SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: Rapid Clicking Noise from Passenger Seat Internals

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Old Oct 5, 2025 | 06:20 AM
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Danny_Labrador's Avatar
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SL350 (R230)
Rapid Clicking Noise from Passenger Seat Internals

I hope that somebody has come across this latest problem that I have.

The passenger seat emits a rapid clicking noise from the internals somewhere when a passenger is present and the belt is fastened - seat belt tensioner??

Any suggestions would be very welcome
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Old Nov 20, 2025 | 11:39 PM
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renncoder's Avatar
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From: Cedar Park, Texas
2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, 2004 SL55, 2012 Lexus IS250, 2021 Toyota Highlander
Did you ever figure out what your issue was? I'm having the same issue.
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Old Nov 21, 2025 | 08:22 AM
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Frederick NL's Avatar
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2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Seat belt related. In my case it was one of the gremlins originating from a faulty EIS. Other were wipers and NTG1.
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Old Nov 21, 2025 | 09:01 AM
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Thanks. How did you determine it was the EIS?
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Old Nov 21, 2025 | 11:30 AM
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2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Seemingly unrelated electric/electronic gremlins acting up, point at the EIS because it is the central 'supervisor' of your three SAM's, which control all sorts of gear.
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Old Nov 22, 2025 | 01:59 PM
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SL350 (R230)
No I didn't. The next day, I put the seat as far forward as I could and played around with all the cables and connectors under the seat (I didn't unplug any). I also had a good look at the seat belt fastening stalk that comes up on the RH side of the seat and must have some electrical connections.

It's never done it since.

Although with the SL I have learnt to be ready for anything !

My last emergency was some weeks ago when the roof operation stopped at the point where the catches at the front release - boot open ready.

I have a local guy with a Star diagnostic system, and he said it was more than likely the wiring loom behind the headliner on the LH side of the car (your driver's side).

To manually open the roof and take the liner out I need help, so one Saturday morning after I had carefully assembled new wires, soldering iron, various sleeving. I got my son to stand and wait whilst I got it to the position where it failed - "watch this" I said.

It opened perfectly and had done ever since - probably 40 operations.

Quite a car !!

I love the car - I have had more fun with it, especially in the summer, than any other car - but it certainly has character
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