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.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

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!!

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

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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?

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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