Child seat question for W126

[Robert W. Roe]

We have a 15 pound, 5 month old daughter who likes to ride in the back center ceat of my '84 SD. Currently we are using an Evenflo seat that is rated up to 20 pounds. The only way it fits well is between the two front seatbacks. (It fits, but it's tight.)

Anyone have any experience with car seats for children over 20 lb. in the 126 sedan? I've read some good things about the Britax brand, but they are hard to find and a bit more pricy. Thanks for any input.

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Robert W. Roe
1984 300SD 165,745 miles

[Robert W. Roe]

No one out there carries kids in their Mercedes? Maybe that's why there's nothing about infant car seats in the owner's manual.

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Robert W. Roe
1984 300SD 165,745 miles

I have two kids as well but I'm not familiar with the type of seats you referred to.

I have an '88 420SEL, and use the Century 2000STE (top-rated by Consumer Reports) with great success in the center position.

I use the center lap belt of the 420SEL to secure the seat. My son is about 30 lbs. now, and he actually prefers "Daddy's car" to the minivan (like father, like son?).

Century 2000STE is very inexpensive (bought mine at Target) but rated very highly in safety.

Hope this helps! -- Jim.

[Robert W. Roe]

Thanks to both for the replies. Jim, how much room do you have between the car's front seat and the Century baby seat? The Evenflo Trendsetter On My Way that we currently use is a pretty tight fit in my SD, but your 420SEL has the longer wheelbase, and, presumably, more back seat room.

Our daughter seems very happy riding in the back of my car as well. (I feel quite a bit safer in my Mercedes than in a minivan.) In fact, the slight vibration of the diesel helps put her to sleep . At night we turn on one of the rear reading lamps so she can see her mother.

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Robert W. Roe
1984 300SD 165,745 miles

Gee, I'd say that there's a good foot between the Century 2000 and the front seatbacks... and I'm a 6'2" guy, so the fronts are kinda far back. The 126 is a huge interior, which is one of many reasons why I bought it!

Our Evenflo OnMyWay fit very nicely rear-facing, until our little guy outgrew it, and we replaced it with the Century.

[Robert W. Roe]

Yes, the 126 interior is pretty cavernous, expecially up front. Funny thing is, in dark blue it looks quite a bit smaller inside than than in the palomino of my previous '83 SD.

Our Evenflo fits a lot better with the handle in the not-recommended vertical position; it was the handle that would rub the front seat backs when it was flipped into the "down" position.

Jim, btw, why don't you become a member here? That way you can edit messages, people can e-mail you, etc. I've been here about 6 months, and it's been very helpful. Decades (centuries?) of techs' experiences with MB's, with none of the spam and trolling of the MB newsgroup.

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Robert W. Roe
1984 300SD 165,860 miles

[Robert W. Roe]

Jesse, did you ever carry both kids in your MB (E55?). Do you use a locking clip on the shoulder belts or did you spring for the MB's "baby-smart" car seat?

I'd imagine that a new E55 would have instructions and/or provisions for a car seat in all three of the back seating positions, at least until they add rear side air bags or that airbag curtain...

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Robert W. Roe
1984 300SD 165,860 miles