5 Annoying years: Flimsy doors...bruised shins. Bony butt....Sciatica seats
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 3
2019 e450 wagon. 2017 infiniti Q60. 2006 e350 wagon.
5 Annoying years: Flimsy doors...bruised shins. Bony butt....Sciatica seats
I have a 2019 e450 wagon and a 2006 e350 wagon. 47k miles and 122k miles respectively. Here are my observations:
1. The front doors will not stay open if you are on the slightest incline. Countless shin slams.
2. Seats are flimsy as heck. Im 6' 180lbs. Healthy BMI. Road trips longer than an hour results in sciatica. This never happens in my love seat like 2006.
3. Window will randomly go down when doing the 1 step close pull on the switch.
4. Airmatic has failed twice in a month. Replacing the fuse fixes the problem for about a month it seems. Dealer says bellows are leaking. $4500 fix. Makes no sense given she stays inflated even when i dont drive her for days.
5. Engine bay smells like burning fluid since day 1 after each start. Since day 1.
Anyone else have any of these issues?
1. The front doors will not stay open if you are on the slightest incline. Countless shin slams.
2. Seats are flimsy as heck. Im 6' 180lbs. Healthy BMI. Road trips longer than an hour results in sciatica. This never happens in my love seat like 2006.
3. Window will randomly go down when doing the 1 step close pull on the switch.
4. Airmatic has failed twice in a month. Replacing the fuse fixes the problem for about a month it seems. Dealer says bellows are leaking. $4500 fix. Makes no sense given she stays inflated even when i dont drive her for days.
5. Engine bay smells like burning fluid since day 1 after each start. Since day 1.
Anyone else have any of these issues?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 1,103
.
1. My dealer fixed that problem with new hinges when my '18 E300 was a week old.
2. The seats aren't flimsy, they are firm. They barely move when I sit my 175 lbs in the driver's seat. My wife uses a cushion because she has sciatica even when sitting on a sofa.
3. It is your technique. Momentarily pull the switch up and remove your finger from the switch with an upward motion. The slightest down pressure will open the window.
4. How does the Airmatic fail?
5. The engine bay isn't very specific. Have you checked for leaks or tried to pinpoint the exact source of the smell?
2. The seats aren't flimsy, they are firm. They barely move when I sit my 175 lbs in the driver's seat. My wife uses a cushion because she has sciatica even when sitting on a sofa.
3. It is your technique. Momentarily pull the switch up and remove your finger from the switch with an upward motion. The slightest down pressure will open the window.
4. How does the Airmatic fail?
5. The engine bay isn't very specific. Have you checked for leaks or tried to pinpoint the exact source of the smell?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 3
2019 e450 wagon. 2017 infiniti Q60. 2006 e350 wagon.
I took it to the dealership in 2020 and they said there was nothing wrong with the hinges. Mercedes of Portland.
I can literally see the thin foam cushions when the lower cushion extension is folded in. It's about an inch thick. My 2006 is filled with what looks like boar's hair on top of the foam. Almost forgot, the ventilation in the seats are a joke. I rented a Chevy traverse awhile back that blew ice cold air from the vented seats.
Who wants such persnickety window switches? annoying.
the boot sinks and the car tells me to drive less than 50 mph. Dealer says it's just the fuse. Replaced it then it happened a month later. I'm 5 days into a new fuse bc I'm not ready to drop 5 grand on new bellows. Besides if it were the bellows than the boot wouldn't have stayed up without an issue for the past 5 days. I'm taking it to a mom and pop mercedes shop in my town. Any ideas? Seems like it could be an electrical issue.
Oh a few more I forgot! The auto start stop NEVER works. yes, I have it switched on. yes I've tried pushing the brake pedal down firm so it locks at a traffic light.
the smell is coming from the grill. since day 1. very strong smelling. I bought it with 3750 miles in 2020. overall, she's like a crazy hot girlfriend/wife. I love the way she looks and drives. I don't see a single car out there I'd rather have (except maybe the V60 polestar) so I'm forced to keep dropping G's on my sweet money pit.
