Seat Interchangeability - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ron Johnstone · #1 10-10-2004, 01:47 PM

Well folks, I finally bought myself an 86, 560SL. I'm working through a few little problems, one of which is a broken spring in the drivers seat. Does anyone have a list of the models that will seat size interchange with the 560? Hopefully I can find a good passenger side spring from a junk yard and it would be very helpful if I knew what car had the same size spring. Many thanks!

stevebfl · #2 10-10-2004, 02:24 PM

Surprizingly my EPC shows the lower seat frame (with springs) to be the same for 450SL, 380SL, and 560SL.

Before I would rummage around for a used one, I would check what a new one cost. The work that is necessary sure justifies the proper materials. I would probably install a new seat pad at the same time and use it for ten years.

Ron Johnstone · #3 10-10-2004, 10:06 PM

Thanks Steve, good advice as usual.

I have to tip my hat to the guy that suggested (on another thread) the use of tennis balls under the broken springs. It almost makes the seat enjoyable again. It will surely do until I can do a proper fix.

Any thoughts about replacing the manual seats in the 560 with a power setup from a more modern 190?? They are (hopefully) small enough to fit, but that will obviously have to be verified.

catgate · #4 10-11-2004, 07:32 AM

A few years ago I had a similar problem with my 190D. I went to the scrap yard and got a good passenger seat (from a 190 of course) and stripped it. I removed the base from my drivers seat (after removing its upholstery) and replaced it with the passenger seat base and replaced the original driver seat base upholstery. The biggest job was finding the passenger seat, otherwise the job is simple and quick.