Seat Cushion Replacement
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ML350
Seat Cushion Replacement
I am attempting to replace the bottom driver's side seat cushion on my 2012 ML350. I found an older post where the person states that you just need to remove the two torx screws located under the front of the seat but this is not the case. I removed the torx screws as indicated but the side panel containing the lumbar switch is attached to the cushion and the frame. It looks like there is at least once screw attaching the panel to the frame but it is hidden by a trim piece. I tried to find a post showing how to remove that trim piece but no luck. If anyone has instructions on how to remove the trim piece and anything else I might encounter besides the electrical plugs I would appreciate the advice.
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From: Toronto, ON
ML 350 Bluetec
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From: Henrico, Virginia
2014 ML350 4Matic
Plutoe is referring to the Mercedes Workshop Information System. It is the factory online repair manual. It is available as a subscription service at www.startekinfo.com. It isn't cheap. I usually subscribe for 1 day and print out all the jobs I anticipate doing.
He does have a point though. I don't know who claims the job the OP wants to do can be done in the car, but they certainly have never done that job before. I have done several and the seat must come out, period. Even then it can be difficult, depending on the model.
He does have a point though. I don't know who claims the job the OP wants to do can be done in the car, but they certainly have never done that job before. I have done several and the seat must come out, period. Even then it can be difficult, depending on the model.
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ML350
I have restored numerous cars as a hobby including rebuilding entire seats so not a novice here. I just need to know how to remove the plastic trim on the side of the driver's seat then I can take it from there. As stated above, I found instructions on this site on how to remove the cushion but it was for a prior version of the ML and only mentioned the two torx bolts and electrical clips. I removed the torx bolts but the cushion is also attached to the side trim. Not sure how to get the cover to that trim off without breaking something. If someone has done this before, I would appreciate the instructions. Thanks
Last edited by Joema1; Nov 12, 2019 at 11:28 AM.
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ML350
Thank you! It worked out great. BTW, a prior poster claimed the seat must come out. This is not the case for this model (ML350 W166). Once the two front torx bolts come out (easy to get to from under the front of the seat) and the plastic trim removed from the outer side of the seat, the cushion easily slides out. Just undo the plug to the seat heater once sliding the cushion forward. The hardest part was replacing the hog rings. Just be careful not to damage the seat heater wires when putting in the hog rings.
Last edited by Joema1; Dec 1, 2019 at 09:15 PM.
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13 GL350, 14 SL550
I did it with a long pair of needle nose pliers. Put piers inside hog ring and open the handles (spread the tips) to separate the hong rings. Use the pliers to squeeze them shut again.
I have replaced 3 covers over the past 20 years and haven’t bought a pair of hog ring pliers. I’m sure it makes the job easier, but I did the drivers seat cover in my W166 GL (including removing and reinstalling the cushion in the car) in approx 45 mins.
Not a hard job, just take your time. Don’t puncture the heating wires in the seat when you’re removing/reinstalling the clips.. just be careful and you’ll be fine.
Hardest part is getting the new cover back on. There are a few plastic clips and some wrestling with the cover to get it on. Best way is to turn the cover inside out then install it. Put the seat part on then wrap the sides down over the seat cushion. You should be removing the old one same way (pull each side up and it comes off basically inside out.
I have replaced 3 covers over the past 20 years and haven’t bought a pair of hog ring pliers. I’m sure it makes the job easier, but I did the drivers seat cover in my W166 GL (including removing and reinstalling the cushion in the car) in approx 45 mins.
Not a hard job, just take your time. Don’t puncture the heating wires in the seat when you’re removing/reinstalling the clips.. just be careful and you’ll be fine.
Hardest part is getting the new cover back on. There are a few plastic clips and some wrestling with the cover to get it on. Best way is to turn the cover inside out then install it. Put the seat part on then wrap the sides down over the seat cushion. You should be removing the old one same way (pull each side up and it comes off basically inside out.
