C220 Manual seat to 280 Electric
 

My wife has grumbled dissatisfaction with the manual 95 C220 passenger seat since purchase. I recently came across a used C280 electric passenger seat and purchased it, putting the cart squarely in front of the horse! I had hoped that as an economy of scale move, the C220 wiring harness would be the same as the 280 with unused connections...NOT!

In requesting assistance I have been told (a) the conversion is doable, just need additional wiring harness, and (b) changing the wiring harness is so difficult and $$$ you'd be better off buying a new 95 C280.

Anyone know the real deal answer (before I return the seat)?

Thanks a bunch.
Mark

OF course the harness is a total pain & you still need to modify the door panel to install the switch. Also wiring up the relay in the fuse box as well.

The 1994 & 95 electric seat wiring harness part number 202-540-36-13 lists for $99.
The switch is color coded to the interior but list is $81. no matter what color that you need.

I helped doing that on 2 different W201 chassis(190E), but we had a donor car.

That is somewhat encouraging news.
You are obviously an expert; it sounds like something way over the head of a DIY type with more enthusiasm than expertise ; ) , i.e. I need to have a mechanic do this I guess...

Does the harness you reference provide connections to both the seat and the door? Is it possible to modify the door panel (and have a cosmetically acceptable result) or should one buy a replacement 280 panel?

Thanks so much.
Mark

That part number is for a complete harness!

Even with a new door panel you must cut out for the seat switch! So unless you get a used one that is already modified you must cut out the switch hole.

Would think that a good tech could do that in 6 to 8 hours!!

<<Even with a new door panel you must cut out for the seat switch! So unless you get a used one that is already modified you must cut out the switch hole>>

Accommodating the switch in the cutout requires a different shape wood trim piece; can I order this piece (which would be for a C280) and install in my 220 door after the modification?

<<Also wiring up the relay in the fuse box as well>>

Will this involve additional parts? Is this modification something that will be obvious to the mechanic (who has worked for years on M-B and other german cars)?

Sorry to be so specific, but I don't want to get further into this customization without better understanding everything that will be involved.

Thanks M.B.Doc (I wish I could thank you by your name...using a screen name is so impersonal)

Mark