mhh

Our E500 has the optional pop up booster seats built into the rear seats. They work a treat - at least until the kids drop something down the gap.

Does anyone know how to get access to the area under the pop up section? I can hear stuff rattling in there but I don't know how to get it out!

ATS

I am not sure about that but we have a baby seat in our car and I put a blanket under it.. A think sheet folded and when I take the car seat out I shake that outside and it's clean.

DWP

The "Integrated Child Seats in Rear Seats" (per the MB Australia web site) don't seem to be available in the US version of the E500 wagon/estate. It may have to do with US federal safety requirements for securing children in cars. Could you include a picture of the seats? Sounds like an interesting option.

glojo

I do not have this option, but looking at my manual it looks like you slide the seat back into the main seat until it 'engages' then simply follow the instructions for raising the base of the seat by pulling the seat cushion release handle.

I hope I have undrstood you correctly,

Regards,
John

mhh

Thanks John, but the problem is that the various trinkets are lost inside the seat. When I tip the whole seat cushion forward, there is no access point showing - just the solid base of the seat.

DWP, here's the seat

glojo

Nice picture,
I see what you are on about now. I have dived into the manual (page 72, last paragraph)

This goes on about the replacement of the childrens seats being undertaken at a specialist workshop where there is the necessary specialist knowledge and tools to carry out the required work.

They certainly like the word 'specialist' No doubt there is also a 'specialist' to take your money, but reading between the lines there may well be screws or the like which might drop down and never be seen again.

Sounds like a trip to the dealership, at least we both now know that this nice seat can be removed.

I am very sorry that I cannot be of more help. Good luck,

John

mhh

Thanks John. I appreciate your interest.

DWP

Today's Wall Street Journal (D1) has a story about the growing use of "booster seats" for children in the four to eight-year-old range. These are kids who are too large for infant carriers, but not tall enough to use regular lap and shoulder belts on their own. One US state - North Carolina - requires the use of a booster seat for children up to eight years old or 80 pounds.

The story has a picture of a portable booster seat that looks much like the "pop-up" seat in mhh's car - with the addition of cupholders and arm rests. Really. After reading the article, I have to wonder why MBUSA doesn't offer the option. Maybe their lawyers are worried about liability if a child is injured while sitting on a "booster" seat built into the car.