It's got this cargo cover mounted on the back so can you even fold the seats down?



There is this knob on both sides.



Also I can't get that right headrest out. Any suggestions?

It seems as though this is your first one and you don't have access to an owner's manual.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Benz Wagons. The 124 wagon's remain as one of my favorite cars that I've owned.

Even though the cargo netting and rear cover is present, the middle seats will still fold down. From either side of the opened back doors you will see a black grab handle at the underside of the seat bottom cushion in front of you. Place your hand underneath and pull up towards the roof. This will release the seat bottom for either side. To fold the seat back forward, start with the side that is the narrower of the two (60/40 split seat design since the cargo cover is mounted to the back of the wider seatback and and can not be folded forward until the other seat back is already out of the way). I believe that the narrower one is the passenger side. Remove the head rest. As in your second picture, you can see the black plunger button that extends toward you when the door opens. This is the lock for the seatback so that when the door is closed, the seatback can not release forward. Just pull the seat back in the direction of the front seat and it should release. Sometimes you need to pull it the release button toward you (don't pull too hard) a few times to have it release the seat back. I recommend that you oil (not just WD-40) this button's shaft periodically to keep it from sticking. To remove the cargo netting just slide the whole thing toward the narrower seat side.

If you do a search, you'll find a bunch of posts on the middle seats, as well.


Best of Luck and have fun with the terrific 124 wagon.


Al

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03 CLK430 Cabrio 211K Pweter Silver/ Oyster Leather
90 300SEL 214k Pearl Black/ Alto Grey/Black Leather

Prior: 85 190E, 88 300TE, 89 300TE, 90 300E 2.6, 90 300TE, 92 300E 2.6, 91 and 93 300SL, 87 Ferrari Mondial Cabrio

I've had a few of these wagons before but it's been a while. I've got the bottoms folded forward but it's the small passenger seat back that won't move. The catch must be stuck. I can jiggle that rod with the black knob but it won't release the catch. The other side is find but like you said the cargo cover prevents it from going all the way down. I'll try spraying WD40 into the hole where the rod is.

OK, once you've made sure that you have oiled the shaft and made sure that everything's out of the way, the last resort is to lay down in the back and (without stomping the cargo net) kick the seat back forward... not too hard. I had to do this what I first got the wagon. The previous owner didn't fold the seats down much apparently.

Al

__________________
03 CLK430 Cabrio 211K Pweter Silver/ Oyster Leather
90 300SEL 214k Pearl Black/ Alto Grey/Black Leather

Prior: 85 190E, 88 300TE, 89 300TE, 90 300E 2.6, 90 300TE, 92 300E 2.6, 91 and 93 300SL, 87 Ferrari Mondial Cabrio

Got it folded now, thanks. Will have to lube that catch. Wondering now if the front passenger seat back can be reclined all the way horizontal if I move the seat all the way forward and remove middle seat passenger bottom cushion? Got a ladder to haul 70 miles and want to try and get it in with the rear hatch closed.

Well yes you can!



Measured about 10 feet of length to carry a ladder inside.

It's amazing what we can carry inside these wagons. 10' lumber an easy fit with towel to protect dash

Twice, I have hauled a 10 c.f. refrigerator from HomeDepot, in the factory packing no less, in the wagon with the tailgate closed!!

that black tex looks great.

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77' 300D, "Cartman" SOLD @ 150K (didn't know what I had)
83' 300SD, "The Superdon" 325k+ @ 28mpg
95 E320 wagon, "Millennium Falcon" 231k+ @ 24 Mpg
95 E300D, "Sherley" 308k @ 33.69 Mpg, currently anticipating a head
99 Suzuki Intruder "Trudy" @ 45 mpg

yep, 200K+ and like new