Just bought an 86 420 SEL
05-18-2009, 04:35 PM
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2003 E55 AMG
Just bought an 86 420 SEL
Strange deal. Ran across the car on craigslist and turns out it was wife's grandfather's car. He bought it back in 1986 so, now it's back in the family, and here to stay (at least I'm told). Anyway, my car is an 03 E55, which, needless to say, performs slightly better, so this isn't my first MB. However, I do like the smooth ride this thing has. Few questions:
1) Anyone know where you can pick up a color-correct dash pad? Saw replacements available at FCP Groton but they were available in black only whereas the original is gray.
2) What is the deal with the front seats. It's like the car had been owned by a couple of elephants. Seems like the springs are completely collapsed. Amazingly, the leather is in almost perfect condition.
1) Anyone know where you can pick up a color-correct dash pad? Saw replacements available at FCP Groton but they were available in black only whereas the original is gray.
2) What is the deal with the front seats. It's like the car had been owned by a couple of elephants. Seems like the springs are completely collapsed. Amazingly, the leather is in almost perfect condition.
05-21-2009, 12:08 AM
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1) Don't know
2) Typical for the springs to break. You'll need to get new seat frames to fix. It is a do it yourself task, about 2 hours a seat, frames run 320 or so each. Or just get a shop to do it. There is a risk of ripping up the plastic if you don't take care of the seat belt thingy on the inside next to the transmission tunnel. If you go slow then you should have no problem. The foam on the underside of the upholstery breaks down also. I did not replace this. In hindsight that was a mistake as my seat is pretty hard now, but an upholstery shop should be able to fix it up for you.
Good luck and congrats on your historic find with a family connection.
2) Typical for the springs to break. You'll need to get new seat frames to fix. It is a do it yourself task, about 2 hours a seat, frames run 320 or so each. Or just get a shop to do it. There is a risk of ripping up the plastic if you don't take care of the seat belt thingy on the inside next to the transmission tunnel. If you go slow then you should have no problem. The foam on the underside of the upholstery breaks down also. I did not replace this. In hindsight that was a mistake as my seat is pretty hard now, but an upholstery shop should be able to fix it up for you.
Good luck and congrats on your historic find with a family connection.
05-21-2009, 10:42 AM
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1990 420SEL
1) No idea
2) From what I have read on other boards, it is a common problem. The consensus is the W126 seat was made by an upolsterer. It was actually constructed like an easy chair in your house. As noted by elolson, once the seat is fixed, you will once more get years of comfortable pleasure from it.
Good luck with your 420. I love mine and haven't ridden in much else that compares to it on the highway.
2) From what I have read on other boards, it is a common problem. The consensus is the W126 seat was made by an upolsterer. It was actually constructed like an easy chair in your house. As noted by elolson, once the seat is fixed, you will once more get years of comfortable pleasure from it.
Good luck with your 420. I love mine and haven't ridden in much else that compares to it on the highway.
06-18-2009, 09:00 PM
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2001 E320
Doing a search of 'Mercedes' I saw a listing for "DASH COVER MAT 03-09 MERCEDES E-CLASS W/O PARKTRONIC" and one for "DASH COVER MAT 03-09 MERCEDES E-CLASS WITH PARKTRONIC".
Not sure if they have what you need, but you might want to check them out...
