GLS 450 Driver Seat disassembly
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2026
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GLS 450 Driver Seat disassembly
Hello,
I just purchased my first Mercedes, a 2022 GLS 450. I love the car, but have an odd issue. The driver headrest is powered, but for some reason it has a push button release on the headrest at the base that prevents me from lowering it using the door control unless I am holding the release. I took it to the dealer, who are the only ones who have ever worked on this vehicle, and they said it is the incorrect part. They claim it must have been added by an outside shop. $520 to replace with the correct one. I found a set online for $20 and will install myself. I removed the 2 screws at the base of the seat shell, but I don't want to break anything and it doesn't want budge any direction.
What is the removal procedure? I feel like I could easily replace the guide if I could just open the seat up.
Thanks in advance for your help!
I just purchased my first Mercedes, a 2022 GLS 450. I love the car, but have an odd issue. The driver headrest is powered, but for some reason it has a push button release on the headrest at the base that prevents me from lowering it using the door control unless I am holding the release. I took it to the dealer, who are the only ones who have ever worked on this vehicle, and they said it is the incorrect part. They claim it must have been added by an outside shop. $520 to replace with the correct one. I found a set online for $20 and will install myself. I removed the 2 screws at the base of the seat shell, but I don't want to break anything and it doesn't want budge any direction.
What is the removal procedure? I feel like I could easily replace the guide if I could just open the seat up.
Thanks in advance for your help!
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Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 310
'23 GLS450
Hello,
I just purchased my first Mercedes, a 2022 GLS 450. I love the car, but have an odd issue. The driver headrest is powered, but for some reason it has a push button release on the headrest at the base that prevents me from lowering it using the door control unless I am holding the release. I took it to the dealer, who are the only ones who have ever worked on this vehicle, and they said it is the incorrect part. They claim it must have been added by an outside shop. $520 to replace with the correct one. I found a set online for $20 and will install myself. I removed the 2 screws at the base of the seat shell, but I don't want to break anything and it doesn't want budge any direction.
What is the removal procedure? I feel like I could easily replace the guide if I could just open the seat up.
Thanks in advance for your help!
I just purchased my first Mercedes, a 2022 GLS 450. I love the car, but have an odd issue. The driver headrest is powered, but for some reason it has a push button release on the headrest at the base that prevents me from lowering it using the door control unless I am holding the release. I took it to the dealer, who are the only ones who have ever worked on this vehicle, and they said it is the incorrect part. They claim it must have been added by an outside shop. $520 to replace with the correct one. I found a set online for $20 and will install myself. I removed the 2 screws at the base of the seat shell, but I don't want to break anything and it doesn't want budge any direction.
What is the removal procedure? I feel like I could easily replace the guide if I could just open the seat up.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 5
Likes: 6
It’s still under warranty, but they claim it wasn’t their error! I also have a brown cover plate in the black rear armrest (also repaired in the past by them) and they claim it isn’t covered either. I don’t know how I could argue with them?
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'23 GLS450
You have all the paperwork that shows all service by them. It might be time to hire a lawyer…
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 5
Likes: 6
Anything here would help. Are there any legitimate downloadable service and repair manuals online that would have an explanation for removing the shell?
I just don’t want to break anything. These are built much stronger than my Ford vehicles and the panels don’t pop out like I hoped they would.
I just don’t want to break anything. These are built much stronger than my Ford vehicles and the panels don’t pop out like I hoped they would.
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Joined: Jun 2021
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From: Fleriduh
W212 E63S Wagon - GSL580 - E63 - E350 - C300
You can access it from behind. You remove two screws at the lower porting of the rear cover...the cover slides UP to take it off. Your mechanicals are right there.
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Thread Starter
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update: To remove the headrest I put 2 pieces of packing tape on the indentations of the shaft to allow it to move past the retaining clips. I then unclipped the leather retainers at the top and squeezed the retaining clips to remove the guide. New one slid right in and the headrest works perfect!
Thanks again for the help!
Last edited by CraigJam; Feb 24, 2026 at 11:50 AM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 310
'23 GLS450
I did it!!! Thank you. It slides up a tiny bit to loosen the middle, then slides down to remove.
update: To remove the headrest I put 2 pieces of packing tape on the indentations of the shaft to allow it to move past the retaining clips. I then unclipped the leather retainers at the top and squeezed the retaining clips to remove the guide. New one slid right in and the headrest works perfect!
Thanks again for the help!
update: To remove the headrest I put 2 pieces of packing tape on the indentations of the shaft to allow it to move past the retaining clips. I then unclipped the leather retainers at the top and squeezed the retaining clips to remove the guide. New one slid right in and the headrest works perfect!
Thanks again for the help!
