today I moved the passenger seatback all the way forward on my 420SEL and now it won't recline - all other seat directions work, but the seatback won't recline - suggestions? Do I need a new seat adjustment switch? Is that something I can do myself?

JoeB

I'd look under the seat for binding or disconnected wiring before doing anything radical.

Sounds like dirty contacts to me. You can replace the switch, but brace yourself: they're pretty expensive.

I had the same problem a few years back and I disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled the switch, which completely fixed the problem. (I have to warn you that if you decide to go this route, you're in for quite an adventure in puzzle-solving: the switch is a veritable Rube Goldberg device, filled with an assortment of springs and ball bearings that essentially explode as soon as you open the thing up.)

When I first popped mine open, I used every four letter word I knew and assumed I was sunk. But after I regained my composure, I collected the assorted parts, sat down at my well-lighted kitchen table, and using a tweezers and a lot of patience, figured out the contraption. (As I began to understand the way the thing works, I couldn't help but marvel at the engineering. Quite remarkable!) Eventually I succeeded, and the sense of accomplishment was great!

Anyway, the choice is yours: "Pay or Play". Should you decide to attempt doing-it-yourself, then be sure to open the unit in a restricted area so you can readily retrieve the tiny BB's and springs that will inevitably go flying. (Lose one and you're cooked!)

If you need help, just ask and I'll provide you with the benefits of my experience (as best as I can remember.)

Good luck, whatever you decide!

__________________
Eric

1991 560SEL-Euro (214,000 miles)
1989 420SEL (Retired from daily use at 325,000 miles; Use as donor vehicle)

95E320cab speaks wisely.

Definitely check out everything else first before you attack/replace the switch.

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Eric

1991 560SEL-Euro (214,000 miles)
1989 420SEL (Retired from daily use at 325,000 miles; Use as donor vehicle)

i second the vote for the switch. Goldstone is right on the money when he said it virtually explodes in your face when you open it up. Once you figure the switch out its not that hard to get back together, allthough the first time i did it it took me about ten times to be able to get the cover back on the case without allowing any of the ball bearings to roll off the spring. If you decide to take it apart i have a couple tips that help in getting it back together.
Ryan

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

When taking apart the seat switches and the window switches I have found using an old bath towel works well. The towel prevents the tiny ball bearings from rolling away.

The other part that sometimes goes are the cables from the motors to the gear mechanisms. Do you hear any motors running when you move the switches?

Keep us posted,

Haasman

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

Thanks to all for the advice - now how do I get to the switch? Do I have to remove the entire door panel, or does the small plastic cover (and switch knobs) pop off?

JoeB

Here is a thread Remove seat switch found by searching using these key words: 300SD seat switch

The 300SD being a 126 model.

Keep us posted,

Haasman

__________________
'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)