W126 Armrest removal procedure? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

96C220 · #1 11-03-2002, 08:26 PM

Grettings all,

Just trying to sort some things out on my new (to me) 89 420SEL. Anyone know the procedure to remove the armrest from the drivers seat?

I want to throw some aftermarket sheepskins on it for now, and they dont have a provision for the armrest.

Any help would be appreciated,

Thanks in advance,

George - New e-mail = George@parts4sale.com

suginami · #2 11-03-2002, 08:34 PM

I don't have a W126, but I've seen this posted before.

I believe the seatback has to come off, then you'll see the screws that need to be removed to detach the arm rest.

If you're good with using the search function, you'll be able to find it.

Good luck.

MikeTangas · #3 11-03-2002, 11:13 PM

You have to lay the seat back as far forward as possible to access the two phillips head screws at the bottom of the panel. The back will pull outward at the bottom, then slide it down out of the clips at the top. That will get you inside.

Next you'll need a 27mm socket, and a short extension. I found the extension was neccessary to get the ratchet out away from the springs. One 27 mm nut and star washer are all that hold the arm rest in.

suginami · #4 11-03-2002, 11:23 PM

I knew Mike would know the answer to this one!

What always surprises me is how you remember the socket size on all the jobs you do.

How do you remember, Mike?

MikeTangas · #5 11-03-2002, 11:26 PM

I guess I'm kind of, well, Rainman with a badge.

Nya, K-mart sucks.

suginami · #6 11-03-2002, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MikeTangas
I guess I'm kind of, well, Rainman with a badge.

Nya, K-mart sucks.

LOL mike!

Very funny. You know, you sort of look like Rainman! J/K

96C220 · #7 11-04-2002, 12:39 AM

My plan was to remove the arm rest, throw the cover on the seat, and open some sort of little hole to reattach it.

I dont really think that is going to be possible, ie, get the seat cover on far enough, reattach the arm rest, and then still be able to get the seatback back onto the seat once the cover has been slipped on that far.

What do you guys think the viability of this is?

I really dont want to loose the arm rest, ie. remove it, and put the cover over the seat, after reattaching the back.

Any ideas?

Thanks again,

George - new e-mail = george@parts4sale.com

MikeTangas · #8 11-04-2002, 12:47 AM

Only thing I can think is to check and see how much slack is in the cover. You might have enough slack to start the cover, open a hole, attached arm rest and reinstall seat back before closing the cover. Some seat sovers are "open back", are these?

The hole will have to be big enough to accept a plate that is approximately 2 1/2" x 1 1/2". This plate has a notch which fits on a pin that protrudes just below the arm shaft. This arm is spring loaded and the plate provides the platform for the spring action.

96C220 · #9 11-04-2002, 12:59 AM

I dont actually own the covers yet, because I wanted to figure out the arm rest issue before I got them.

They are not open back. I dont know the amount of slack. - The issue of the size of the plate brings up an interesting idea. Do you think If i was to cut the pile of the sheepskin around the edge of the "plate hole" I could tuck the cover fabric in, and use the attachment to bascially lock the cover in place around the plate.

I dont know if you understand what I'm trying to explain, but basically have the plate mount on the cover, with the cover tucked in underneath it, rather than have a hole in the cover for the plate that is not finished.

Thanks again,

George