w210 Multi-contour seat help - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

w210e55t · #1 10-24-2023, 02:02 PM

I've got a w210 E55 wagon. Neither multi-contour seat works. The pump kicks in on startup and runs for 30 seconds and dies. Drivers seat, the lumbar and the thigh extension inflate, and then deflate once the pump stops working. The side bolsters don't move. The passenger seat doesn't inflate at all on startup.

I've heard a hiss off and on from around the control switches, so I popped the control switches up and found whats in these 2 pics, on both seats.
The rearmost air hose tips are both warped, on each side (see blue squares in one of the pics). Has anyone ever had this happen?

There is air coming out of the main air supply line on both seats (the tube circled in red in one of the pics)

I have new OEM switches that I tried to install before and when I use the original switches or these new OEM switches, I now get air hissing from the switches, and then the pump shuts off after 30 seconds, and then nothing. I'm thinking air is escaping from where the 2 lines are warped on each side, and the system shuts down? Is it possible to replace the tips for the air hoses that are warped?

I've also put together a google doc with a bunch of info I've pulled together on multicontour seats, in case anyone is searching in the future: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SIGyQ-3AwQ0oRokUe6GapIj_QQYV9jPDL5XThn9CuFA/edit?usp=share_link

Matt at Pelican Parts · #2 10-31-2023, 10:12 PM

It sounds like you are correct reguarding a leak. I found an old thread which is pretty useful though its for a W140, it may have some good info -specificaly post #7:
WOW. W140 doors & trunk wont shut, rear driving antenas stuck

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Guenther

There are two pumps in the car, the one under the passenger rear seat handles lock/unlock, lumbars, backup assist, trunk handle, provides vacuum for HVAC when car is not running, lumbars, and rear headrest with the non electric rear seat. It is a failed pump $spensive, a leak in the system it shuts off in 10 seconds on the locking function and it shuts off in 60 seconds on lumbar and climate control leaks.
If the doors and trunk dont pull down it is the other pump over the drivers side rear wheel also $spensive.
There is a release uner the trunk lid that allows the latch to be retracted manually it is in the owners manual.
I think there was a bulletin about a defective hose in the pump but I seem to recall it was for a later model. I would pull the fuse wait and reeinstall it to see if you can hear the pump run, there is also a tool called MIGHTYVAC which can be used to draw a vacuum in the various circuits (hoses) to see if they hold.
The close assist also has a safety, two attemts and it will disable the circuit.

raymond~ · #3 11-02-2023, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w210e55t

.....I'm thinking air is escaping from where the 2 lines are warped on each side, and the system shuts down? Is it possible to replace the tips for the air hoses that are warped?.....

I do not believe that the control module is available as a la carte parts. I sold a NIB one a year back so I have some hands-on exposure to the part. Unless you're willing to buy another, at this point it wouldn't be damaged any further for you to try and repair the damaged nozzles you referenced in your photo.

This would definitely be a craft skill as you try to epoxy and sand the outside diameter to fit the hose. The air pressure is relatively low. I can't remember clearly but it's like 10psi or thereabouts.

The other thing would be to cross your fingers to see if you can source a replacement switch module from the auto wrecking yard.

(rereading) it also sounds like your hoses are brittle, a known result of being 2 decades old. you may need to replace if you can identify which hose is failing. You can try disconnecting the hose from the switch module and plug the hose end. Run the PSE pump and see if you can hear a hiss (or spray soapy water along the hose accessible to you).

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