I can literally see the thin foam cushions when the lower cushion extension is folded in. It's about an inch thick. My 2006 is filled with what looks like boar's hair on top of the foam. Almost forgot, the ventilation in the seats are a joke. I rented a Chevy traverse awhile back that blew ice cold air from the vented seats.
Who wants such persnickety window switches? annoying.
the boot sinks and the car tells me to drive less than 50 mph. Dealer says it's just the fuse. Replaced it then it happened a month later. I'm 5 days into a new fuse bc I'm not ready to drop 5 grand on new bellows. Besides if it were the bellows than the boot wouldn't have stayed up without an issue for the past 5 days. I'm taking it to a mom and pop mercedes shop in my town. Any ideas? Seems like it could be an electrical issue.
Oh a few more I forgot! The auto start stop NEVER works. yes, I have it switched on. yes I've tried pushing the brake pedal down firm so it locks at a traffic light.
the smell is coming from the grill. since day 1. very strong smelling. I bought it with 3750 miles in 2020. overall, she's like a crazy hot girlfriend/wife. I love the way she looks and drives. I don't see a single car out there I'd rather have (except maybe the V60 polestar) so I'm forced to keep dropping G's on my sweet money pit.
1. My dealer fixed that problem with new hinges when my '18 E300 was a week old.
2. The seats aren't flimsy, they are firm. They barely move when I sit my 175 lbs in the driver's seat. My wife uses a cushion because she has sciatica even when sitting on a sofa.
3. It is your technique. Momentarily pull the switch up and remove your finger from the switch with an upward motion. The slightest down pressure will open the window.
4. How does the Airmatic fail?
5. The engine bay isn't very specific. Have you checked for leaks or tried to pinpoint the exact source of the smell?
2. The seats aren't flimsy, they are firm. They barely move when I sit my 175 lbs in the driver's seat. My wife uses a cushion because she has sciatica even when sitting on a sofa.
3. It is your technique. Momentarily pull the switch up and remove your finger from the switch with an upward motion. The slightest down pressure will open the window.
4. How does the Airmatic fail?
5. The engine bay isn't very specific. Have you checked for leaks or tried to pinpoint the exact source of the smell?
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 185
Likes: 51
From: Toronto area, Canada
2018 E400 Coupe C238
No but I don't have a wagon.
Drive the car more to ensure the auxiliary battery is topped up or have a load test performed on it to see if it is still good. There is an indicator on the drivers dash panel for status.
The auto start stop NEVER works.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,427
Likes: 5,336
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Sciatica is a sign of a medical condition, and weak core muscles can be a contributor. A healthy BMI means nothing if you have weak core strength. Seating comfort comes down to your core. Your glutes, abdominal, back, side and pelvis muscles. If you get sciatica in regular E Class seats after an hour, you need to have that looked at. Get a medical exam and/or a personal trainer to work on your core. Just to give you a bit of context. I've got the AMG bucket seats in my car, which are quite a bit firmer and tighter than regular E Class seats. I've spent up to 12 hours in them on road trips. I also sit in a gaming chair at my desk most weekdays when working on my computer. I'm a software engineer. The gaming chair is even firmer. I started to get discomfort in various seats in my mid to late 40s when I decided it was time to hit up the gym and strengthen my core. All the discomfort went away. I can do 10-12 hours flights again to Asia and Europe w/o my body hurting when I get there. The older one gets the more one has to work on keeping their muscles strong.
Last edited by superswiss; Aug 24, 2024 at 02:29 PM.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 740
Likes: 175
From: NorCal
2015 ML350+2025 E350
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 1,103
.
When I took delivery of my '18 E300, the dealer fixed the issue by replacing the driver's door hinges under warranty.
The footprint on the side of the door pocket is simply due to the seat position and your egress technique.
I've never encountered the issue, but I drive with the seat all the way back.
