W126 seat switch question
 

So the switches on the 300SD are physically shot, the little tabs are completely broken, they've been that way for a while. I want to replace the switches, but for the 1981 model, they've been soldered on, where I think the 1982 and newer models just have simple plugs. Do you think if I found some switches from a newer W126 and did some splicing, I could make the plug type ones work?

i have an 81 too and had the same problem. Its impossible to find a good 81 switch. I went to the junkyard and took apart a door. i knoticed that the plug style switches have the same color codes so I took those plugs and the switch and just spliced them over. Solder the wires together and heat shrink each one. Works fine now.

also you may find some from a newer w126 with the headrest thing. Just ignore it, break the tab off and use the old face plate. Know one will ever know. Thats what I did

That switch has a different color code. I know because I matched it color for color and the switch did not work.

If you get a newer switch you will need the wiring diagram from the '81 and from the newer car to match function to function.

For some reason my car had one of each type so I bought a base from **************.com and it had the color code on it so I just switch it out and then put in a used switch I clean up and it all works fine.

can you rebuild your switches with parts from other switches?

I did that more than once. If the parts are the same there is no reason you couldn't.
This is a good write up about the switches. Although this is for a rangerover the switch is the same.

http://www.rangerovers.net/repairdetails/seatcontrols.htm

Does anyone have the wiring diagrams for the two different switches?

Those being:

1982 and prior switches with the wires soldered into the switch

The later memory seat switch with headrest function and plug in style connectors...


It'd be very helpful because I have a set of memory seats and switches I'd like to swap into my car....I don't care (or want) the memory function to work, just the adjustments and headrest.

Can't you just get say 83 switch's and solder the plug onto wires? They are the same so all the colors should be the same.

extra switches and seat frame
 

Well, in case anyone needs any seat switches, I have a few. I also have ONE w126 seat frame (NOT seat bottom) with 3 working motors and the memory option. Oh, I also have a seat BACK with 2 working motors. The seat BOTTOM --- springs are shot.