowered, any rearward travel of the front seats (which is VERY little) is with pressure against the folded rear seats. The result is a very tight and awkward driving position for an average sized person. (Removing the rear bottom cushion allows full rearward front seat travel.)
So be warned...the option is an over-engineered afterthought.
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 159
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From: St. Louis, MO
C300
Originally Posted by Alan Smithee
One thing regarding the folding rear seat option that was never explained to me prior to or after delivery (nor did I read in any internet forum): The rear seat cushion needs to be removed for anything other than a very short trip for an average height driver and/or passenger. Releasing the rear seat backs automatically motors the front seats to their forward-most position, and once the bottom cushion is flipped forward and the seatback lowered, any rearward travel of the front seats (which is VERY little) is with pressure against the folded rear seats. The result is a very tight and awkward driving position for an average sized person. (Removing the rear bottom cushion allows full rearward front seat travel.)
So be warned...the option is an over-engineered afterthought.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Sydney, Australia
W203 slightly modified
Originally Posted by Alan Smithee
I've only had my E-class for a month, so I can't comment on long-term squeaks (although squeaks drove me insane in my C43 AMG...I drove with the seats folded a lot of the time because of it). The back seat in the E-class is perfectly comfortable with them; haven't been in the back seat of one with fixed rear seat backs to know if there's a difference.
One thing regarding the folding rear seat option that was never explained to me prior to or after delivery (nor did I read in any internet forum): The rear seat cushion needs to be removed for anything other than a very short trip for an average height driver and/or passenger. Releasing the rear seat backs automatically motors the front seats to their forward-most position, and once the bottom cushion is flipped forward and the seatback lowered, any rearward travel of the front seats (which is VERY little) is with pressure against the folded rear seats. The result is a very tight and awkward driving position for an average sized person. (Removing the rear bottom cushion allows full rearward front seat travel.)
So be warned...the option is an over-engineered afterthought.
One thing regarding the folding rear seat option that was never explained to me prior to or after delivery (nor did I read in any internet forum): The rear seat cushion needs to be removed for anything other than a very short trip for an average height driver and/or passenger. Releasing the rear seat backs automatically motors the front seats to their forward-most position, and once the bottom cushion is flipped forward and the seatback lowered, any rearward travel of the front seats (which is VERY little) is with pressure against the folded rear seats. The result is a very tight and awkward driving position for an average sized person. (Removing the rear bottom cushion allows full rearward front seat travel.)
So be warned...the option is an over-engineered afterthought.
Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 112
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From: New Jersey
E500
I had a 2003 pre-nav E500 with the split folding rear seats. The seat cushions were immovable, just the seat backs could be folded down. While in the up position, they never made any squeaking or rubbing noises. However, if there is/are any gap(s) between the two seatbacks it(they) will allow road noise to pass through into the passenger compartment. One way to tell if this exists is have your car outside in daylight. Open the trunk and look thru where the two seatbacks meet. If you see daylight you'll have road noises.
For that reason, when I ordered my nav replacement, I didn't get the split folding rear seats.
PS- I found no difference between the two regarding seat comfort.
For that reason, when I ordered my nav replacement, I didn't get the split folding rear seats.
PS- I found no difference between the two regarding seat comfort.
Last edited by e500; Aug 29, 2006 at 09:21 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Cleveland, OH
2006 E320 CDI, 2001 C240, 1973 Ford Bronco
Never had a problem with squeaking or road noise with the folding rear seats on either my E or C. It's a great option. Just flip one or both of them down when you need to get something long in there and off you go. I don't think you need to fold the rear seat bottom forward if you don't want to--only if you need to get a completely flat loading floor, but correct me if I'm wrong.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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Originally Posted by HFMB
I don't think you need to fold the rear seat bottom forward if you don't want to--only if you need to get a completely flat loading floor, but correct me if I'm wrong.
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From: SoCal
AMGs
Originally Posted by noka
I know the split folding rears have more utility but are they less comfortable than the fixed rear seats? Also, do they create any annoying squeaking noises after a while? This was always a lively topic on BMW boards and I was wondering if it is the same with MB? Any comments from those who have the option or those that chose not to get it?
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From: Oregon
Harley-Davidson
Originally Posted by SPIKES
love mine.....this option sealed the deal on my car...
Super Member
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From: Oregon
Harley-Davidson
Originally Posted by noka
cyclerider
When do you expect to take delivery. I am waiting to hear what people think of this updated E-series.
When do you expect to take delivery. I am waiting to hear what people think of this updated E-series.
As far as I know, it hasn't been shipped from Germany, and may not even have been built yet. I ordered on June 5th, and frankly I'm surprised it's not here already.
There are only a few 2007 owners who have posted their opinions. Look for posts by matt55, louiscg, and Greg S.
edit: I just spoke with the dealership, and my E550 is at the dock in Germany waiting for a ship assignment. Once it sails, it will be in Long Beach, California in three weeks, and then will head north to Oregon.
Last edited by cyclerider; Aug 29, 2006 at 09:14 PM.
