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OK, I understand this is a first world problem, but here is my question: we just took delivery of a 'new' to us 2019 E450 4matic wagon. CPO with just 3,000 miles; love the vehicle, even the 18" wheels and Pirelli RF tires. We also have an E450 Cabriolet, awesome vehicle as well. Having both has created something of a conundrum in our house. The wagon has the standard seating package; and compared to the seats in the cabriolet, they are simply not as comfortable. The discussion centers around finding a set of used cabriolet seats, and swapping them into the wagon. Seems simple IMO, but our MB tech guru is doing some research on the possibility of performing that swap as it involves more than just unbolting and bolting. Has anyone on this forum replaced the seats in a sedan or wagon? If so, what replacement seating did you use? OEM? Aftermarket? Thanks in advance!
The lower front of the cab seats extend to provide better under leg support, and the standard seating in the wagon does not. Also the side padding on the standard seats is a bit more stiff than the cab. Here is a shot of the cab seating, notice the front of the seat difference:
Thanks!
Odd though. When I build a vehicle (E450 matic) at the MBUSA site, adding the multi-contour option doesn't show the seat extension. No option or choice that I can see will show that. So either it's a 'Cab only' option, or things have changed. Or, it just doesn't show on the site, which would be unfortunate for any buyer trying to spec these.
Or maybe I'm missing something,.
(Sorry, I'm hijacking your thread)
Last edited by Mac Jones 55; Dec 29, 2021 at 12:55 PM.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by TennesseeZ4
The lower front of the cab seats extend to provide better under leg support, and the standard seating in the wagon does not. Also the side padding on the standard seats is a bit more stiff than the cab. Here is a shot of the cab seating, notice the front of the seat difference:
I have a 2019 E450 with the standard seats with MBtex. On both the driver and passenger side seat controls, there is a "lever" that extends the seat out. It is the second smaller horizontal lever. I am over 6 feet tall and I have extended the seat out as much as possible to give me extra thigh support.
I also find the seats extremely comfortable with fantastic support, especially on long drives like going to Vermont, just over 4 hours. I do not find them "hard as rock".
WOW! only 3,000 miles. That is find!
I am attaching a picture of the lever to extend the seats that is on my 2019 E450.
Thanks!
Odd though. When I build a vehicle (E450 matic) at the MBUSA site, adding the multi-contour option doesn't show the seat extension. No option or choice that I can see will show that. So either it's a 'Cab only' option, or things have changed. Or, it just doesn't show on the site, which would be unfortunate for any buyer trying to spec these.
Or maybe I'm missing something,.
(Sorry, I'm hijacking your thread)
The cab / coupe seats are different than the multi-contour: that being said, I have sat in the multi-contour E class optional seat, and do prefer the cab / coupe design. The only option for the E sedan and wagon are the multi-contour; so I am looking for the unicorn solution! That being said, if the multi-contour would be a retro fit, that may be my only option.
I have a 2019 E450 with the standard seats with MBtex. On both the driver and passenger side seat controls, there is a "lever" that extends the seat out. It is the second smaller horizontal lever. I am over 6 feet tall and I have extended the seat out as much as possible to give me extra thigh support.
I also find the seats extremely comfortable with fantastic support, especially on long drives like going to Vermont, just over 4 hours. I do not find them "hard as rock".
WOW! only 3,000 miles. That is find!
I am attaching a picture of the lever to extend the seats that is on my 2019 E450.
Hope this helps.
Thanks JTK44, our wagon also has the front 'roll-up' extension on the front seats, however it just does not provide the same angles or support that the cab / coupe seat deliver. So I shall pursue this quest, passing on any information that I can learn. And yes, the 3,000 miles was just uncanny. Local car, still had the rear carpet in plastic, the cargo net unopened, and the owners manual like new, as is the rest of the vehicle. We had been looking for almost a year to find one, and this one showed up at our local dealer. Just too good to pass up. Our third E class wagon, likely our last, but IMO this is one of the best car designs in the MB catalogue. In the time we have been looking, we encountered several other options that were considered, however this car is just like new, CPO to boot. And while I really like the wheels on the cabriolet, I am learning to like the ones on the wagon. Nothing like the MB wagons, timeless designs. Thanks for the response.
Yes I understand what your saying about the Cab seats vs the wagon seats. I also had a 2019 fully loaded cab and found the seats awesome. I just have the base seats in my 2019 E450 Wagon and agree they are nowhere near as good as the Cab seats. It does sound like a interesting project, not really sure how things would line up though as far as bolt spacing size dimensions etc. Worth a shot to look into. If it turns out to be not too bad a install I might be interested too. I can imaging buying the seats though new might cost a small fortune. To find them used would be a tall order if not impossible.
Y I can imaging buying the seats though new might cost a small fortune. To find them used would be a tall order if not impossible.
I would wholeheartedly agree with the thought process, one that I have been researching for a couple of days now. Not a lot of 'parted out' C238 / A238 models out there; so I am awaiting the findings of my MB technical guru about the electrical / safety / mounting compatibility; once confirmed (I hope), my search will begin in earnest. If I have to go new, then I am prepared to do that; stay tuned.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by TennesseeZ4
I would wholeheartedly agree with the thought process, one that I have been researching for a couple of days now. Not a lot of 'parted out' C238 / A238 models out there; so I am awaiting the findings of my MB technical guru about the electrical / safety / mounting compatibility; once confirmed (I hope), my search will begin in earnest. If I have to go new, then I am prepared to do that; stay tuned.
