Found a wagon on ebay - appears to be pretty good shape, but headrests are missing on rear seat. Initial comeback from seller (a non-MB dealer) is that these were optional.

I have never seen one of this vintage without them - looks like there is likely even a safety issue without them as the seat backs are thinner than in years past and the plastic supports for the headrests would probably cause head damage ... any chance these were "optional" - I figured the first owner was the type that didn't like the visibility issues and removed them all - hopefully never carrying another in the back seat!

Thanks!

__________________
George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg

The dealer is smoking you, I wonder what else is wrong with the car. They were never optional, I think the regulators would not allow it to be sold without them. I would guess your assumption is correct, I removed my center one just to get better vision, but MB made a storage slot. If the previous owner folded the seats a lot they can get in the way. Its like the roof bars, and the cargo cover, (standard) people take them off, and then forget.
They are probably hard to find unless you get lucky at a recycler!
The roof cross bars became an option in 01, but it is not a safety issue.

Hi stephenson, the answer is simple. MB never made headrests optional, the dealer is either lying or ignorant. You need to make him aware that he knowingly sold you a car that's missing some very important safety equipment. He's got some serious liability issues to consider, even if the car was sold "as-is".

Thank you - have not bought the car, but it is on ebay - in fact, never bought a car via ebay cause I am a bit picky about condition ... this one just topped $9K, though - had a couple of issues the seller is very specific about calling out so, with the 100% rating, might be worth the risk.

There are enough of the 4matic wagons around that I probably don't have to settle - have always been willing to pay a bit more for a nice used car - so, have pretty open field.

Thanks, again!

__________________
George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg