I have a failed driver seat in an 85 500SEL, neither the front to back motion nor the backrest is funcitoning.

I have had the backrest prob before and I removed the back panel, removed the motor and manually set the seat upright for couple day while I waited for the replacement motor.

On the seat, if I pull it, can I manually move it forward or backward with the motor still attached?

Thanks!

__________________
1981 300TD
2005 C55
2004 E500
1999 ML430
1992 400E
1998 C43
2001 SL500
1988 300SEL
1986 190E 16V
1991 190E 2.6

The seat won't move with the motor connected.

Have you checked ALL of the red power wires to the seat?

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

I have 12.44 at the connector (the square pin set beneath the seat).

I pulled the seat and looked for obvious shorts but no luck. If I have burnt motors, then I have two.

__________________
1981 300TD
2005 C55
2004 E500
1999 ML430
1992 400E
1998 C43
2001 SL500
1988 300SEL
1986 190E 16V
1991 190E 2.6

Well after pulling the seat and applying 12V to the posts on the connector, all the motors work as they should. I am going to replace the door switch and report back.

__________________
1981 300TD
2005 C55
2004 E500
1999 ML430
1992 400E
1998 C43
2001 SL500
1988 300SEL
1986 190E 16V
1991 190E 2.6