The footprint on the side of the door pocket is simply due to the seat position and your egress technique.
I've never encountered the issue, but I drive with the seat all the way back.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 3
2019 e450 wagon. 2017 infiniti Q60. 2006 e350 wagon.
Don't really know what to say on your other points, other than get it fixed, or learn how the window switches work. But I'm just kinda amazed at the somewhat common posts of lack of seat comfort on this forum. It's not just with Mercedes cars. I've seen it with other brands, too.
Sciatica is a sign of a medical condition, and weak core muscles can be a contributor. A healthy BMI means nothing if you have weak core strength. Seating comfort comes down to your core. Your glutes, abdominal, back, side and pelvis muscles. If you get sciatica in regular E Class seats after an hour, you need to have that looked at. Get a medical exam and/or a personal trainer to work on your core. Just to give you a bit of context. I've got the AMG bucket seats in my car, which are quite a bit firmer and tighter than regular E Class seats. I've spent up to 12 hours in them on road trips. I also sit in a gaming chair at my desk most weekdays when working on my computer. I'm a software engineer. The gaming chair is even firmer. I started to get discomfort in various seats in my mid to late 40s when I decided it was time to hit up the gym and strengthen my core. All the discomfort went away. I can do 10-12 hours flights again to Asia and Europe w/o my body hurting when I get there. The older one gets the more one has to work on keeping their muscles strong.
Sciatica is a sign of a medical condition, and weak core muscles can be a contributor. A healthy BMI means nothing if you have weak core strength. Seating comfort comes down to your core. Your glutes, abdominal, back, side and pelvis muscles. If you get sciatica in regular E Class seats after an hour, you need to have that looked at. Get a medical exam and/or a personal trainer to work on your core. Just to give you a bit of context. I've got the AMG bucket seats in my car, which are quite a bit firmer and tighter than regular E Class seats. I've spent up to 12 hours in them on road trips. I also sit in a gaming chair at my desk most weekdays when working on my computer. I'm a software engineer. The gaming chair is even firmer. I started to get discomfort in various seats in my mid to late 40s when I decided it was time to hit up the gym and strengthen my core. All the discomfort went away. I can do 10-12 hours flights again to Asia and Europe w/o my body hurting when I get there. The older one gets the more one has to work on keeping their muscles strong.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 4
E350 4matic wagon (w211), e450 wagon (w213)
I have a 2019 e450 wagon and a 2006 e350 wagon. 47k miles and 122k miles respectively. Here are my observations:
1. The front doors will not stay open if you are on the slightest incline. Countless shin slams.
2. Seats are flimsy as heck. Im 6' 180lbs. Healthy BMI. Road trips longer than an hour results in sciatica. This never happens in my love seat like 2006.
3. Window will randomly go down when doing the 1 step close pull on the switch.
4. Airmatic has failed twice in a month. Replacing the fuse fixes the problem for about a month it seems. Dealer says bellows are leaking. $4500 fix. Makes no sense given she stays inflated even when i dont drive her for days.
5. Engine bay smells like burning fluid since day 1 after each start. Since day 1.
Anyone else have any of these issues?
1. The front doors will not stay open if you are on the slightest incline. Countless shin slams.
2. Seats are flimsy as heck. Im 6' 180lbs. Healthy BMI. Road trips longer than an hour results in sciatica. This never happens in my love seat like 2006.
3. Window will randomly go down when doing the 1 step close pull on the switch.
4. Airmatic has failed twice in a month. Replacing the fuse fixes the problem for about a month it seems. Dealer says bellows are leaking. $4500 fix. Makes no sense given she stays inflated even when i dont drive her for days.
5. Engine bay smells like burning fluid since day 1 after each start. Since day 1.
Anyone else have any of these issues?
1. Kinda agree about the doors. It's not as severe as your description but it's not what I would consider Mercedes. If I'm purposeful I can get them to stay. My wife hates it.
