SEL rear seat into an SD/SE? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

James L · #1 11-25-2006, 12:28 PM

There is a nice 1991 (W126) 560 SEL seat set at a local salvage yard. The rear seats have the reclining seats. My question is; once the rear seats are removed from the electric frame are they a drop in? another words does the bottom seat have the two holes underneath that snap into the two metal prongs like on my 1984 300 SD? Or would I have to remove the leather seat cover and put it on my 1984 seat base? Same question for the rear seat back.;once removed from the electric frame; does it have the (3) 10mm screw holes at the sides and middle, and the 3 tabs at the top that slide into the slots near the hat rack? Does anyone have any underside pics of a removed SEL recling rear seat? Another thing, it is missing the headrest, I wonder if my spare 1984 front seat headrest would fit into the rear seat headrest holes?

The front seats have the electric headrest, my 1984 does not. Can my 1984 headrest fit into the 1991 front seat headrest holes? I know I would have to play around with the male electric pin plugs under the seat to match my 1984 female plugs. but I hope I would not have to put the front seat bases on my 1984 front seat frames.

I really want these seats and the price is right, but I want to know potential problems and what will work before I rent a van and spend the time removing from the salvage yard.

Thanks for the help on this!

sixto · #2 11-25-2006, 01:03 PM

Someone in the Diesel Discussion forum did that conversion but I can't find the write-up using Search. Post your question in the Diesel Discussion forum and maybe the fellow will chime in.

Sixto
93 300SD

Johnhef · #3 11-25-2006, 01:19 PM

I've had a few reclining rear seats out, I do belive the seat frames them selves are different, but there might be the possibility of adapting them to fit.

the seat bottms hook in under two tabs in the back and bolt to the moving frame in the front. the seat backs have tabs that slide down into 3 holes in the rear reclining frame and it bolts in 3 places at the bottom of the seat.

James L · #4 11-25-2006, 03:23 PM

I read the searches, thanks sixto, did not reveal about the rear seat frames once removed.

Johnhef, I think your right the bases may be different. I think I need to look for models without the reclining feature. Looking at photos of cars for sale, the headrest arms have a bend like in the W124s so my straight ones will not work. I wonder which models did not have the rear seat reclining feature? Maybe the 420 SELS? SEs? Looking for 1989-1991 W126 style with the newer style horizontal leather pattern.

Thanks for the replys!

jim16671836 · #5 11-25-2006, 03:31 PM

I pulled a set of front and rear seats from a 1991-420SEL and they did not have the recline feature... I think all the 126 sedan front seats will exchange with each other but there some electric problems.... the back seats I pulled will fit in any of the 126's without the reclining feature... Jim

Johnhef · #6 11-25-2006, 03:36 PM

it was just an option- no rhyme or reason as to which models got them.

sixto · #7 11-25-2006, 03:37 PM

I misunderstood. I thought you wanted to fit the reclining bench to your car.

Only the 560s have reclining as standard. It was optional on other LWB models, not available in the US on SWB models.

You should be able to transfer the leather from a later bench to your frame. Keep looking for a set of matching headrests.

As Jim says fitting electric seats to a different year 126 is not a plug and play affair at the assembly level. It might be possible to fit the 84 seat controller to the 91 seat frame. It's a simple matter to release the headrest drive cable so you can manually adjust the headrest.

Sixto
93 300SD

James L · #8 11-25-2006, 09:21 PM

Jim you still have that 1991 420 SEL seat set? I am looking for Palamino (Tan) color, but I could do an SEM color coat spray if not this color.

Thanks for all the replys!

Hit Man X · #9 11-26-2006, 01:26 PM

It won't fit unless you have power seat in your SD/SE...

Johnhef · #10 11-26-2006, 01:47 PM

retrofitting may prove difficult too...iirc the frames are welded in place for the rear back, the lower is bolted in. running wires may be the easiest part of it.

James L · #11 11-27-2006, 10:20 AM

Thanks sixto for the tip on the front seat headrest cable! (where is it located? behind the rear seat cover?)

I think I will pass on this 560 SEL reclining rear seats because as we agree, the metal base frames will not match. It would be too much trouble to remove the seat covers and may end up tearing.

I will keep looking for a non-reclining W126 rear seat.

Thanks for the help guys! you saved me some money, time and frustration!

Hit Man X · #12 11-27-2006, 10:51 AM

Removing rear seat leather was easy for me. Now the fronts... lol No clue.

Johnhef · #13 11-27-2006, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

Removing rear seat leather was easy for me. Now the fronts... lol No clue.

just compress and remove

Hit Man X · #14 11-27-2006, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnhef

just compress and remove

I need the springs too. I just can't seem to figure it out, the easy stuff stumps me!

sixto · #15 11-27-2006, 11:59 AM

James, along the bottom of the front seat back cover there are two philips head screws that go up into the seat back. Remove the 2 screws then slide the cover down and back. There's a motor about halfway up on the right side. A cable will snake across the seat to a mechansim on the left headrest guide post. There might be enough slack to simply pull out the cable. Otherwise remove the headrest by raising it to the highest position then pressing on the button on the left guide post to release the headrest. Same as on a non motorized headrest seat. Slide up or down (should be obvious by the keyhole slots) the clip on the left guide post to release the rack that moves the headrest. That will give you the slack to remove the cable.

Hit Man, the seat cushion cover is easy to remove. With small hands you can do it without removing the seat from the car. Feel along the lower front edge of the seat for the seam between the hem of the seat cover and the metal frame of the seat. Use a plastic putty spreader or something like that to pry the hem forward. Put weight on the seat cushion then slip the seat cover hem down and free of the channel that retaines it. Put weight on the sides and rear edges to release the hem all around. The seat cover and padding should come off the seat frame. I've never removed the cover from the seat back but I removing the rear cover should reveal how it's retained.

Sixto
93 300SD