3rd row retrofit in AMG wagon? done.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA
e63 AMG bi-turbo wagon
FINALLY DONE!!
Man this project took a long time.
Spare needs to be taken out as we've been talking about, so latest crazy thought: I've been meaning to do wheels as a next mod, so what about going to run flats?! Bad ride etc. I know, but I've also read they're a lot better now, especially the Michelins?
Man this project took a long time.
Spare needs to be taken out as we've been talking about, so latest crazy thought: I've been meaning to do wheels as a next mod, so what about going to run flats?! Bad ride etc. I know, but I've also read they're a lot better now, especially the Michelins?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 229
Likes: 2
Renntech E63S
run-flats are certainly an option. lots of manufacturers go that route. i'm doing a can of fix-a-flat as a safety net, as most of my use is in the city. if i ever take the car on an extended trip, i plan to just toss the spare AMG rim in the trunk. an inconvenience for sure, but not enough to not have the 3rd row mod.
good work! glad to hear you have completed the project.
good work! glad to hear you have completed the project.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
'14 E63S, '13 GT-R, '97 993TT
CPT
Al does the best work (but I suspect he disrobes prior to test drives to feel the fine Affalterbach leather against his nekkid bum). He'll be doing my first "mod," rear hitch, for my bike rack, very soon.
Last edited by iconcls; Nov 28, 2013 at 07:42 AM.
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
2012 e63 wagon
Who's Al.. And don't I know you from RS6.com?
[QUOTE=iconcls;5858324]Al does the best work (but I suspect he disrobes prior to test drives to feel the fine Affalterbach leather against his nekkid bum). He'll be doing my first "mod," rear hitch, for my bike rack, very soon.[/
Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA
e63 AMG bi-turbo wagon
Hey there, I don't have the exact list of parts, but I can say that the way my shop (Sonic MS) did this was to: find the VIN of an E350 wagon like one listed for sale on eBay (that's what they literally did). Call a friendly contact at an MB dealer parts department. Have them pull the parts sheets for that VIN for the rear trunk area, should be only a couple/few sheets (exploded diagrams with part numbers). Use those diagrams as visual reference to order all the various parts and bits, there are kind of a lot of parts. Hopefully they'll also be cool about returning unused parts, as you will inevitably end up with some bits you don't need (and be missing others), it's a confusing scene back there. Also, lead times on some of the major parts were long as they had to be ordered from Germany.
I still need to post pics of how I still got my spare to fit under the seat floor 'arm'. It involved cutting and die grinding the aluminum arm, so you have to have a willingness to cut metal... I figured even if I have to order that part as a replacement eventually, it's still cheaper than ordering run flats now.
I still need to post pics of how I still got my spare to fit under the seat floor 'arm'. It involved cutting and die grinding the aluminum arm, so you have to have a willingness to cut metal... I figured even if I have to order that part as a replacement eventually, it's still cheaper than ordering run flats now.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
sls amg gt
Hey there, I don't have the exact list of parts, but I can say that the way my shop (Sonic MS) did this was to: find the VIN of an E350 wagon like one listed for sale on eBay (that's what they literally did). Call a friendly contact at an MB dealer parts department. Have them pull the parts sheets for that VIN for the rear trunk area, should be only a couple/few sheets (exploded diagrams with part numbers). Use those diagrams as visual reference to order all the various parts and bits, there are kind of a lot of parts. Hopefully they'll also be cool about returning unused parts, as you will inevitably end up with some bits you don't need (and be missing others), it's a confusing scene back there. Also, lead times on some of the major parts were long as they had to be ordered from Germany.
I still need to post pics of how I still got my spare to fit under the seat floor 'arm'. It involved cutting and die grinding the aluminum arm, so you have to have a willingness to cut metal... I figured even if I have to order that part as a replacement eventually, it's still cheaper than ordering run flats now.
I still need to post pics of how I still got my spare to fit under the seat floor 'arm'. It involved cutting and die grinding the aluminum arm, so you have to have a willingness to cut metal... I figured even if I have to order that part as a replacement eventually, it's still cheaper than ordering run flats now.
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA
e63 AMG bi-turbo wagon
no creaks, rattles, any of that. I do think you need to get a really solid shop to do the work though.
on the ride quality, I can't really comment because I've never driven the 350 for comparison. My expectation is that the E350 probably rides significantly softer than the E63, if that's what you're asking. an E63 on bad roads is definitely noticeable in terms of jarring ride, and that's with me in CA!
on the ride quality, I can't really comment because I've never driven the 350 for comparison. My expectation is that the E350 probably rides significantly softer than the E63, if that's what you're asking. an E63 on bad roads is definitely noticeable in terms of jarring ride, and that's with me in CA!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 418
Likes: 44
From: Vancouver, BC
2014 E63 S
One thing to consider before doing this mod is the potential for problems if you ever had passengers in the third row and were in a collision. I would expect if anyone was ever injured in those seats, your insurance could deny coverage given that the car did not come from the factory with 3rd row seats. My $0.02.
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
2012 e63 wagon
I doubt insurance can do that.
If I had a dog back there and it was injured do to a rear end job I would definitely want any medical reimbursement for it if sustained during an accident.
I'm also in the process of doing the mod and will call my adjent to confirm.
If I had a dog back there and it was injured do to a rear end job I would definitely want any medical reimbursement for it if sustained during an accident.
