09 Station wagon- passenger seat useless when rear seats down
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
'04 C320 4matic Wagon (sold),'15 E350 4Matic(sold),'14 E550 convertible,'20 GLC300
New, to me, wagon
Just picked up an 07' E350 4matic wagon for my daughter and we ran into the problem of the front passenger seat not moving back when we folded the rear seat down. My daughter, who's all of 5'2", was forced into the passenger seat was not comfortable at all, since I at 6' didn't have a prayer. Fortunately it was a short ride. Thinking there's a problem with the car, I called the dealer and CSR knew exactly what I was talking about. She also has a e-class wagon and agrees that this is a design flaw, along the the lines of the wiper blade arms interfering with the hood. She could not recommend a work around, because of liability issues, but strongly hinted that I look online.
SO THANKS to all those who suggested a work around, now I can use my front passenger seat again!
On a side note:
The Aztec is even uglier in person.
I agree that station wagons are better for dogs and people than SUV's, unfortunately most Americans, US, don't see it this way.
SO THANKS to all those who suggested a work around, now I can use my front passenger seat again!
On a side note:
The Aztec is even uglier in person.
I agree that station wagons are better for dogs and people than SUV's, unfortunately most Americans, US, don't see it this way.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2014 E350 station wagon, 2007 E350 4matic sedan
I figured it out on a sedan with folding rear seat....maybe the wagon works the same
I just closed the latch that I needed to open to drop the seat back on our 2007 E350 sedan. Basically I told the trolls that run all the systems that the seat back was up and locked so the driver's seat could be positioned anywhere wanted. Never fight with the trolls, outsmart them! Let me know if this works for your wagon. I have a 2014 wagon and nothing happens when the rear seats are folded.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
'04 C320 4matic Wagon (sold),'15 E350 4Matic(sold),'14 E550 convertible,'20 GLC300
The issue is with the passenger seat, not the driver's seat. Maybe the sedan is different, but the issue on the wagon is not resolved as easily as you suggest. When one returns the seat back in the upright position does one hear a beep, and at that point the front passenger seat is able to move back. Hence the need to trick the locking mechanism, "trolls", into thinking the seat back is latched in the upright position.
Good to know that the 2014 wagon does not have this "feature".
Good to know that the 2014 wagon does not have this "feature".
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Thanks for the post, I just bought a used 2006 E350 Wagon after my 17 year old son totaled my E320 wagon (he's fine, just embarrassed) and was vexed by the automatic adjustment when the rear seat was put up.......hopefully now this will solve this problem.
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 967
Likes: 77
From: Long Island, New York
2018 E400 4matic Wagon
The solution to tricking the car into thinking that the rear seat back is upright is very simple and costs just a few dollars. Go to a hardware store and buy a snaphook that is a few inches long. Stick the large end of the snaphook into the latch that the seat back catch hooks into. When you do this, the latch closes over the snaphook and this completes the circuit that makes the car think the seat back is upright. When you want to put the seat back into the upright position, remove the snaphook.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
E350 w211
Resolved
I figured out that the easiest fix for reclining the passenger with the back sests down requires two people.
The the first person pulls the backseat down on the passenger side. At the same time the second person hits the recline on the passenger front seat. This stops the auto forwarding of the passenger seat. At least it does on my 2018 E350
Hope this helps...
The the first person pulls the backseat down on the passenger side. At the same time the second person hits the recline on the passenger front seat. This stops the auto forwarding of the passenger seat. At least it does on my 2018 E350
Hope this helps...
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Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 85
Likes: 6
2006 E55 AMG Wagon
Had the same problem with my '05 E55 AMG Wagon, so glad to see these suggestions. I did try "fooling'' the latch with finger or screwdriver, but that didn't work. Will try again with a carabiner or a "snaphook." Will also try the two-person adjustment trick. Wish whoever got a dealer to fix this would let us know the procedure, as some dealers have no clue and could care less.
Frank
Frank
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 257
From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
And here I am being annoyed with my W210 wagon when I have to move the front seats forward to get the rear seats to lay flat. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
W210 also will not call MB emergency when you roll over from the road on Mt Diablo, where nobody will notice your car for several days.
@Frank Barrett what "did not work" when you tried to fool the latches with screwdriver?
@Frank Barrett what "did not work" when you tried to fool the latches with screwdriver?
