Driver's seat keeps ripping apart
 

Hi,

interior on my car is not leather and I regret about it so badly. Driver's seat was ripped and now it's expanding all across the seat. Any idea on how to fix it? What to do about it? Maybe MB can fix/replace it for no cost, because the quality of that thing is just so bad... Why would you even sell such an expensive car with this kind of material???

I have attached a pic for your review. And now even on the side (it's not on the picture) there is going to be another hole. And I'm not heavy at all...

Thanks.

Here is the pic.

That's not normal. An upholstery shop should be able to fix it for you. If your car is under warranty then I would think it would be covered through the dealer.

Thanks for the reply. The car is 2010, so I doubt that it's under any warranty at all.

It is, since MB cars carry 4 years warranty, but hurry since 2o14 will be coming soon

Do you happen to know what kind of warranty would cover it? I know I had a warranty till 40k miles. So, what would the warranty you are referring to be called.

New Vehicle Warranty - 48 months/50,000 miles (whichever comes first)
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/servic...parts/warranty

"All new Mercedes-Benz vehicles are protected by our New Vehicle Limited Warranty, covering defects in material or workmanship for 48-months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first."

That's basically "bumper to bumper" warranty.

Thanks, guys. It won't help me because the car is over the 50k miles.

Then your best bet is to check with your local upholdstery shop and see how much to repair that seat cover.

Factory seat cover will cost you at around $500 bucks
http://www.mbonlineparts.com/parts/2...t=Seat%20cover

Thank you very much for providing this info. My seat is not leather, so it's going to be $232.

I wonder if I will be able to replace it myself.

It should be covered however it is 4 years or 50k whatever comes first. I have had MB Text before on Mercedes and must say it holds up very well. There is clearly something not right at all and MB should fix it now!

I have a 2007 e350 with Blk MB-Tex and it did the same thing in the middle of a lower seat side. The vinyl cracked from age and stiffness.

MB-Text has gotten considerably crappier since my '91 300TE W124 wagon.

When this occured on my car, and the car was still covered under CPO warranty, the dealer said, "Sorry, not covered"

I don't think you can replace it yourself, a upholstery shop can do it for a few hundred

[/QUOTE]MB-Text has gotten considerably crappier since my '91 300TE W124 wagon.[/QUOTE]

I'm new to MB and I'm really surprised they offered "MB-Taxi" back then or even now. For the price they are getting for these cars, the MB-Text plastic is a joke. I refused to buy one with this cheap alternative. I just didn't want to settle for less than expectations.

i would still run it past your dealer. obviously play dumb and most importantly be polite! as im sure you will be. sometimes they make exceptions to mileage and age if you are close and they have a good relationship with you or feel the defect is simply ridiculous. which IMO this one is. they will just replace the bottom seating surface with a new piece and not repair it. its worth a shot!!! worse they can do is say no.

Thank you, Eagle_lex.

Do you think my auto insurance might cover this?

I highly doubt it. Plus it probably won't exceed the deductible amount.

I would just pay the $232 and be done with it

Peter, I agree with you that 232 is not that bad, but then you have to somehow "mount" it on the seat...

oh, i thought 232 was out the door, everything included. Hmm... if you have to pay more than 300-400 dollars... then this is getting pricey, i agree.

shop around and see what different interior experts are willing to offer you

insurance wont cover it. check with your dealer. if they say its on you.... order the parts and be done with it. not worth stressing over my friend!

Talk to dealer & MBUSA
 

Most manufacturers will cover some situations even after warranty has expired out of good faith. Particularly if it is a component that should last for long, long time - and MBTex seats should.
Consumer Reports recently did a review on a vehicle with MBTex and recommended not getting leather. MBTex looks as good and wears as well - or better than leather. This has been my experience also.

yes, it is exactly what good companies do. I have Mac book just regular from plastic, so back cover appeared some delamination, so I brought it to genius bar and back cover was replaced for free. (total cost was shown $160 covered by Apple). My Mac book is out of warranty for two years, so go figure. I always rated MB as Apple, incredible design, superb quality and outstanding service.

@Dema, reading your post and your signature side-by-side is just plain funny :-) "Apple is the best, no Apple sucks!"

No one is absolutely perfect. I think it is a beauty of our life. I am in a situation of a farmer who needs a pickup track for everyday work but certainly enjoys Porsche style, speed and handling. Yes, no Porsche for me but sure I still like it.