Throwing a towel into the front seat?
 

The dealer I just bought my 1988 300TE suggested the following fix for a soft driver's seat: take the seat cover off, place a towel on top of the springs, and replace the cover. He said it was easy, but is it? How does one do it? It sounds too good to be true! Also, does the fact that the seats are leather, powered and heated make a difference?

BTW, is there a FAQ section on this site other than the board-related one and the articles in the DIY section?

Thanks.

Hi Kericu:

There is an FAQ section, but it is mostly on how to use the site, set up user profiles, etc. Most answers/opinions/tips can be found using the 'search' feature. In this case the words 'seat pad' turned up several past threads:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/6737-seat-repair-question.html?highlight=seat+pad

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/8925-w124-front-seat-pads.html?highlight=seat+pad

A MBUSA STAR magazine article discussed the process in great detail (I may still have it around), and concluded it was easy to do, but difficult to do properly. But several members said they have done it and it isn't that difficult. If I were going to do this, I would spend the money for the new factory pad and/or springs rather than put in a towel, as the labor sounds like 3-4 hours, and the towel is likely to be an imperfect solution. I believe the parts are a couple hundred US dollars over hear, but may be lots less in Europe. Let us know how it works.

kericu,

I think they revealed their secret to you. The seats should feel just like the W210 E Class seats as I am convinced they make them by loosely stuffing the leather with old towels. It is just what they feel like. I find the old seats were much more comfortable for long trips than these new ones. Jim

Take it to an upholstery shop and have the seat rebuilt. You'll be much happier. They can add springs to make it as firm as you want.

sbr
'79 450 SL
77,000 miles