SL/R231: Lumbar support not working
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2015
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Lumbar support not working
I just noticed that the lumbar support does not work in either seat. Can anyone comment on the likely reason? I will make an appointment with my local dealer and I am still on my CPO warranty extension. Would it be covered?
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
I have had my 2019 in twice for some routine service this last year and both times told the service manager that the lumbar adjustment on both seats did not work. Both times when I picked the SL up the work order said that the lumbar had been fixed but getting into the car they did not work at all.
The second time I pulled a Manager over and asked him to sit in the seat and he agreed they were not working. Even told me the next time I bring it in they would fix it. I have no idea why they told me twice this was fixed but nothing had been done. I have had two other SL’s and on them you could really feel the lumbar moving up and down when adjusted. If you find a fix please report back in and let me know. I was really disappointed with the service because this dealership has been stellar in the past.
The second time I pulled a Manager over and asked him to sit in the seat and he agreed they were not working. Even told me the next time I bring it in they would fix it. I have no idea why they told me twice this was fixed but nothing had been done. I have had two other SL’s and on them you could really feel the lumbar moving up and down when adjusted. If you find a fix please report back in and let me know. I was really disappointed with the service because this dealership has been stellar in the past.
Last edited by Utopia Texas; Oct 4, 2020 at 11:13 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Will do, Utopia. So far my local dealership has been great. I didn't buy my SL from them but they have fixed several issues under my CPO warranty. New engine and transmission mounts and fixed the Air Scarf.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 349
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From: Massachusetts
1986 560SL, 2017 E300, 2018 Sl550, 2020 E350
Hi Randall,
Curious why the car needed transmission and engine mounts replaced on a 5 yr old car.
How many miles, what did you notice was wrong and what did dealer say?
Is this normal and we all should be alert to replace while under warranty ?
Pls advise.
Thanks
Curious why the car needed transmission and engine mounts replaced on a 5 yr old car.
How many miles, what did you notice was wrong and what did dealer say?
Is this normal and we all should be alert to replace while under warranty ?
Pls advise.
Thanks
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Vibration when idling in gear. Car was leased and spent 3 years in Florida. Other forum members commented that OEM mounts do fail early. Fortunately my CPO warranty covered their replacement. Car had 23k miles when mounts were replaced.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 349
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From: Massachusetts
1986 560SL, 2017 E300, 2018 Sl550, 2020 E350
Randall,
Few more questions:
Re "vibration"...happen suddenly or getting worse over time?
Re "lumbar issue"...is the issue that you can not adjust the lumbar up and down and if so what about the side bolster adjust....does that still work ?
Few more questions:
Re "vibration"...happen suddenly or getting worse over time?
Re "lumbar issue"...is the issue that you can not adjust the lumbar up and down and if so what about the side bolster adjust....does that still work ?
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From: Nothern Georgia, U.S.A.
'17 SL450, '25 Lyriq, '25 Sonata Hybrid, '96 Corvette GS coupe
The only completely reliable feature of the fluid-filled engine and transmissions mounts on these cars is that every one of them will fail...and they will do so well before you would expect them to. Check out LegitStreetCars on YouTube. He's a former M-B Master Tech in the Chicago area who buys used M-Bs and addresses their mechanical issues. I haven't seen him do one yet that didn't need at least one new mount...and usually all three.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
The only completely reliable feature of the fluid-filled engine and transmissions mounts on these cars is that every one of them will fail...and they will do so well before you would expect them to. Check out LegitStreetCars on YouTube. He's a former M-B Master Tech in the Chicago area who buys used M-Bs and addresses their mechanical issues. I haven't seen him do one yet that didn't need at least one new mount...and usually all three.
Perhaps it's all about Service Revenue for the MB Dealers as much as anything...
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Maybe the broke the the lumbar support while fixing the air scarf. I had techs mess up the seat while fixing the air scarf or massage (don't remember). Could be a cable, the air pump or the bladder. Either way, easy fix but make sure that the seat is put together correctly (no wrinkles or scratches, marks, etc.) and that everything works.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 349
Likes: 56
From: Massachusetts
1986 560SL, 2017 E300, 2018 Sl550, 2020 E350
My lumbar not working either SEAT.
Massage and bolsters OK...JUST LUMBAR.
Anyone have idea why just lumbar not working if the other functions OK?
Command control shows/ acts correctly but, no up/down motion.
I'll make appointment at dealer w/in next few wks and if no one else has input I will advise what is found.
Massage and bolsters OK...JUST LUMBAR.
Anyone have idea why just lumbar not working if the other functions OK?
Command control shows/ acts correctly but, no up/down motion.
I'll make appointment at dealer w/in next few wks and if no one else has input I will advise what is found.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 349
Likes: 56
From: Massachusetts
1986 560SL, 2017 E300, 2018 Sl550, 2020 E350
OK for me it was operator error (my error).
When lumbar is pulled up and the appropriate seat selected first move the cursor up and down to where you want the bolster to actuate THEN need to move the cursor L for driver and RT for passenger until the desired expansion achieved and cursor up or down to move the adjustment to where it is wanted
If done like this works fine
When lumbar is pulled up and the appropriate seat selected first move the cursor up and down to where you want the bolster to actuate THEN need to move the cursor L for driver and RT for passenger until the desired expansion achieved and cursor up or down to move the adjustment to where it is wanted
If done like this works fine
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Hmmm? I need to check this when I get home. I may not be operating mine correctly. I would like to avoid a trip to my dealer. Thanks for the tip.
Checked the seats after returning from a week long road trip to Helen, GA in our X5. Well, it was "operator error", me being the operator. Both seats do work. This forum is great and saved me being embarrassed at the dealer.
Checked the seats after returning from a week long road trip to Helen, GA in our X5. Well, it was "operator error", me being the operator. Both seats do work. This forum is great and saved me being embarrassed at the dealer.
Last edited by rmorin49; Oct 24, 2020 at 08:52 AM.
