apb,

I just bought a Starmarked 1998 E300D TurboDiesel and within a month or so, the driver's side seat started the clicking or snapping sound when I stopped or started up. I complained and I was told the car seat fasteners were redesigned and a new fitted set of bolts would be needed, and that they would be replaced under warranty. This was done and the problem was not fixed so the dealer ordered a new seat frame. When the seat frame came in, it also did not fix the problem. It turned out the electric seat adjustment mechanism gears were worn and had to be replaced. This was done and since then, no clicking or snapping noise from the driver's seat. But the passenger seat started making noise. It happened as soon as I started sitting in the passenger seat (I am 200lbs. vs. my wife who is 125lbs.) and now I will make an appointment to have that seat fixed. I certainly agree this is a defect of one sort or another, as I have never had a Mercedes seat do anything like this before and I have driven these cars many miles. I have no experience with this process so let me know what has to be done on my part to help get the problem fixed for all of us.

Thanks, Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

This thread was started in another section. I am wondering how many owners have had chronic problems with abnormal play and noise in their front seats.
If you have, please consider reading the link below and filing a complaint with NHSTA in hopes that a recall could be ordered . . .
I hope this forum could generate critical mass for an investigation.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=32652

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2008 S550
2010 GLK350
1997 E420 (retired)
2005 CLK500 (retired)

I have a 98 E300D as well. The driver's seat clicks, and shifts slightly under hard braking or fast acceleration from a stop. I have had it to the dealer several times and have been told that the problem can not be fixed under the Starmark warranty. I had the "water in the rockers" problem fixed, and that wasn't covered either, ever though there is a service bulletin regarding the problem. I'll fill out the NHSTA form. My car has MB Tex; I assume yours does too.

I have a 97 E320 and the seat has the same problem. I already filed a report with NHSTA. Like apb, I urge all W210 e-class owner to do the same so it can be recalled (hopefully).

colinc: Glad you mentioned the "water in the rockers" problem. I have driven two W210 e-class cars and both had the problem. I test-drove a 98 E320 and it had water in the rockers after the dealer washed the car so I did not buy that one.

I bought the 97 E320 and after owning it for about a month (after a car wash), there was water in the rockers. I simply cleaned the drain and the water came right out and it had been fine ever since. There was a few small leaves in the drain holes.

The water probably reaccumulate because there is a hole, originally planned as a mounting point, on the inside of each front fender. It needs to be plugged because debris, as well as water, can get into your fenders through it. Here is the TSB reference. DDAF63_10-U-1040A, Splashing Noises From Longitudinal Member.

Thanks, colinc. I will take a look to see if I can locate the holes. If I can find them, I will plug them up.

Could you be a bit more specific about the locations of the holes?

TIA.

The dealer did my repair, so I'm not too clear on locations. Here is an image that might help:

Attached Thumbnails

 

Thanks, colinc, for the scan.

It appears that my car 97 E320 is not part of that problem. It says the production dates are 1/7/97 - 7/1/97 and mine was built in 96.

Will look.

Thanks.