sagging front seat on 83 MB 380 SL
 

The drivers side front seat seems to sag to the left when I sit in it. It's particiularly uncomfortable especially during long rides. What needs to be replaced, the estimated cost, and can I do it myself?

Thanks

Could be the springs have come off their perch or a support member has broken. A close up inspection from the underside should verify.

same problem
 

Interesting. I have the same issue with my 87 560SL driver seat. I jsut figured the springs had given up due to the size of the previous owner. :D I will check to see if the springs have slipped off the perch/brackets. Replacement seat springs are NOT inexpensive. They are normally sold as a set - I've seen rebuits for $450, but new replacements are about $1100 a pair. :eek:

I recall a similar issue with my 560sl -- my indy said the seat needed a new pad and that the spring was broken -- I had him replace the pad only (spring was very expensive) -- just replacing the horse hair pad made a world of difference -- as I recall it was not terribly expensive (sorry I don't recall the amount).

While looking at other items on the World Upholstery website (at Dan's suggestion) I noticed they sell Horsehair pads for the 560SL @ $165 each.
http://www.worlduph.com/mb7.htm

I would first try to bring the old pad to a local upholstery shop to see if they can replicate or refresh.

If a spring or frame member is broken I would try to MIG or TIG back together. You have nothing to loose and a lot to save. The unit is shown below...

noodles
 

I just read an interesting reply to a similar situation on another forum board. They suggested taking the pool noodles you find at walmart, cut them and shove them into the seat bottom between the springs. I might try it just to see what happens..it won't damage anything and if it doesn't work I can take them out...give it a shot and see what happens....

Hey, if the driver and passenger seat (at least the bottom) are the same just swap them. Who cares about the passenger anyway...lol

spoken like a long married man :D

How is the seat cover removed? Does it just lift off?

It just lifts off the front and sides. It has hog rings (metal clips) holding it to the frame along the back edge of the seat, where it meets the back.

You'll need to compress the seat to get the cover loose, it slips into a very narrow channel along the front and sides, and you'll definitely want the seat out of the car while you do this. There's no way you'll get it back together if it's still installed.

I have a set of hoarse hair pads for a 560SL in very good condition. I belive they are different than the 380SL pads. If anyone is interested PM me with an offer.

John Roncallo

Yeah, I'm the one that did the pool noodle trick. the pad & springs were visually in good shape. It made a WORLD of difference! I also slipped in a scrap of plain old carpet between the horsehair pad & the springs.
I've got a pic of the underside of the seat with the noodles in place I can email if your interested.

I'd be curious to see it.

give me your email & I'll be glad to send it. Having problems with the needed resizing to attach to post.

Okay, found a pic-not of my seat but you can get the idea. You can play with the placement of them. Don't overdo it like I first did, my 1st try & my head hit the roof going over the smallest of bumps! I also cut pieces & put them between the springs upright for firmer feel.:D

Thanks to Rick for the pic posting instructions!!