Tirreno

Has anybody installed (retrofitted) the Active Ventilated Seats option to their SL55? Any info on cost, DIY, etc. would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Tirreno

Benz-O-Rama

Dude, it's not worth it, no matter the cost. The ventilated seats in MBs are little more than a joke. They don't cool, and don't even blow air for that matter. My E500 and SL600 have them and don't cool you at all. They actually suck air, not blow. You can barely feel them working on cool days, and on hot days you won't feel them at all. If it's not a hot summer day, they will keep your back and butt dry from sweat, but that's about it.

That said, they do work a bit better in my SL600 than E500.

lkirchner

Don't waste your time or money they basically are useless.

Tirreno

So, I called my local MB parts, and they suggested it would cost around $6,000 do retrofit the Active Ventilated Seats... This is due to the fact they would need to change the seats, according to the parts guy. Any input on that?

To be honest, I could use even little air during those hot days like the ones we are having these days in Southern California. I figure, it's better little air than nothing at all. So unless you guys are suggesting there is absolutely no air coming out of the seats, I am still interested in options.

Thanks for the feedback though.

cal1

I always wondered if there would be a reasonable way to use the cool air supply to the center console and redirect to the driver's seat. Retrofit the fan that sucks with a fan (or reverse the fan if possible) that blows and "cool air" maybe.

luvasl55

MB vent seat really needs to look at Lexus design, they are amazing

jrgator

One of the reasons I like this forum. I've been disappointed in my seats as I live in hot/humid Florida, and I thought that I was just being picky until reading the other comments.

NikleinR6

I am really going to have to agree with the others, and tell you not to waste your money..
You could reduce the inside temperature of your parked hot car more effectively by managing the amount of sunlight that can enter your car.. Use collapsable sunshades for the windshield (and windows if neccessary).
You can buy these at any auto parts sales store or WalMart.
Also, i have seen solar powered fan devices that sit on the window glass when lowered, then when you raise the window they are pinched at the top and leave the window open about 1/2". Inside the vent is a solar powered fan that circulates air out of the car. I personally do not have these, and mere sunshades work perfectly fine for me, but i do have family members that have these, and i have been told they do help a bit (and are cheap).

http://www.sportsimportsltd.com/sopoaucofan.html
http://www.warehousedeals.com/Auto-C...B000QGGY9E.htm

Nick

Tirreno

I am more concerned about ventilation while I drive with the top down...My back could use the air..
I talked to a buddy of mine who has the 2009 SL63 AMG with ventilated seats. He could not live (ride!) without them, he says...

For those none believers with ventilated seats, I'd be ready to exchange my seats for yours and give you cash in addition... Any takers?

parvo99

Maybe he's talking about the newer airscarf? I don't see how the older ventilated seats would help at all with the top down. I'd suggest finding someone that will let you test the seats before making a decision.

sprins

I had the ventilated seats retrofited to my SL55 by MBenzNL some time back. I agree that the ventilation does not blow me out of my seat, but it does tend to keep my back dry when it's really hot.

Can't remember what it cost me but it wasn't cheap. But since it was the only missing option on my car I went for it. Don't regret having it done, but I agree with the others that you can live without them.

andy_meng1024

Do you know if Steve is coming to US anytime soon?

GFEAR

the ones in my new s class are waay better than my sl, the sl ones are useless

lkirchner

I agree that the seats do work better in my S Class than my SL but they are inferior to the ventilated seats in a Lexus. Perhaps that was the highlight of the Lexus.

Tirreno

Keeping the back dry is good enough for me! I'd be interested in getting more info on your retrofit (pricing, time, what changed, did they change seats, etc...)

Thanks!

Tirreno

It is true that he had the airscarf, but it was clear that what he meant was the seats ventilation, not the airscarf... By the way, is there a retrofit for that too?

aluthman

And here I thought my seats weren't working right. Turns out the design just sucks.

sprins

Don't know, but mail or PM him.

The cost of the install of my ventilated seats I don't remember (was part of a bigger upgrade). But it wasn't cheap, that I remember

MJ50

Steve is definitely the best source for that...

Viet_Amg408

man just donate me your money..just listen to other man..the sent vent sucks on mb..

massage/air/heated seat do no affect..

Late

It would be cheaper to have a shop cut some holes in your refrigerated storage compartment and have that air blowing into your right side... anything will work better the seat fans.

DoctorJeff

Agreed except with the heated seats. It is a lovely feature that works very well!

i_am_amused

I used the ventilation on a daily basis and find it increases my level of comfort substantially. I live in NoVa and it gets damn hot and humid here, and the ventilation keeps me dry. In fact, it is enough to dry me off if I work up a sweat walking to the car. I arrive at home, after a hard day's work, and 40 minutes of NoVa crap traffic, fresh and dry (and marveling at my good fortune that has allowed me to own an S55 AMG. Seriously. It's been a year and I still can't believe it. And it's "only" a 6-year-old depreciation darling. )

The "massage" feature is detectable, and can help to relieve a fatigued lower back, but it's not worth $5K. Maybe $500.

The "active" feature is a gimmick and nothing more. It's meant to keep you in your seat during heavy cornering, but it fails miserably. I wouldn't pay $50 for it. If you need to stay in the seats, retrofit some E55 seats.

edit: the heating kicks ***! We had a b!tch of a winter here (record setting in many ways), and my butt was TOASTY! I wish I could drop a grand on a heated steering wheel, but that's a couple days of fuel.