mellow sparky

Hello ... new member here...


Just looking to finalize our ML order ... wifey is bent on the multi-contour seats (the massage function seems to be the selling factor)...


Questions ... is the massage function accessed via some buttons on the seat like other MB cars, or do you have to go into the COMMAND interface? For those that have this feature ... thumbs up or thumbs down? is the massage feature decent on long drives (for someone with a bad back)?


Thanks

clk200

I have a bad back and it is useful on long journeys. I regularly use it. It is accessed via command only (there is a button that opens up the seat adjustment menu so that you do not have to go through the menus), but there is also the possibility to assign the massage start function to the "favorite" key. I have assigned mine to that and it is simply a matter of pressing a button to start the massage.

Well worth it.

ChrisMclass

clk200 is right, the function is deep in the command system. The seat button on the center near the command wheel is where you can access the menu directly. I have those as well in my ML, its a neat function but I find it would only be of good use on a trip. I'm wondering how expensive it will be to fix when our MB's are out of warranty?... We plan on keeping ours for a long time so that has been a worry. Overall at this point I would give it a thumbs up!

Terminator2029

On a slightly unrelated topic - I found it increasingly difficult to get in and out of the car with a combination of multi-contour seats and running boards. A few MB forum users warned about this but I didn’t listen.

ChrisMclass, you do seem to have the above combination. What is your opinion?

ChrisMclass

Yeah it is difficult for me to get in. My foot doesn't fit very well on the running board (I can only get my heel onto it) and getting out I have almost slipped off the board because of the angle my body is at while stepping out over the bolster. That is one part I would be glad to trade. The thigh bolster sits very high on the outside edge of the driver and passenger seats. Don't get me wrong when you are sitting in the seat it hugs you just right but it is hard for me to get in and out.
There is a lot of denim transfer going on which I had originally worried about having the designo porcelain interior. I'm 5'11'' at 220lbs so getting into most vehicles isnt easy but the ML is especially hard. My wife isn't complaining about it but I see her struggle getting over the bolster.

Look across the car at the passenger side in the first pic and you can see how high it sits.



Look over to the drivers side on this one.



And the seat backs... they are comfortable just hard to get into... for me at least.

Terminator2029

Exactly the same experience here. Once you get in, you don't want to leave because of this "hug" thingy.

ChrisMclass

Let me clarify my statement about the running boards. I can fit my foot on it but just the front portion while getting in. When exiting the vehicle my heel barely touches it, again because of the way I have to lift my leg over the bolster, it is too elevated to properly use the board to exit. Most times I do a "hop" maneuver to get out without using the running board and without smashing the bolster.

Nanook

It is certainly my biggest peeve with the ML..although I never use the running board to enter/egress it does take a certain "contort / hop / prop and drop " to get in and butt drag to get out...only a matter of time before the outside drivers seat bolster shows extreme wear...there's just no avoiding it...but the seat fit is nice although at times one feels somewhat overly constrained.. and to the op..no massage here so no imput

Terminator2029

You lowered Frank - did it make ingress and egress any easier?

Nanook

Yes it sure does..

DUTCH

I'm 6'4" and 260 lbs. Am I going to have trouble with these seats?

Phil.mount

I had the ortho seats in my 06 ML and did not order them or running boards on our custom ordered BT. Much easier to get in and out, just don't see the use for the running boards, seemed to always get pant leg dirty. The seats were nice but happy with the standard seats in the '14.

All personal choice but I would try that combo and make sure.

DUTCH

I have the seats on order, but not the boards.

Nanook

Dutch..If you are of that stature you certainly may find these seats uncomfortable..these seats bases and backs are very narrow between the bolsters

ChrisMclass

Dutch I agree with Nanook, you may have an issue with the seats. I'm a muscular 220 and my lats feel squeezed even with sides adjusted all the way out. But I can live with it as it's not a vehicle for long trips for us, that's what our Acadia is for.

DUTCH

Thanks for the heads ups on the bolsters and my body. I had a Porsche Cayenne with sport seats and had to sell it at a loss after owning it for three months because of the tight fit.

I will go back to the dealer later this week and check out the comfort fit on one they have in stock. I still have time to modify my build.

Thanks again!

Phil.mount

Without the boards probably be ok, on the 06 I could adjust the upper side bolsters a bit, same with bottom, but they did still stand up more than regular seats.

Nanook

Good plan...I really doubt you'd be happy with these seats

DUTCH

It's the long distance drive comfort that has me concerned. Planning a 10,000 mile trip from Atlanta to Alaska and back this summer; and that's too long damned of a drive for uncomfortable seats.

Nanook

These seats are designed more to hold one in place in spirited driving situations more so than distance driving comfort

DUTCH

Actually, MB emphasizes comfort on long journeys with these seats. See here:

http://techcenter.mercedes-benz.com/...at/detail.html

Nanook

I may be out to lunch here...this is the seat I thought was the matter of discussion...as I have and if so my apologies...BTW it doesn't claim available in the ML does it ?

Terminator2029

We are "debating" about the option called "Driver/Passenger Multi-Contour Seats with Massage" (code 399). I believe that's what you have as well, Nanook.

To be honest, it is all so individual. The best advice would be to try out all available combinations at a good dealership that keeps a healthy inventory to choose from.

I have chosen my spec (399 + running board) against the above advice, based on "the best or nothing" guidelines. I wish I tried all combinations (with and without multi-contour seats, with and without running boards). I will never complain though as this inconvenience is fully compensated at the very first second you start the motor and touch the AMG steering wheel.

Nanook

Well that's what I thought until Dutch introduced this
http://techcenter.mercedes-benz.com/...at/detail.html

BTW I don't have message...do your seat bottoms extend forward...that would be a nice touch...also..you get that tune in yet ?

I had an issue with my seat bottom..with a clip that irritated my posterior...after two visits to the dealer and surgery the invasive parts were extracted and all is good now. The seats are nice when you're in them but getting in and extrication is the issue..and those pesky running boards are a biatch...I highly recommend lowering..although it's only 1.5"-2" it really eases both..

Terminator2029

No, it does not extend forward. Mine is pretty much the same topology and structure, with a value-added massage function which you will never see until you press the right buttons.