Anyone have experience with the drive dynamic multi-contour driver's seat
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: South Carolina
2009 E320
Anyone have experience with the drive dynamic multi-contour driver's seat
If so, how do you like it. I know that it inflates and deflates a bladder to "massage" the driver. That seems a little like a gimmic. Is it also similar to the sport seats you find in BMW or Audi with better support and lumbar adjustment? Is it worth the cost?
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 103
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From: Canton, MI
'11 E350 4MATIC
Hi klister,
I have one. It is not as good as BMW comfort seat but you are not paying anywhere close to $3000.00 option. I think MB only charge you additional $600.00 MSRP. Not bad from cost perspective. Functionality wise, I really like the active seat. It grabs you and give you supports when cornering. All functions are based on the air system instead of mechanical. The message system is real and keep me awake when needed. It roles down- up from your waist to your shoulder. Its not pulsing, just rolling. The one I do not like is the lumbar function. It suppos to go outward/inward, upward/ downward. But both switch seems to give me the outward/inward movement only. Very little travel on the upward/downward movement. Plus the movement is very slow since the system is using air. The seat leg extension only moved for a liitle bit. Barely moved and not like in BMW seat.
In summary, for $600 feature, the active seat and the massage features are usefull. The rests are just nice additional little interior lighting switches.... Not usefull. Verdict: go get it anyway. Good luck!
I have one. It is not as good as BMW comfort seat but you are not paying anywhere close to $3000.00 option. I think MB only charge you additional $600.00 MSRP. Not bad from cost perspective. Functionality wise, I really like the active seat. It grabs you and give you supports when cornering. All functions are based on the air system instead of mechanical. The message system is real and keep me awake when needed. It roles down- up from your waist to your shoulder. Its not pulsing, just rolling. The one I do not like is the lumbar function. It suppos to go outward/inward, upward/ downward. But both switch seems to give me the outward/inward movement only. Very little travel on the upward/downward movement. Plus the movement is very slow since the system is using air. The seat leg extension only moved for a liitle bit. Barely moved and not like in BMW seat.
In summary, for $600 feature, the active seat and the massage features are usefull. The rests are just nice additional little interior lighting switches.... Not usefull. Verdict: go get it anyway. Good luck!
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I have the active seat as well. I agree fully with the above comments. The massage is nice and the active support bolsters are great. For $600, a good deal. I have to say that the seat itself is not that comfortable but I'm not sure that you would find the standard seat any more comfortable. I find the seat way too firm. I would try both seats. IMO, my single biggest complaint with my e550 is the seats. Mercedes could do way better, couldn't do much worse. I guess I'm saying they suck as far as comfort. My advice, is proceed with caution. Regards. Ned.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: South Carolina
2009 E320
Thanks to both of you. I have an 09 e320 Bluetec and an 09 328iT (wife's) with a Sport Package. Much prefer the BMW multi-contour seats and was hoping this might be closer to it.
Last edited by klister; Feb 3, 2011 at 09:27 PM.
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2011 E550 Sport (traded), 2012 SLK 350; 2013 GL450 on order for OCT delivery
I think the dynamic seat is a must have option. I am a small person (5' 6") and the seat is very comfortable to me. I had a 2008 S550 and its seat was a bit more comfortable because it is larger. Otherwise, the functions are the same as the dynamic seat in the E class. I also had a 2011 BMW 535i with the active seat. By comparison, the Mercedes seat is much better in all aspects (cannot address earlier comments in this thread about the pros of the BMW seat in earlier models -- maybe they changed it for 2011). The BMW seat has a vibrator instead of a massage, there are no inflatable bolsters to hold you in place when turning, and the seat bottom extension is a separate section that extends leaving a big open valley between the two seat sections that looks like a home-made set up. Definitely not something one would expect in a so-called luxury automobile.
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From: Greenwich, CT
2014 E350 4Matic; 2016 GL350 Bluetec; 2005 F430 Spider
I have it on the driver seat of my E550 and really like it. However, it recently popped and the dealer had to replace the system. So I'm not sure of the long term reliability of the system as it constantly moves.
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I would add, that aside from my feeling about the comfort or lack there of of the driver dynamic seats, the cornering support bolsters are indeed a great feature, they work amazing well, almost spooky. They have two different settings for how aggrssively they respond and inflate and deflate very resonsively as you go around corners, the harder the turn, the quicker they inflate to give you counter support. Totally cool. The massage feature kind of feels like one of those spine massaging chairs that you can sit in but never buy at Brookstones, without the vibrating feature. Regards. Ned.
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2023 XC60 PHEV, 2023 XC40 BEV
+1
I too have it and love it. The side bolsters are great ... even at the lower setting. The higher setting is almost too fast for me, unless I've planned to drive "with enthusiasm". The massage feature combined with the heated surfaces make a long cold drive much more enjoyable.
I recommend it and will not buy another MB without it.
I too have it and love it. The side bolsters are great ... even at the lower setting. The higher setting is almost too fast for me, unless I've planned to drive "with enthusiasm". The massage feature combined with the heated surfaces make a long cold drive much more enjoyable.
I recommend it and will not buy another MB without it.
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I am having a problem with the massage function on my new E350. It comes on and works well but then the next day it suddenly stops working again. Is there a limit to the function?
Does it have to recharge for a while or is the system defective?
Does it have to recharge for a while or is the system defective?
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2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
It works 20 minutes at a time.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
