SL/R230: Seat tubing diagram
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 64
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From: Dominican Republic
R230 SL500
Seat tubing diagram
I've been changing the colour of my interior. I'm having huge success with Seat Doctors leather and vinyl dye. I'm very excited how this interior will eventually look.
However, when I disassembled the seats and took off the back panel, I noticed a load of deteriorated yellow, red and blue plastic tubing and white connectors lying at the bottom of the cushion. I guess that explains why none of the massage or lumbar functions worked.
Is there a diagram available to guide me how to replace the tubes?
However, when I disassembled the seats and took off the back panel, I noticed a load of deteriorated yellow, red and blue plastic tubing and white connectors lying at the bottom of the cushion. I guess that explains why none of the massage or lumbar functions worked.
Is there a diagram available to guide me how to replace the tubes?
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
Wow, that is a LOT of work. I think it will look great when you are done, but way more time than I would spend on it.
Those lines should connect to a control module which sounds like might be missing. Odds are very high that you also have bad bladders. I replaced bladders on one about 3 years ago for a little over $500, but I think that is now the per seat price.
Those lines should connect to a control module which sounds like might be missing. Odds are very high that you also have bad bladders. I replaced bladders on one about 3 years ago for a little over $500, but I think that is now the per seat price.
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Maybe the slow site nemigaparts.com is of some help. Check chapter 91 then 65.
It is a limited take of EPC, via internet pages.
It is a limited take of EPC, via internet pages.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 64
Likes: 17
From: Dominican Republic
R230 SL500
Wow, that is a LOT of work. I think it will look great when you are done, but way more time than I would spend on it.
Those lines should connect to a control module which sounds like might be missing. Odds are very high that you also have bad bladders. I replaced bladders on one about 3 years ago for a little over $500, but I think that is now the per seat price.
Those lines should connect to a control module which sounds like might be missing. Odds are very high that you also have bad bladders. I replaced bladders on one about 3 years ago for a little over $500, but I think that is now the per seat price.
I decided to change that tired beige/brown interior to a more modern Black and Tan. I think it will look great once it's done. I'm really impressed with Seat Doctor's products. I'm using a small airbrush and mini compressor to apply it. The results are amazing.
I'm the kind of person who is very particular with their cars. If it has a function, it should either work or be upgraded. Hence my query about the seats. I reckon it just needs these tubes replaced as they have totally disintegrated due to the warm and humid climate here. It seems to play havoc with certain plastics over time. I have some garden irrigation hose that fits perfectly over the barbs from the valve block. I just need to know where they go. If someone has any photos of the back of the seats with the cover removed, please share.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 64
Likes: 17
From: Dominican Republic
R230 SL500
That's a great resource thank you. Although it doesn't clearly show the air tube plumbing, It gives me a rough idea. Some photos would definitely help.
Last edited by Beeza; Oct 20, 2024 at 01:21 AM.
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R230 SL500
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 365
From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
If your lines are that bad, there is almost no chance that your bladders are still good. Before investing any time in replacing lines, I would test each bladder. A replacement main bladder assembly will come with new lines. Just look up a multicontour seat bladder on ebay and you will find some good pictures.
