I think that folks were puzzled because your current arrangement is not normal. In my 87, I need to raise up the seat bottom to its vertical position before the seat back can move at all. Somehow you got the seat back to fold forward without moving the seat bottom out of the way, which is unusual. I suspect you are in unchartered waters. Sorry to not have additional suggestions.

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1968 220D, w115, /8, OM615, Automatic transmission.
My 1987 300TD wagon was sold and my 2003 W210 E320 wagon was totaled (sheds tear).