Lumbar Problems
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 46
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From: Fairfield County, CT
2005 SL500; 2008 S550
Lumbar Problems
I just picked up a new S550 and it works great aside from one minor problem. The driver's side lumbar (driver's side only; passenger side works fine) does not retain its memory overnight. I set it at "4" and the next morning, it is "3" or "2". Any ideas? Obviously, I need to get it corrected when I take it in for service but wanted to know if anyone had any thoughts. Thanks.
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2007 S600
I just picked up a new S550 and it works great aside from one minor problem. The driver's side lumbar (driver's side only; passenger side works fine) does not retain its memory overnight. I set it at "4" and the next morning, it is "3" or "2". Any ideas? Obviously, I need to get it corrected when I take it in for service but wanted to know if anyone had any thoughts. Thanks.
The only thing that comes to mind is whether or not you are using the same key in your ignition/pocket. It could be that the key you have is preset to put the lumbar into that position from a memory standpoint (driver's preference feature of most current cars are like this). My wife's key hardly ever enters my car as she never drives it so that is never an issue with me.
Check to make sure you are using the same keyfob everytime you get in and out of your vehicle. Once that is established, try resetting everything and then try and see if it holds up.
Besides that , it sounds like something that the dealer will have to look into.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: CA
2010 CL65
My guess is it's normal....
I tend to program my seats w/bolsters fully inflated....but only realized a few CLs ago (w/CL550) that memory only applies to various positioning elements....i.e., ?air-inflated bolsters lose their full inflation slowly over period of 2-3days....not sure why but that's phenom I observed....(and it's a similar issue w/Porsche sport seats as well)....
So, upon deliv of a new car, I program my seats/mirrors/steering as I prefer; set all the memory settings to my specs....and part of my start-up routine every time is that I press the memory button....esp if car has been sitting overnt, can hear the bolsters reinflating to full spec....
I suspect this approach (though annoying to add a step to one's start-up sequence) will solve the issue.....am a fanatic re: seats/steering/ergonomics, so I bumbled into solving this weakness in the memory settings....IIRC, the ?1000pg owner's manual doesn't explain it....
I tend to program my seats w/bolsters fully inflated....but only realized a few CLs ago (w/CL550) that memory only applies to various positioning elements....i.e., ?air-inflated bolsters lose their full inflation slowly over period of 2-3days....not sure why but that's phenom I observed....(and it's a similar issue w/Porsche sport seats as well)....
So, upon deliv of a new car, I program my seats/mirrors/steering as I prefer; set all the memory settings to my specs....and part of my start-up routine every time is that I press the memory button....esp if car has been sitting overnt, can hear the bolsters reinflating to full spec....
I suspect this approach (though annoying to add a step to one's start-up sequence) will solve the issue.....am a fanatic re: seats/steering/ergonomics, so I bumbled into solving this weakness in the memory settings....IIRC, the ?1000pg owner's manual doesn't explain it....
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
I understand the air bolster can leak (or the valves can lead) but in this case the issue seemed to be different. Globetrotter claims he did set level "4" while later on the setting appeared to be "3" or "2". I interpret that the actual reading at the COMAND menu was changed overnight. If so, that sounds strange, perhaps I should try my car as I never use the extreme settings.
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 281
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From: New Jersey (Metro)
S550 / S430 / E320
I just picked up a new S550 and it works great aside from one minor problem. The driver's side lumbar (driver's side only; passenger side works fine) does not retain its memory overnight. I set it at "4" and the next morning, it is "3" or "2". Any ideas? Obviously, I need to get it corrected when I take it in for service but wanted to know if anyone had any thoughts. Thanks.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Huntington NY
S560
Sorry to review an old thread, but I have the exact same thing. My lumbar loses one or so settings per day until it hits 0. If I set it at 3 the next day it is at 2 and within 2-3 days it will be at 0. I am assuming it is some form of a leak, or maybe software that automatically deflates it to protect the bags/seals or something. Any thoughts?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: San Jose
CL65 AMG , white S550 Sport w/ white Giovanna 22s, wild custom chopper
Interestingly enough, my lumber settings do not work at all on either of the sides. I guess I need to take it in for this at some point. Changing the settings on Command makes no difference on the seat. Anyone ran into this before?
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'71 Pinto
Fault codes need to be retrieved with SDS whether caused by electronic malfunction or leakage if within VIN range A106647 to A134746 mention bulletin LI91.25-P-046797.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Fairfield County, CT
2005 SL500; 2008 S550
Sorry to review an old thread, but I have the exact same thing. My lumbar loses one or so settings per day until it hits 0. If I set it at 3 the next day it is at 2 and within 2-3 days it will be at 0. I am assuming it is some form of a leak, or maybe software that automatically deflates it to protect the bags/seals or something. Any thoughts?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,936
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From: Huntington NY
S560
Konigstiger- as always you are the man! (I am not going to the dealer with this one yet- I'll wait until I need something else) BTW- they finally fixed my infurriating "don't forget key" chime (on the FOURTH visit)...
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 365
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From: San Jose
CL65 AMG , white S550 Sport w/ white Giovanna 22s, wild custom chopper
hrm, my VIN isn't in that range, i'll have it looked at next time i'm in service and post back the problem details
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From: CT
Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, Tesla
An easy "fix" would be to set the amount of lumbar you'd like, press M and your seating memory number and it'll store the lumbar setting as well. That way when it's deflated, one quick press will inflate it back up to how you like it without having to scroll through COMAND.
EDIT: Just saw now that WSH already posted about this.
EDIT: Just saw now that WSH already posted about this.
Last edited by QuadBenz; Mar 11, 2010 at 09:37 PM.
