norcalcasey

I am in the market for an r107. I am 6'4" and went to check out an '82 380SL today to see if I would fit, and it wasn't really even close. My head was smashed into the hardtop.

However, now that I've done a bit of research, it appears that the seat has a high adjuster? I had the slider to the rearmost position, the crank for the back support against the frame where the seatbelt comes out of, and I saw the lever on the left-hand side but it didn't do anything. Is that the heigh adjuster? Assuming its all seized up, how can I make it work?

Additionally, if there are any other tall guys who have any other seat/rail modification techniques I could try, I would appreciate any insight.

Thanks!

AlterSchinken

See attached from owner's manual. Late 1985 380s and all 560s have an improved and easier to use height adjuster. I am also 6'4" and my problem is legroom to the accelerator pedal. I have to left foot brake since I can't raise my foot to move over to the brake without hitting the steering wheel with my leg.

The R107 is not the best car for very tall drivers.

AlterSchinken

More info on alternative seats:
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/al.../#post-4973858

steve sl550

THANKS

This link works.

Perfect

norcalcasey

Thanks for the replies.

You mentioned an improved seat height adjuster in '85. Does this mean that the '82 I linked doesn't have one, or that it does have one but its just harder to operate?

Yes, the steering wheel was huge and tough to get my legs under, but I'll get a smaller wheel if necessary. I would say that 95% of the time I drive this I will have the top down, but of course I need to be able to see through the windshield not over it

AlterSchinken

The 82 should have the height adjuster as described in the owner's manual. You need to get down on the floor to access the adjuster knobs in the back of the seat rail. The later cars have a lever on the left front of the seat that adjusts the height of the rear of the seat by a ratchet mechanism, it is done while sitting in the seat.

BTW, you are aware of the single row timing chain issues with early 380s?

norcalcasey

Thanks for the reply. Regarding the timing chain, to be honest I am not interested in this particular car, I just wanted to know if I can fit before I started my search, and this one is local.

R107Schrauber

On the later models, the seat can be adjusted via a spring mechanism on the left lever (exit side). The mechanism is quite simple and can be easily checked when the driver's seat is removed.
It is nicely shown here in the video.