SL/R129: SL600SA R129 Orthopedic Air Seats
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 56
Likes: 2
From: Sunapee, NH
1999 CLK430, 2002 SL600 Silver Arrow, 2024 GLS450, 1980 Rolls-Royce Corniche FHC
SL600SA R129 Orthopedic Air Seats
The inflation of the air bladders in the driver seat of my 2002 SL600 (Silver Arrow) has become intermittent. They generally inflate at start-up, but then will deflate after 30 seconds to a minute or if you attempt to adjust any of the controls - but sometimes they work just fine. One of the controls on the front lower cushion that control the air seat is "notchy" - does not smoothly go over the full range of motion and sometimes the seat emits a "squeal" as that control is adjusted. Does anyone have some suggestions where to look first for at the problem? BTW - I don't think the problem is with leaking bladders in the seats as sometimes the system works and they hold pressure fine. More likely a valve, switch, or pump issue? The passenger seat works fine, so if it makes sense to do parts swapping to find the issue, I'm OK with that.
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Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
SLS AMG, SL600 Silver Arrow, E500 LTD, 560SL, 450SEL 6.9
Hi, I just joined the forum so pardon any etiquette errors!
I live in London UK and also own a 2002 R129 SL600 Silver Arrow and I am experiencing issues with the orthopaedic seat adjustments too. I have had the system inspected and a smoke test was done which identified leaks from different locations in the vacuum system. The car is ex California and I am told the hot weather can affect the bladders and the hoses which become brittle with time. There was also evidence of mice having been under the seats!
The pump works ok but the vacuum lines, pressure valves and bladders for both the seat squabs and the backrests need to be replaced and they are NLA from Mercedes. Can anyone help with a source of good used parts or donor seats?
Many thanks in advance.
I live in London UK and also own a 2002 R129 SL600 Silver Arrow and I am experiencing issues with the orthopaedic seat adjustments too. I have had the system inspected and a smoke test was done which identified leaks from different locations in the vacuum system. The car is ex California and I am told the hot weather can affect the bladders and the hoses which become brittle with time. There was also evidence of mice having been under the seats!
The pump works ok but the vacuum lines, pressure valves and bladders for both the seat squabs and the backrests need to be replaced and they are NLA from Mercedes. Can anyone help with a source of good used parts or donor seats?
Many thanks in advance.