I'm also in the process of doing the mod and will call my adjent to confirm.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 229
Likes: 2
Renntech E63S
One thing to consider before doing this mod is the potential for problems if you ever had passengers in the third row and were in a collision. I would expect if anyone was ever injured in those seats, your insurance could deny coverage given that the car did not come from the factory with 3rd row seats. My $0.02.
cars don't get a federal sign-off or seal-of-approval when interior mods are done. aftermarket companies that customize limos and vans are not subjected to federal inspections. put the seat in, don't put the seat in. insurance doesn't care if the factory installed your seat, or if the dealer/shop installed it any more than they would care if you bolted on fancy non-OEM wheels that haven't been crash tested on said vehicle.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
sls amg gt
Can't hit what you can't catch
. Of course it can also outbreak everybody (oops).
Seriously, if the rear seat exists in the 350 and can bolt on the 63, I don't see how this is an illegal mod, unless there are homologation rules or air bag considerations that we are not aware of.
Anyhow still hoping for a DIY or at least a parts list from some amazing individual....
. Of course it can also outbreak everybody (oops). Seriously, if the rear seat exists in the 350 and can bolt on the 63, I don't see how this is an illegal mod, unless there are homologation rules or air bag considerations that we are not aware of.
Anyhow still hoping for a DIY or at least a parts list from some amazing individual....
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
2012 e63 wagon
what took so long? i just confirmed and payed for all the parts..
any heads up or pointers for me?
FINALLY DONE!!
Man this project took a long time.
Spare needs to be taken out as we've been talking about, so latest crazy thought: I've been meaning to do wheels as a next mod, so what about going to run flats?! Bad ride etc. I know, but I've also read they're a lot better now, especially the Michelins?
Man this project took a long time.
Spare needs to be taken out as we've been talking about, so latest crazy thought: I've been meaning to do wheels as a next mod, so what about going to run flats?! Bad ride etc. I know, but I've also read they're a lot better now, especially the Michelins?
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
2012 e63 wagon
I have a parts list. And I will let you know how good the shop installs.
I got all my parts from downtown mercedes in Los Angeles. My friend owns the shop he is hooking me up on the parts. They should be all in this week. Shop is a body shop in Santa Monica. Email me if interested.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
So how did your install go? I need to see an E350 w/ third row (or E63 with third row) up close to see if I can do the install. According to the MB parts diagram the third row is incompatible with the 942 trunk rail load system that I added in but looking at photos it looks like it may be possible to have both of those options. It'd be cool putting the seats in just because. Anyone want to take me up on this offer in the Seattle area or SF area next time I'm down there?
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
2012 e63 wagon
What is a load system? My install went perfect.
It looks completely factory and I retained my spare. Again thanks to the Amaizing work of my body shop. A good installer is the key. And now that they did one they have it down pat! If your in the Los Angeles area at all I would use them. I did loose the use of the cargo cover. You need to use one from the 350 it's a tad skinnier but I really had no use for it and having three kids I use the seat every day. I even fit a small McClaren stroller in between the third roe and back seat for the 1 year old. Best mod ever! The ship is Bair's keystone auto body. I
So how did your install go? I need to see an E350 w/ third row (or E63 with third row) up close to see if I can do the install. According to the MB parts diagram the third row is incompatible with the 942 trunk rail load system that I added in but looking at photos it looks like it may be possible to have both of those options. It'd be cool putting the seats in just because. Anyone want to take me up on this offer in the Seattle area or SF area next time I'm down there?
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 167
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2012 E63 P30 Wagon
where are you located in the Bay Area? I would love to see your third row addition.
no creaks, rattles, any of that. I do think you need to get a really solid shop to do the work though.
on the ride quality, I can't really comment because I've never driven the 350 for comparison. My expectation is that the E350 probably rides significantly softer than the E63, if that's what you're asking. an E63 on bad roads is definitely noticeable in terms of jarring ride, and that's with me in CA!
on the ride quality, I can't really comment because I've never driven the 350 for comparison. My expectation is that the E350 probably rides significantly softer than the E63, if that's what you're asking. an E63 on bad roads is definitely noticeable in terms of jarring ride, and that's with me in CA!
Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 132
Likes: 10
From: Northern VA
'18 E63s
I'm glad to see that this can be done. I have 3 kids, the youngest are 5 & 4 y.o. so this would be a practical 'mod' for me. Does anyone have any recommendations for a body shop in the DC area?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
It looks completely factory and I retained my spare. Again thanks to the Amaizing work of my body shop. A good installer is the key. And now that they did one they have it down pat! If your in the Los Angeles area at all I would use them. I did loose the use of the cargo cover. You need to use one from the 350 it's a tad skinnier but I really had no use for it and having three kids I use the seat every day. I even fit a small McClaren stroller in between the third roe and back seat for the 1 year old. Best mod ever! The ship is Bair's keystone auto body. I
What's the difference between the 350/AMG cargo cover aside from skinniness? Does it still have all of the same features? I'm just trying to figure out why MB didn't just use the same cover for all variants if they've got all of the same functions.
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
2012 e63 wagon
Same features just thinner I believe
they modified the metal brace slightly I can take some pics tomorrow just not that sure on how to post them. I will give it a whirl
So how did the shop solve the aluminum brace/spare tire situation? Is it possible to show pictures of your setup? Thanks!
What's the difference between the 350/AMG cargo cover aside from skinniness? Does it still have all of the same features? I'm just trying to figure out why MB didn't just use the same cover for all variants if they've got all of the same functions.
What's the difference between the 350/AMG cargo cover aside from skinniness? Does it still have all of the same features? I'm just trying to figure out why MB didn't just use the same cover for all variants if they've got all of the same functions.
