MBTex Splits
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 766
2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
MBTex Splits
Ok, so last year, our 2020 MBTex on the driver's bottom edge bolster decided to start splitting. MB replaced it under warranty. Then a few months later my wife tells me the passenger side it now doing it too. MB denied the repair order (even though still under warranty) because MB told the dealership they're about to release all new seat bottom covers in general. Apparently it was a common enough issue already for them to see the need to redesign it. HOWEVER, I've not heard a peep about this yet.
I met a new neighbor a couple of weeks ago while walking my dog. They have a 2021 GLS450.... We get to talking about how we like our cars, and wouldn't you know it - their MBTex is splitting right at the same place as ours.
I'm curious if anyone else here has dealt with this too? It's the front seats along the side bolster piece that seems to be doing it.
I met a new neighbor a couple of weeks ago while walking my dog. They have a 2021 GLS450.... We get to talking about how we like our cars, and wouldn't you know it - their MBTex is splitting right at the same place as ours.
I'm curious if anyone else here has dealt with this too? It's the front seats along the side bolster piece that seems to be doing it.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Your passenger seat cover is part # 16791086058U01 (almond beige) no additional part #s listed. Driver seat original 16791009008U01 replaced by 1670109514 both of which are showing discontinued. See attached bulletin.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 766
2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
Yep, that is exactly the issue we've had with ours, same place and same type of cracking. Thank you Konigstiger as always for taking the time to help!
Sounds like the fix isn't ready yet for primetime. Note to those reading this with MBTex, take a look at your front seats on the bolsters. If you notice any type of cracking (it's hard to see at first), I would log the complaint to your dealership while you're still under warranty. We logged ours while under warranty, but by the time the fix occurs, it'll likely be out of warranty, so you'll want that time stamp on record with Mercedes to make the fix retro-active to your complaint!
Sounds like the fix isn't ready yet for primetime. Note to those reading this with MBTex, take a look at your front seats on the bolsters. If you notice any type of cracking (it's hard to see at first), I would log the complaint to your dealership while you're still under warranty. We logged ours while under warranty, but by the time the fix occurs, it'll likely be out of warranty, so you'll want that time stamp on record with Mercedes to make the fix retro-active to your complaint!
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 33
Likes: 9
2020 GLS 450
It's happening to mine to at 16k miles... I smell a class action lawsuit coming on. This is BS for an $85k car. I for one am not taking this one on the chin... I bet it is happening to all or most Mercedes models with MB Tex
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
167 and 213 owners seem to report failed MB-Tex more often than other platforms.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 766
2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
The 212 has had it's fair share of splits too. It's really disappointing that after all of these years, they can't get this part right. I think the material is just too thin to survive being stretched out in certain spots over and over again. Seems like on the 212, it's always right in the spot where the seat bottom stretches the most into the seat cushion and seat pan frame. Here on the 167, it's the side bolsters that get the brunt of being mashed down.
I will say though, since having our driver's side replaced about a year ago, it hasn't happened again (knock on wood), and that bolster (exit bolster) is getting a ton of wear. But it hasn't split.
Any case, MB won't fix them now with the same material, and they don't have the new stuff ready to go yet apparently.
I will say though, since having our driver's side replaced about a year ago, it hasn't happened again (knock on wood), and that bolster (exit bolster) is getting a ton of wear. But it hasn't split.
Any case, MB won't fix them now with the same material, and they don't have the new stuff ready to go yet apparently.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 766
2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
Wanted to bring this one back to see if anyone that has the issue, has seen a resolution yet? Last I heard, they were going to redesign the seat cover in general, which is why the denied fixing my passenger side last year (basically, MB said to wait for the new cushion cover design instead). But, I've not heard anything.... Anyone else?