Last edited by kajtek1; Aug 4, 2018 at 11:39 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 257
From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
I've got a modded Axial Wraith for sale if anyone is interested. I got bored with the RC stuff and spent way too much money on it when playing around with 1/5 scale gas and brushless cars (those have been sold).
Last edited by Strigoi; Aug 5, 2018 at 03:52 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
You will need to find someone with MB DAS (diagnostics) to recode right front seat from “anti-crash with rear seat active” to “not active”. If your only choice is dealer expect to pay minimum one hour labor charge to recode. Reference attached bulletin although for 212 it will give direction to support your request.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2009 350 Mercedes wagon
2009 Mercedes wagon seat back does not move when rear seat dropped
Thank heavens I found this page, I have been struggling with this situation for nine years. It never dawned on me that it was designed this way since I have a Mercedes wagon for ten years prior which did not have "this feature". Quite honestly I would take my old wagon back in a New York Minute. I can only use the wagon feature when I am alone in the car no one can sit in the passenger seat. I cannot believe that Mercedes thought this was OK! I will try each and every solution posted and hopefully get a solution to this problem after nine years of dealing with it. Thanks to all for bringing this out in the open.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 2,290
Likes: 434
C320
If you press in the rear seat back latch the front seat functions normally even tho the rear seat is still folded. Also the rear seat bottom cushion is removable for extra front seat room with the rear seat folded.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
E350 Wagon
2008 E350 Wagon
Had the same problem with my wagon and the safety thing. The easiest was to keep the windows open on the front door and hit any button for the seats and problem solved. Now I am trying to sell the wagon with 107,000 miles on it as i need either a wagon with more clearance or SUV as need to go off road with my dog for search and rescue training and call outs. Its listed in the Philadelphia Craigs List as 2008 E350 Wagon. Its White and in great shape with tons of parts replaced very recently including the air system in the rear.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 2,290
Likes: 434
C320
Had the same problem with my wagon and the safety thing. The easiest was to keep the windows open on the front door and hit any button for the seats and problem solved. Now I am trying to sell the wagon with 107,000 miles on it as i need either a wagon with more clearance or SUV as need to go off road with my dog for search and rescue training and call outs. Its listed in the Philadelphia Craigs List as 2008 E350 Wagon. Its White and in great shape with tons of parts replaced very recently including the air system in the rear.
Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 85
Likes: 6
2006 E55 AMG Wagon
tjts1 writ:
"If you press in the rear seat back latch the front seat functions normally even tho the rear seat is still folded. Also the rear seat bottom cushion is removable for extra front seat room with the rear seat folded."
That latch trick worked on my '06 E55 AMG Wagon for a while, then not. The factory bulletin mentioned above let the dealer fix the issue.
Tried to remove the seat cushion, but the latch at the bottom wouldn't move. Will try again, maybe give it a shot of lube.
Frank
"If you press in the rear seat back latch the front seat functions normally even tho the rear seat is still folded. Also the rear seat bottom cushion is removable for extra front seat room with the rear seat folded."
That latch trick worked on my '06 E55 AMG Wagon for a while, then not. The factory bulletin mentioned above let the dealer fix the issue.
Tried to remove the seat cushion, but the latch at the bottom wouldn't move. Will try again, maybe give it a shot of lube.
Frank
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2016 E350 Wagon
Yes I have a sedan and when I click the lever to drop the rear seat the front seats move up and the passenger seat win't come back.
Dealer says that's the way it is.
Here is my fix.
Just before I hit the lever I open the passenger door and move the seat back a few inches. Then I hit the drop seat lever and run to the front door seat controls and touch any button and the passenger seat will stop. You can't move it back anymore but at least it is a good position for a normal sized person.
Dealer says that's the way it is.
Here is my fix.
Just before I hit the lever I open the passenger door and move the seat back a few inches. Then I hit the drop seat lever and run to the front door seat controls and touch any button and the passenger seat will stop. You can't move it back anymore but at least it is a good position for a normal sized person.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2016 E350 Wagon
I figured out that the easiest fix for reclining the passenger with the back sests down requires two people.
The the first person pulls the backseat down on the passenger side. At the same time the second person hits the recline on the passenger front seat. This stops the auto forwarding of the passenger seat. At least it does on my 2018 E350
Hope this helps...
The the first person pulls the backseat down on the passenger side. At the same time the second person hits the recline on the passenger front seat. This stops the auto forwarding of the passenger seat. At least it does on my 2018 E350
Hope this helps...
