Hey all. Yesterday the rear passenger side seat on my 2004 ML350 W163 got stuck in the dreaded down position on the floor of the car. When I fished around underneath I found the cable completely snapped off (how? I couldn’t tell you) and therefore useless.

I would like to remove the cushion to see if I can access the release mechanism from the top of the seat. Is that even possible? And if so, does anyone have a manual or breakdown on how to do this?

FYI, there is almost no space between the floor of the car and the seat so I can’t access from underneath as some have suggested for this issue on other threads.

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Find the broken end of the cable that goes to tilt lever and lock it tightly with Vise Grip Pliers and pull on the cable.

thanks for answer. Unfortunately I don’t quite understand. Pull which way? How do I find it when I can’t access anything under the seat? Etc.

I will say that the plastic piece that holds the cable snapped off on the INSIDE or LEFT of the seat. The cable itself is intact and connected to the outside lever.

Managed to pull the cushion halfway off but was met solid metal of the frame and no way to see or access anything under it. I tried to feel around for the release mechanism in the left side but got nowhere.

any other thoughts/info would be appreciated. I know some people have dealt with similar on here. Thanks!

Is the seat folded down? Post a photo of it.