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
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
2021 GLS X167, 1987 560 SL R107, 2000 ML430
mine split - they repaired under warranty
My driver seat was cracking (black mbtex) and i pointed it out to them - they replaced but had to leave the car there for a couple of days. Nothing compared to the 48v and 12v / electrical problems though.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
GLS 450
My driver seat was cracking too (black MBTex) and they were supposed to have replaced it during this recent 48V battery issue visit. Service advisor said they see the issue more than they want to. MBTex used to be great and I'm really easy on upholstery, but at 12,000 miles it was cracking. Sounds like the_x167blues and I have very similar issues with our x167's.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 766
2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
Konig is going to see if there is an update communication out from MB soon to update the one that basically acknowledged the issue and advised dealers to wait for a revised seat cover to perform the repair. My wife pointed out that our driver’s side is splitting again too, and that one was replaced once before….
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 766
2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
I swear, as much as I like Mercedes, they sure can make a case for Lexus with stupid crap like this. $80k+ for a vehicle and the seats covers basically disintegrate. Not since the early 1980’s Mazdas have I ever seen this before. And what just infuriates me is that this isn’t a new problem! Splitting MBTex has been around for at least the last decade if not longer!
For crying out loud Mercedes, who do you need to fire to get this fixed??? I mean *****, this isn’t even entry level VW issues here! And do not blame the user for them either. Its not like these folks are getting in with tool belts on and driving out of the jungle in their GLS! These things are basically oversized suburban station wagons, with folks in nice clothing driving them.
Sorry. Rant over. Easy mistakes that get turned into a pain to deal with, just drives me nuts.
PS: did anyone in engineering actually try to stop one of these things like a normal human? Perhaps they could’ve said “hey, its lumpy, grabs 2nd gear too soon”..
For crying out loud Mercedes, who do you need to fire to get this fixed??? I mean *****, this isn’t even entry level VW issues here! And do not blame the user for them either. Its not like these folks are getting in with tool belts on and driving out of the jungle in their GLS! These things are basically oversized suburban station wagons, with folks in nice clothing driving them.
Sorry. Rant over. Easy mistakes that get turned into a pain to deal with, just drives me nuts.
PS: did anyone in engineering actually try to stop one of these things like a normal human? Perhaps they could’ve said “hey, its lumpy, grabs 2nd gear too soon”..
Last edited by nc211; Jan 31, 2023 at 11:01 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 766
2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 11
From: Bedford, MA
2013 S350, 2021 GLS450, 2003 SLK32
At the dealer with my 2021 30k miles to replace my fuel door which doesn’t open 90% of the time. Pointed out my splitting MBTex driver's seat and they are going to replace BOTH the Driver and Passenger seat covers. Very happy to have the dealer taking care of this.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 766
2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
Please report if they were able to get the passenger side seat cover.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 7
Likes: 3
2024 GLE 53 AMG;2021 GLS-580
MB Tex Splits
I had the same issue with my 2011 ML 350 Blue Tech. They replaced the seat and it happened again. Still under warranty but said "NO".
I'm not a believer in MB Tex. As someone else said "Not Ready for Prime Time".
I'm not a believer in MB Tex. As someone else said "Not Ready for Prime Time".
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
MB-Tex is good. MB via their suppliers and their internal control processes just can’t make it consistently, the archetypal characteristic of a low quality manufacturer.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 766
2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
Curious if Snowcub was able to get the passenger side replaced via his post above? Or added to the infinite waiting list?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,062
Likes: 4,565
From: Maryland
2024 S580
Ergo...its not good. You don't hear about this happening with leather, but this has plagued MB for 15 years with MB Tex. The solution is to just get leather.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 766
2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
Well my my my…the new passenger seat cover has apparently arrived for our GLS. So
hopefully they will start to flow out to the dealerships now for those of us with split seats….
hopefully they will start to flow out to the dealerships now for those of us with split seats….
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 11
From: Bedford, MA
2013 S350, 2021 GLS450, 2003 SLK32
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 766
2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
honestly though, MB needs to focus on fixing these kinds of problems. This is a SIMPLE fix that his highly visible. For me, having dealt with split MBTex in two MB’s 7 years apart in age, it was the final straw and walked away from the brand. I was very very close to a new GLC to replace my E, but decided for that kind of money, it needed to offer me something unique and needed to be easy to fix and reasonable to maintain with a much larger dealership network. First time ever, I’m a Ford owner, only second American car in 34 years..
