Is it possible and how would you insert W123 (manual) seats in a W126 300SDL?

Can you still have power functions and will the back seat from a W123 fit?

I've already read other threads on this topic. Maybe someone can help me start a custom DIY. I will take pictures throughout my work, I'm in the process of restoring a 1987 300SDL.

Thank you for ALL replys and suggestions!

I think most go the other way around with the seats. The W126 seats are superior than the w123 in all aspects.

but... It could probably work. I've never seen a power seat out of a car but maybe the mounting brackets that hold all of the electronics will swap over.


but the rear bench seat will not work, IIRC the w126 is slightly wider.


question, why?

I don't know, but I sure would like to know if w124 seats would match up to a w126 seat frame.

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daw_two
Germantown, TN

Links:
Sold last car --- 05/2012 1984 300D Light Ivory, Red interior
Cluster Needles Paint
New Old Stock (NOS) parts

Past:
3/2008 1986 300SDL "Coda"
04/2010 1965 190D(c) "Ben"
& many more

I imagine the 124 or 123 seats can be adapted fairly easily to the 126 frame. Some of the electric motors may be in the frame. I think the back recliner is in the back of the seat though.

I agree the 126 seats are the best IF they are in good shape.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I have W126 Leather seats in my 82 300 D, The seats will bolt to the rails, I had to wire in reclining switches.

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1984 Euro 300SDC, (4spd standard)
1986 Toyota Landcruiser Diesel HJ60 5spd X2

Gone but not forgotten (some sold, some stripped)
1983 300 SD, 1985 300 SD, 1983 240D, 1986 300 SDL, 1985 300 SDL, 1983 300 D, 1984 300 D, 1985 300SD, 1987 300 SDL, 1983 300 SD, 1985 300 TD Euro, 1983 380SEC, 1990 300 D, 1987 300D, 1982 300D, 1982 300D, 1994 E420, 1987 300 TD, 1987 300 D, 1984 300 D

The seats I wanted to switch (manual), are in almost excellent condition and were also free.

The existing seats (w126), need to be reapostered, meaning... $$$$$
How would someone wire the manual seats?

Any ideas are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Not to hijack the thread, but I'd be interested in hearing more about this. The seats just bolted right in without modification? I just might do this myself then, to get the powered/heated seats... Finding a good place for the switches might be difficult though.

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'81 300TD Wagon 355k (Miss Diesel)
'83 300SD 180k
'84 500SEL 190k (Parting it out)

If w126 seats will fit in a w123 frame why wouldn't w123 seats fit on a w126 seat frame? Electrics or not... I'm not worried about better quality, I just want better looking seats.

I agree, the 123 MBtex wears like iron and will outlast leather. Mine still look new with no signs of wear (need a good cleaning now and then). Check the floor mount positions. I see three ways to do this:
1. If the seats are the same size, just switch the upholstery and keep all functions.
2. If not switchable mount the 123 springs to the 126 tracks - you'll probably have to use the 123 back manual adjust lever.
3. Check the floor mount positions. If they match, use the 123 manual adjust rails and forget the troublesome electric features.

If I buy another new Benz and plan to keep it a long time, I'll stick with MBtex.

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-cars-sale/296386-fs-1-owner-83-mb-300d-turbo-rebuild-parts.html

I see very good w124 Palamino seats all the time. I might just have to get a set to see if they will fit.

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daw_two
Germantown, TN

Links:
Sold last car --- 05/2012 1984 300D Light Ivory, Red interior
Cluster Needles Paint
New Old Stock (NOS) parts

Past:
3/2008 1986 300SDL "Coda"
04/2010 1965 190D(c) "Ben"
& many more

I'm pretty sure the bolts don't line up. If you have a mig welder you can tack on a plate of metal over the bolt holes and then weld the seat rail to it in about 5 minutes. To get it out you'd just cut the welds with a grinder. If I were to do this I would basically tack weld it as it doesn't have to be super strong.

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1981 300SD 512k OM603

The w123 seats will fit. I have done this. The bottom bolts right down to the w126 base w/ motors. I didnot use the back motor-left manual adjust. It did require some playing around with seat belt mounting parts.

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81 300D Turbo 190K sold
83 300sd 319K best $500 I ever spent-daily driverw/ 2 tank WVO set up

The part number for the W123 front seat spring base is the same as the W126 manual front seat.

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

Jim.

Thanks, for the information. Can you check the part number for the W124 front seat spring base? Is it the same as the W123 (and W126 manual)?



Thanks, Jim

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daw_two
Germantown, TN

Links:
Sold last car --- 05/2012 1984 300D Light Ivory, Red interior
Cluster Needles Paint
New Old Stock (NOS) parts

Past:
3/2008 1986 300SDL "Coda"
04/2010 1965 190D(c) "Ben"
& many more

the seats are leather manual, I'm not sure if they are w123 or w124?
nice and firm though....

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BLUE BEAST

Thanks for advice, replys, and suggestions!

1987 300SDL Turbo 308,000 miles
"seen better days"