2. I don't know if I have the same seats as yours. But I love both the 2020 and 2008 seats. I'm overweight (5'8" 200) and find the seats very comfortable, as does my wife (she's not overweight). She likes them better than her 2019 MDX.
3. Haven't had this issue.
4. Haven't had any issues.
5. initally for a few weeks i could smell coolant, but I haven't since and levels are good and my independent shop says there's no leaks.
Tom
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 3
2019 e450 wagon. 2017 infiniti Q60. 2006 e350 wagon.
Have a 2020 E450 wagon 53k , had a 2008 E350 wagon 140k (miss that wagon).
1. Kinda agree about the doors. It's not as severe as your description but it's not what I would consider Mercedes. If I'm purposeful I can get them to stay. My wife hates it.
2. I don't know if I have the same seats as yours. But I love both the 2020 and 2008 seats. I'm overweight (5'8" 200) and find the seats very comfortable, as does my wife (she's not overweight). She likes them better than her 2019 MDX.
3. Haven't had this issue.
4. Haven't had any issues.
5. initally for a few weeks i could smell coolant, but I haven't since and levels are good and my independent shop says there's no leaks.
Tom
1. Kinda agree about the doors. It's not as severe as your description but it's not what I would consider Mercedes. If I'm purposeful I can get them to stay. My wife hates it.
2. I don't know if I have the same seats as yours. But I love both the 2020 and 2008 seats. I'm overweight (5'8" 200) and find the seats very comfortable, as does my wife (she's not overweight). She likes them better than her 2019 MDX.
3. Haven't had this issue.
4. Haven't had any issues.
5. initally for a few weeks i could smell coolant, but I haven't since and levels are good and my independent shop says there's no leaks.
Tom
Joe
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 60
Likes: 31
From: Maryland
2024 GLS580 / 2017 E300 / 2014 ML350 Former: 2012 E350
I have a 2019 e450 wagon and a 2006 e350 wagon. 47k miles and 122k miles respectively. Here are my observations:
1. The front doors will not stay open if you are on the slightest incline. Countless shin slams.
2. Seats are flimsy as heck. Im 6' 180lbs. Healthy BMI. Road trips longer than an hour results in sciatica. This never happens in my love seat like 2006.
3. Window will randomly go down when doing the 1 step close pull on the switch.
4. Airmatic has failed twice in a month. Replacing the fuse fixes the problem for about a month it seems. Dealer says bellows are leaking. $4500 fix. Makes no sense given she stays inflated even when i dont drive her for days.
5. Engine bay smells like burning fluid since day 1 after each start. Since day 1.
Anyone else have any of these issues?
1. The front doors will not stay open if you are on the slightest incline. Countless shin slams.
2. Seats are flimsy as heck. Im 6' 180lbs. Healthy BMI. Road trips longer than an hour results in sciatica. This never happens in my love seat like 2006.
3. Window will randomly go down when doing the 1 step close pull on the switch.
4. Airmatic has failed twice in a month. Replacing the fuse fixes the problem for about a month it seems. Dealer says bellows are leaking. $4500 fix. Makes no sense given she stays inflated even when i dont drive her for days.
5. Engine bay smells like burning fluid since day 1 after each start. Since day 1.
Anyone else have any of these issues?
#3 Has happened on my 2017. I don't recall the procedure off hand (google can tell you), but when it does start happening, I reset the window module and everything is back the way it should be. The dealer was consistently uninterested in addressing the issue for good. Says a lot about my crummy dealer... but it's also was not annoying enough for me to chase with a different one.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 3
2019 e450 wagon. 2017 infiniti Q60. 2006 e350 wagon.
#3 Has happened on my 2017. I don't recall the procedure off hand (google can tell you), but when it does start happening, I reset the window module and everything is back the way it should be. The dealer was consistently uninterested in addressing the issue for good. Says a lot about my crummy dealer... but it's also was not annoying enough for me to chase with a different one.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,427
Likes: 5,336
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
