ML 320 (163) back seat button lever stuck
 

Hi to all,
I'm new to this community, so I hope I do things right...
My problem:
I bought a ML320, but the backseat button that releases the seat is stuck. There's been put some sort of glue-ish stuff which blocks the button/lever.
Now I wanted to know how to take out the back cover to get access to the inside and see, work and clean from the inside.
Can anybody tell me or give links to files or videos that explain this, please?

Thank you in advance, Denadaen

Here are the instructions. I don't know what you mean by the glue-ish stuff, but be aware that removing it might render the lock not to work any longer.

You might also be interested in the procedure on how to remove the release cable.

Thanks...!
 

Thank you so much for your quick reply ! Been looking for ages for docs like these...
I'm gonna try right now to get to that shoulder release button/lever on the inside of the chair, see if I can fix it from there.
Thanks again Maj. Dundee !

Pics of the problem
 

Hereby I attach 2 pics of my problem.
On 1 pic you see the button which is missing or broken and the 'stuff' around it which blocks it from lifting up.
On the other pic you see the panel which I'd like to take out in order to (hopefully) accès the button part which is blocked...
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...9bf4970ff1.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...b71038b604.jpg

Didn't you ask for the instructions on how to remove the rear cover, which I have already supplied?

Using a vise grip pliers on the stub will be able move the seat.

Yes, I've tried today with the instructions you've given, but I still didn't get it. And the stub is too short to be reached, it's also too stuck (don't know if it shows enough on pic) to move it.
I think I'm gonna drill around the stub to free it from what it's emprisoned in.
Maybe I didn't get/understand the instructions all the way... 😒

Is this problem for the 40% seat or the 60% seat? Don't drill anything.

It's for the 60% seat.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...33d499620c.jpg
Is this what is broken? If not take a photo further away from seat.

Disregard this photo, it is the wrong vehicle. But still post photo.

Is #2 or #5 your handle in the PDF?

I can't open your attached file unfortunately.
But I attached a pic where you can see on the top left the place where the button/lever should be, but which is broken off.
On my earlier pic you can see it more in close-up.
I hope it's more clear....
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...a7013b56c9.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...ddcb5d7249.jpg
The PDF's open fine.

All this time I thought it was a side handle. In the future take better photos.

Before you do anything, contact the dealer nearest you and ask them if the part numbers in the diagram are still available.

Sorry about the bad pics... 😊
Thanks for the pdf with parts numbers !
Now I'm gonna have to figure out a way to reach that area... 😒

Call any dealer first and see if they still have these parts.

Yes, no worries, there's parts available here. That's for now not the problem, lol... 😂

That doesn't tell me anything. Did you call the dealer? Yes or no?

I bought the car from a car dealer who has used and new parts, so I can get it there. As well as a friend of mine who has an ML 320 which he will soon write off, so he told me I can take any parts from his car if I needed to.
Since it's week-end and Monday's a bank holiday here, my car dealer isn't open, so no, I didn't call him yet.

Just a piece of advice. If Jim, aka Maj. Dundee asks you a very, very specific question -- answer it with a very, very specific answer. Not, "the dealer has new and used parts." People like the Major contribute all of their expertise pro bono, and he knows a helluva lot about these trucks.

It's a 20+ year old automobile, so if he's asking you to check with a dealer if there is a SPECIFIC part # in stock, I would strongly suggest you do so, and verify that SPECIFIC part # is in stock or could be drop shipped. There is a reason behind everything the experts around here say/ask. Not trying to be a dick, but if you want help, albeit free help, then listen.

Allright, thanks for telling me and explaining this. I'm completely new to this forum and don't know all the ins and outs.
I'm very pleased and happy with all the advice that Maj. has given and it has helped me a lot.
I didn't know everything that you told me in your reply about Maj., but it is very much appreciated. And your not being a dick, you've just been very clear and I thank you too for your help.
Now I've got some good news too for you guys, I've fixed the problem (temporarily) so far. I went for my initial idea to clear up the schmuck that was blocking the lever. So with a small drill I've taken out the rubbish around it and the lever moves freely again. While I'm awaiting for a new knob to put on, I've made a system so that the seat can be put down meanwhile. I've put a pic attached for you guys to see the result.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...bcfec1764c.jpg
Now I do have another question, but I don't know if I have to open another thread though...
I'll ask it here for now: Above the inside mirror there's this console attached to the roof with a screen on it and buttons, but it doesn't work (see attached pic). Now does is this console supposed to work or is it an option for certain models only?
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...3ec2b91ee4.jpg

Thanks again, guys, I didn't mean to offend anybody, love your input !

You have another problem and you need to answer the question that was asked of you still

Yes.
So from what I understand from your answer is that this is another thread, right?
(I'm not very acquainted with forums as I said, excuse me for that, please)

What??

I meant, do I have to open another thread for my other problem?

Yes