Adding rear headrests / headlight wipers - C280

[CD_NY]

I’ve got a C280 that is without headlight wipers and rear headrests. How hard / expensive is it to add these items? I know the wipers require a motor, wiring etc, but the headrests I’m hoping are just a swap of the rear deck. Any information would be helpful.

Thanks

[A. Rosich]

In terms of adding equipment post-factory, nothing is impossible, but price-wise some items are really out of the question. Adding the rear headrest not only involves changing the rear shelf, but also adding the wiring for the front dash switch plus the appropiate wiring.

All of these involves removing a lot of panels and a lot of labor, which can be quite expensive. The last job I saw performed at the dealership on a W124 sedan ended-up costing about $2,500.00

Although, I would recommend adding the rear electric sunshade if you decide to add the headrests.

The headlight wipers might involve less labor, but parts are expensive.

A. Rosich
S320, 1998
E320T, 1995

[David C Klasse]

You could do the rear headrests without the wiring and vacuum lines. I don't know how easy it would be, but anything's possible. As for the headlight wipers, I would think that would be more expensive... not sure though. MBEnz has modified a 1993 C250D, he should be able to help you out on this.

[CD_NY]

Thanks for the info. I wonder if anyone had added these parts.

David. I've been searching the old posts and saw that you were trying to get your cell phone to work with the factory MB wiring. Were you ever able to get it working? I've got two plugs in my arm rest and I'd like to install my hands free car kit.

Thanks

[David C Klasse]

No, I finally just bought a separate handsfree kit. It was only $200 plus $60 install, so it wasn't that bad. Never figured out those darn wires!
(When MBenz, Steve, replies, you should get a bit of info on the headlamp washers and the rear head restraints.)

Hi, I have a 1985 190E 2.3 8V. I added rear hadrest to my car and it looks great!! A number of 190 owners have stopped me to compliment the look and inquire if my car was a debadged 16V. I went to a salvage yard I use and found a Mercedes station wagon. I purchased the both headrest because the were exactly like the ones already in my car. I bought both for $20.00 and the plastic hole surrounds (two for each headrest) that the metal headrest post fit into. My interior is grey MB Tex, the ones I bought were tan MB Tex. I went to an auto paint store and purchased Mercedes spray paint specifically for this type of material in grey, cost $7.95. It can also be used to cover stains on carpets, it tells you on the label. It is flexable and not supposed to chip, crack or peel. I cleaned the headrest with alcohol and then sprayed them several times, allowing time to dry in between. In between I took out the back seat, decided where to put the headrest and made my holes. When they were dry I put in the plastic hole surrounds then the head rest. Put the seat back together and I was good to go. I must say it looks very professional, if you use the surrounds. If not it just looks like you stuck them in. Originally I was going to use headrest from a 300E but it was much to complicated. Regarding your rear window shade. I have been toying with putting on in my car. I purchased one from the salvage yard from a BMW, the complete unit cost me $10.00. This included the shade, all of the buttons and pins, etc that it connects to and even the rear carpeting from the back window. It is not power however, that would also be an expensive venture. It is also a foot to wide for my window but I have been doing some measurements and come up with a way to cut and install it. The unit is nothing more than a shade that you would buy in any hardware store. Hope this helps.

[A. Rosich]

The solution provided before seems great, aesthetically speaking, but BE CAREFUL!!! Headrests, front and rear, are specifically design to retain the head in the event of a full front or back collision. This prevents the famous whiplash injury.

If the headrests are just "fitted" into the backrest of the seat, I doubt they would provide any protection in the event of an accident.

Just a thought.

A. Rosich
S320, 1998
E320T, 1995

Hi, the problem you are submitting is not a problem. The stems on the bottom of the headrest are approximately 1 1/2 feet long, the back of the car is steel between the gas tank and the back seat. There are also metal rods in the back seat. Once pressure is applied to the head rest they freeze in between these two metal frame works. Once the headrest are in place there is no room for movement because the stems curve forward anyway into the metal seat frame.

[MBenzNL]

CD NY,

Like David said before...

I added the wiring for the headlight washers (in case I go Xenon) and added rear headrests a couple of years ago. You can buy a complete headrest retrofit set at the MB dealer that consists of the wiring, vacuum lines (to connect at the headlight unit or vacuum block under the hood), switch, foldable headrest holders and you will have to order headrests and a different rear deck in the proper interior color. Adding the headrests and wiring all parts up to the front is rather easy and can be done within a day (adding wires in a W202 is a lot easier as in a W124).

If you want me to, I can send you some pics and additional information about the rear headrests.

To add the headlight wipers, you can also order a complete retrofitting set at the MB dealer that consists of wiper arms, wiper blades, wiper motors, relay, additional water pump and necessary hoses and you probably have to order a separate wiring harness. Pretty easy add-on as well.

You can check my web site (below) to see what else you want to add to your car...I would go for the power rear sun shade as well when you decide to add rear head rests.

Dorsey Lay...I completely forgot about the pics I promised you; I am sorry!!!

greetingz,

Hey there stranger, how the heck are you? I thought you had come to the US for the job we were talking about and that's why I hadn't heard from you. Hey don't worry about it, I put in some manual rear headrest after we talked last, there pretty cool. I wasn't going to go for the electric ones anyway cause I didn't think there was enough room. Good to hear from you though. We'll talk again soon take care!!

[CD_NY]

MBenz,

I absolutely love your style. I move 'up' from a 1985 190e also. I checked your site and you have totally rebuilt your C class - wow. I'd like to do the same with my C280 as well. I'm gunning for the C43 look as I've always loved the look of a silver AMG. In my case however, the only thing that stops me is $$$, so I'll do one thing at a time then wait a bit. My main purpose now is to gather information regarding what mods are out there. Then I'll get my action plan together. You are a very good source for information and I appreciate your assistance.

When I actually plan which mods I'll do first, I'll give you a yell for more detailed specifics.

Thanks