Driver's left foot rest
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 693
Likes: 1
From: Mansfield, TX
11 ML350W2 / 17 GLC300
Driver's left foot rest
Does it seem like your left leg is shorter than your right? Does your left leg get tired while driving? My left leg got very tired yesterday driving for only 3 hours.
I measured the distance from the seat cushion to the base of the accelerator and to the base of the left foot rest. The measurements were within 1/4 inch of being the same. That isn't the problem! I then measured the distance from the seat cushion to the top of the accelerator and to the equivalent height on the left foot rest and there was a 2 inch difference. My left leg is not shorter, it just feels that way because the angle of the footrest is too shallow.
I made a wedge out of 1/2 x 4 inch wood that is 8 inches high with the top 2 inches thick to create a left foot rest that is close to the same angle as the accelerator. This is held in place with velcro to the carpet. Now I shouldn't have that problem on the next trip.
I measured the distance from the seat cushion to the base of the accelerator and to the base of the left foot rest. The measurements were within 1/4 inch of being the same. That isn't the problem! I then measured the distance from the seat cushion to the top of the accelerator and to the equivalent height on the left foot rest and there was a 2 inch difference. My left leg is not shorter, it just feels that way because the angle of the footrest is too shallow.
I made a wedge out of 1/2 x 4 inch wood that is 8 inches high with the top 2 inches thick to create a left foot rest that is close to the same angle as the accelerator. This is held in place with velcro to the carpet. Now I shouldn't have that problem on the next trip.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Some MBs & Bimmers
In addition, IMO, MB screwed up on the dead pedal.
The dead pedal is covered in carpet fabric and it gets dirty real easy especially when the interior color is lighter.
I think MB should provide a rubber/non slip pad as standard issue and have it installed on top of the existing dead pedal. This will facilitate the better angle for foot rest as well as minimize the the dirty look on the dead pedal.
Your thoughts?
The dead pedal is covered in carpet fabric and it gets dirty real easy especially when the interior color is lighter.
I think MB should provide a rubber/non slip pad as standard issue and have it installed on top of the existing dead pedal. This will facilitate the better angle for foot rest as well as minimize the the dirty look on the dead pedal.
Your thoughts?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: San Clemente, CA
2003 E-500
I like your idea about MB providing a rubber overlay for the left foot rest as the current carpet covering gets dirty easily.
For long trips, to keep from getting cramps in my legs, I move the seat to different postions every few hours and tense the muscles in my legs similar to what you to do to minimize blacking out when you pull G's in an aircraft. I've driven as many as 1100 miles in 18 hours in my E-500 with six stops for gas, rest and meals and never encountered any problems by doing this. In fact,
I now like the E better than my other vehicles for long trips.
For long trips, to keep from getting cramps in my legs, I move the seat to different postions every few hours and tense the muscles in my legs similar to what you to do to minimize blacking out when you pull G's in an aircraft. I've driven as many as 1100 miles in 18 hours in my E-500 with six stops for gas, rest and meals and never encountered any problems by doing this. In fact,
I now like the E better than my other vehicles for long trips.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 693
Likes: 1
From: Mansfield, TX
11 ML350W2 / 17 GLC300
First trip with left footrest
I took a 150 mile trip today and the new left footrest worked like a charm. The velcro held the footrest to the carpet and it didn't slip. My left leg and foot were close to the optimum position and didn't get tired at all.
If I were to make another one, I would change the dimensions a little. 8 1/2 to 9 inches high and 1 3/4 inch at the top. I suppose you could also fabricate a metal tongue that would slide under the floor mat but I don't think that is really necessary.
If I were to make another one, I would change the dimensions a little. 8 1/2 to 9 inches high and 1 3/4 inch at the top. I suppose you could also fabricate a metal tongue that would slide under the floor mat but I don't think that is really necessary.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 224
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From: New Jersey USA
2014 E350 4Matic/2011 E350 4matic / 2003 E500 /2000 CLK 430
Two things. I have ash interior so i feel your pain
i have used grey duct tape along that fabric sill on the door entry way , drivers door only.
I am going to create a template and take it to a shoemaker along with an inexpensive rubber matt and have him cut it to match the template for the dead pedal.. then staple it to the carpet...ill let you know how it works with pics etc....
i have used grey duct tape along that fabric sill on the door entry way , drivers door only.
I am going to create a template and take it to a shoemaker along with an inexpensive rubber matt and have him cut it to match the template for the dead pedal.. then staple it to the carpet...ill let you know how it works with pics etc....
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