Children on the back of a SL?

Although some SLs do have children seats on the back (as my 1990 300 SL-24V has) I am reluctant in sitting my 3 year-old there.

The abdominal seat belt poses some problems:

(1- Any car, any make) In case of accident it will put all the body "pressure" on the kids abdominal area increasing the probability of serious injury

(2- MB SLs) Given the available space between the front and rear seats, any child using an abdominal seat belt will definitely hit the (hard) front seat with the head

Is there any way of adapting a safer shoulder seat belt on SL rear seats? Where can I order?

[Silver Boat]

I think you would have to get a booster. Just try to find the one with the thinest back. A 3 year old should be in a car seat. In fact here in New York it is either required by law or will be soon. it is also required in New Jersey. It is required to 60 pounds. The booster is a seat that either holds the child up higher so the stock shoulder belt fits better, or (on the 2 I have) also has a 5 point harness that holds them in. You attach the belt to the booster and then the child belts into the seat with the harness. They will loose a bit of leg room but will be much safer. I also use these for the kids whenever we fly. We have to buy them a seat but if a child was ever hurt by being on my lap I would not be able to live with myself for trying to save some money. Not sure if they are available in Europe. It allways drives me crazy when I see someone with kids jumping around in a car.

Good my wife didn't read what I've written. Actually my child is 4 years and 4 months old:p

Actually we have always used a special chair to drive the child arround (in Portugal they are required by law also).

Nevertheless, the one that my child uses now (in other car) is just to reduce the height of the shoulder strap. That is wonderful. But how can I install a chair just with the abnominal seat belt. It would simply roll over in case of accident...

My point is that the SL rear seats are small enough to properly accomodate a 4-year-old child, as far as it would have a 3 point seat belt (or shoulder seat belt) with the adequate shoulder height.

[Pete Geither]

Messing with seat belts and restraints is a REAL sticky issue. Any competent shop won't touch that problem with a ten foot pole for the liability problems that may occur. And ask yourself,,,, do I really want to risk my childs' safety by jury rigging a safety item? Just my opinion.