The W211 E55 front seats
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Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 107
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2006 CLS 55
The W211 E55 front seats
Today, I sat in a 2003 E55 and a 2003 CLK55; both were on the showroom floor at Autobahn Motors in Belmont, CA. First, I sat in the E55, then a new 2003 CL600, and finally in the CLK55.
My first impression was that the E55 seat was too snug. Yes, I was firmly held on the sides, but I did not feel that I naturally fitted into the seat. The CL600 was a lovely version of Mercedes' standard "luxury bucket", and I went immediately thereafter into the CLK55. It felt terrific, as I was embraced on all sides, but not in the forced way I felt I had been in the E55. And so, I sat again in the E55, and it still felt too tight.
I next looked more closely at both seats and noticed that the ribbing in the back of the CLK 55 seemed wider than that of the E55; therefore, I decided to measure them. Sure enough, the distance between the two side bolsters on the E55 is only 10-1/2" whereas on the CLK55 it is 11-1/2". For someone like myself who is neither obese nor a beanpole, that one inch makes a BIG difference.
Does anyone know whether what I was experiencing was the difference between the standard seats in these cars and the Drive-Dynamic Seats; or is there truly a one inch difference between the width of the seats of those two models?
This lack of comfort really distresses me, as I own a 2001 E55 and am supposed to place my order for my 2004 next weekend. I have thought of calling (i) AMG and asking whether I could somehow get the CLK seats in my car (probably not possible) and (ii) Renntech and exploring how they could enhance the performance of my current car.
Thoughts, anyone?
My first impression was that the E55 seat was too snug. Yes, I was firmly held on the sides, but I did not feel that I naturally fitted into the seat. The CL600 was a lovely version of Mercedes' standard "luxury bucket", and I went immediately thereafter into the CLK55. It felt terrific, as I was embraced on all sides, but not in the forced way I felt I had been in the E55. And so, I sat again in the E55, and it still felt too tight.
I next looked more closely at both seats and noticed that the ribbing in the back of the CLK 55 seemed wider than that of the E55; therefore, I decided to measure them. Sure enough, the distance between the two side bolsters on the E55 is only 10-1/2" whereas on the CLK55 it is 11-1/2". For someone like myself who is neither obese nor a beanpole, that one inch makes a BIG difference.
Does anyone know whether what I was experiencing was the difference between the standard seats in these cars and the Drive-Dynamic Seats; or is there truly a one inch difference between the width of the seats of those two models?
This lack of comfort really distresses me, as I own a 2001 E55 and am supposed to place my order for my 2004 next weekend. I have thought of calling (i) AMG and asking whether I could somehow get the CLK seats in my car (probably not possible) and (ii) Renntech and exploring how they could enhance the performance of my current car.
Thoughts, anyone?
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
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From: Santa Clarita, CA
one of seven
no real answers to your questions but there is another thread on the new E55's and people have been noticing the 'snugness' of the front seats. I've called my dealer and asked him to call me when the next E55 arrives so I can see for myself.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
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I had a chance today to sit in an E55 today without the dynamic seats. They felt a "less snug" that the others I have sat in. Today's E55 did not have the dynamic seats. I am also very concern about the seat confort for me and my passengers.
amgB
amgB
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,934
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
I really don't understand you guys,I'm 6'4',215 lbs had all kinds of cars and find E55 seats the best for me,snug but extremely comfortable and supportive ,especially on a long drive.Seats are extremally important to me since I have a lower back problem since my rowing days in college(over 20 years ago)
Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 103
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From: San Francisco Bay area
I've had my '03 E55 for a month now, and I feel these seats are the best sport seats I've had in a car (including 3 Porsches). They are a bit snug (I'm 6', 160 lbs), but that's the idea of sport seats! If you feel they're too snug, be sure the side bolsters are fully deflated.
I think most seats (even so-called sport seats) aren't nearly supportive enough, so when you first sit in these, they feel snug. Now they don't feel snug at all, just right--maby they loosen up a bit after breaking in? Bottom line, I really like the seats alot. I've got the drive-dynamic seats, and the auto inflating bolsters are great on the twisties!!
I think most seats (even so-called sport seats) aren't nearly supportive enough, so when you first sit in these, they feel snug. Now they don't feel snug at all, just right--maby they loosen up a bit after breaking in? Bottom line, I really like the seats alot. I've got the drive-dynamic seats, and the auto inflating bolsters are great on the twisties!!
Banned
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,384
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From: House of Imports, MBZ (So. Cali.)
'06 ML500 w/Apperance pkg & '07 SL550 w/AMG pkg
I've notice the snugnest of the E55 seats & I LOVE it!!! I am about 6' and 175lbs and these seats keep me planted where I am supposed to be while taking a curve at 80 mph. I also really agree with Poursha on the idea that most, so-called, "Sport Seats" are not supportive enough for the driver.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 74
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From: Houston Texas
'14 E63S Brabus 850/2008 M5 Dinan S3(sold)
I would have to agree with the last posts---the seats on my '03 are snug---but have great lateral support and are very comfortable. You will stay planted when you throw it around!
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 107
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2006 CLS 55
More on the E55 seats
Studying the various websites that incorporate E55 mention, I have discovered that the Drive-Dynamic seats visually appear to be significantly different in the flaring of the bolstering and in the back insert from the standard, multi-contour ones.
Does anyone have specific knowledge of the differences between the two types of seats?
Does anyone have specific knowledge of the differences between the two types of seats?