Just my $.02:
Assuming you are not able to find seats from a wrecked vehicle, then your option will be to buy new seats. Assuming that the bolt holes and tracks line up, have you priced out what each new seat will cost?
My gut tells me at least $2,000 per seat plus installation. So you are looking at over $5000 to convert.
Is this a project that you will do "regardless of cost" because you want to or is their a budget. If a budget, then perhaps determining the cost first would be prudent.
I hope it works out for you. I absolutely agree the seats in my coupe are far more comfortable than those in the 213 sedan loaners I have driven. My previous 212 sedan was like sitting on a park bench.
20 years ago, it was time to trade in my wife's 1997 Audi A6 Avant wagon, she ALWAYS wanted a Mercedes so off we went to the MB store.
They had a silver 2003 E320 loaded wagon on the sales floor, the very nice salesman opened the door, my wife got in, asked the salesman if there was a better seat? he replied no, she thanked him, and we walked out. The look on his face was priceless! Went across the street and got a new Audi A6 wagon.
The wagon was traded in on a 2009 Cadillac SRX - which I liked, comfortable, drove great on the highway, but there was a rattle in the back on rough roads - drove my wife nuts - that's when she got her 2010 ML350 - which has been perfect for the past 11 years, has not liked the dash to center console on all the "newer" ML's and GLE's until last year, she loves the seat in my E400 wagon.
Seats are important!
Assuming you are not able to find seats from a wrecked vehicle, then your option will be to buy new seats. Assuming that the bolt holes and tracks line up, have you priced out what each new seat will cost?
My gut tells me at least $2,000 per seat plus installation. So you are looking at over $5000 to convert.
Is this a project that you will do "regardless of cost" because you want to or is their a budget. If a budget, then perhaps determining the cost first would be prudent.
Lot of variability to the questions in your reply; cost is a factor, in all things surrounding lifestyle. But as a 'keeper' car that will have many mile logged, investment versus return is a consideration. Spoke with a friend this evening who runs a MB dealership, and he may have another answer which is to 'soften' the current seats. That is an interesting potential to explore. Obviously if the swap can be constructed, new seats would be the higher investment.
Not many C238 / A238 vehicles being disassembled, so the used seat presents a challenge. I will continue this quest, and keep you posted.
There will be a solution, as we really enjoy the car and intend to use it for some longer trips about the country to visit sites and friends.
Porsche Cayman S, Mercedes W213, Nissan Titan, BMW X5, Chevrolet Suburban
Alternatively, might you go to a car upholstery shop and see if they could modify your existing seat? I bet for a grand or less they might do something that you find satisfying. Certainly not as nice as the Cabriolet, but likely could make the wagon more pleasant to drive. I wanted rear heated seats for my mother in law in my sedan and an upholstery shop put a set set in that are actually warmer (according to my wife) than the heated seats up front. Just my 2 cents.
Alternatively, might you go to a car upholstery shop and see if they could modify your existing seat? I bet for a grand or less they might do something that you find satisfying. Certainly not as nice as the Cabriolet, but likely could make the wagon more pleasant to drive. I wanted rear heated seats for my mother in law in my sedan and an upholstery shop put a set set in that are actually warmer (according to my wife) than the heated seats up front. Just my 2 cents.
Yes, that was also mentioned by my MB dealership friend, says they have done other vehicles for him. So that is also a route that we are pursuing. Thanks!
Found a set of E450 Coupe seats; black with red trim; looking into new covering, as well as compatibility; price for seats, shipped is $1200 for the pair. Stay tuned.
Last edited by TennesseeZ4; Jan 4, 2022 at 05:02 PM.
Found a set of E450 Coupe seats; black with red trim; looking into new covering, as well as compatibility; price for seats, shipped is $1200 for the pair. Stay tuned.
Belay that find: a bit of miscommunication between the seller and myself; when I said C238 / E450 coupe, the seller thought I meant a C class coupe. So we have to ensure fitment; the seller says they are the same, but I am not sure. More to follow.
Update: Star Date 22.22: good news and bad news. Having spent my second full Saturday morning with my MB tech guru, and after several coffee rounds, it appears that this 'swap' is not just as straight forward as I believed it could be.
First, the good; the physical installation of a C238 coupe front seat can be accomplished into the E450 wagon; dimensions, track alignment, all are within allowances. There would be some loss of rear seat leg room, which I could live with.
Second, the not so good: in order to provide operational interface, the seat / control modules of the donor car and the current car must be identical. That requires a VIN number for the donor seats, which is sometimes a challenge in dealing with salvage materials. Assuming the seat modules are compatible, one then has to consider the compliance of the manufacturer and NHSTA codes as it applies to seat belts, warranty, air bags, et al., and that thread devolves into the quagmire of liability, and is really where the conversation ended.
His suggestion is to continue to pursue a set of compatible seats, and do a 'self installation', assuming liability as the owner of a modified vehicle, once the receiving vehicle reaches the end of warranty. In my case that is three years out.
Next option is to visit a specialty upholstery shop to see if they can 'soften' the seat cushions. There is also a potential that the shop can procure the seat bottom of a C238 through MB parts, and simply install that into the wagon. Either way, I plan to move in the softening direction at the behest of my better half. More to follow, or creep along, in this case.
Take you current seats to a good auto upholster shop and have your seats rebuilt as comfy and soft as you want. That is the most simple and hassle free way to go.
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