SL/R129: power seats
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: san diego
1990 300sl, 81 bmw 633, 86 alfa spider, 07 Corvette
power seats
I'm hoping someone can help me with my seat problem: the seat doesn't go forward or backward. the other seat functions work OK. I can hear the motor "grinding" but nothing happens. Any ideas?
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 94
Likes: 13
From: The boonies of Idaho
2002 Mercedes Benz SL500
Don't know enough about MB's yet, but if it's anything like my BMW 850, they use cables (like speedo cables) to run from the motor to a gearbox on each track. On my 850, the cables that run the seat base up/down (not the front only) were mfg. too short and over time the sheath would shrink pulling the cable out of the drive, causing it to get crooked on one side. This strain would then affect the fore/aft movement, eventually causing the fore/aft to break the gears in the fore/aft gearbox. The seat would twist, one side would move but the other wouldn't. Unless one of the more experienced guys jump in, that would be where I would start. Make sure all other functions work perfectly through their full travel, but be careful. If you get any strange sounds or movement, stop and go back. Don't force it. You will cause yourself more problems.
Good luck,
Mike
Good luck,
Mike
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 94
Likes: 13
From: The boonies of Idaho
2002 Mercedes Benz SL500
I had a feeling...
The worst part is, you'll have to take the seat out. If your going to do it yourself, the tough part is getting the seat moved enough to get at the bolts. Get ready for a butt-load of frustration. Once you get the bolts out, you'll need a friend, preferably strong as an ox to help you get the seat out without destroying the trim on the seat and the interior. It's really heavy. If you're alone, use a cherry picker. Raise it up and roll it out. Otherwise, your gonna pay the dealer a small fortune for this one.
Good luck,
Mike
The worst part is, you'll have to take the seat out. If your going to do it yourself, the tough part is getting the seat moved enough to get at the bolts. Get ready for a butt-load of frustration. Once you get the bolts out, you'll need a friend, preferably strong as an ox to help you get the seat out without destroying the trim on the seat and the interior. It's really heavy. If you're alone, use a cherry picker. Raise it up and roll it out. Otherwise, your gonna pay the dealer a small fortune for this one.
Good luck,
Mike
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Chula Vista, California
1992 400E, 1997 SL500, 2009 R350, 1998 SL500 (for sale)
It's rather easy to get at the seat mechanism that's giving you trouble. Instead of taking the whole seat out, remove the bottom cushion by removing two 10 mm. bolts that are easily accessed underneath the front of the seat, pulling the cushion up at the front and removing it by pulling it forward. This will give you access to the motors and gearing that control the fore and aft movement of the seat.
Last edited by Je Suis Moi; Dec 7, 2015 at 01:08 PM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 94
Likes: 13
From: The boonies of Idaho
2002 Mercedes Benz SL500
Je Suis Moi;
I'm really glad someone who knows these cars really well jumped in to help.
I've been down this road with my BMW 850. Too bad BMW didn't think about removing the cushion, instead of removing the whole seat.
Again, thanks for helping,
Mike
I'm really glad someone who knows these cars really well jumped in to help.
I've been down this road with my BMW 850. Too bad BMW didn't think about removing the cushion, instead of removing the whole seat.
Again, thanks for helping,
Mike
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Chula Vista, California
1992 400E, 1997 SL500, 2009 R350, 1998 SL500 (for sale)
PhoenixOp: You're welcome. I learned about the seats the hard way when I had to remove both the bottom and back cushions as well as both back covers just to replace the headrest adjustment mechanism on the passenger side. Although it was a major PITA and I learned a lot, I would not want to do it again.
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Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 79
Likes: 10
From: San Diego, CA or Sequim Washington USA
'95-E320 COUPE, 2000 SL500, 2002 ML320
San Diego
I've been using Lust Motors for my repairs, at El Cajon and Park Blvd. They've done a great job so far prices are not cheap but not the dealer level either.
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Chula Vista, California
1992 400E, 1997 SL500, 2009 R350, 1998 SL500 (for sale)
I do a lot of my own work, but when I don't, I go to South Bay Autohaus in Chula Vista. They are reasonable, knowledgeable and stand behind their work. They only work on Mercedes.
Last edited by Je Suis Moi; Dec 14, 2015 at 07:16 PM.
