Given the recent run up in gas prices, I have started to read quite a bit about older Mercedes-Benz diesels. I've learned quite a bit, including finding this forum and others. I'm REALLY interested in buying a Mercedes (diesel preferably), but one thing is holding me back... the seats.

A number of years ago, my father owned an S-class (SEL) sedan, and I owned an Audi 5000. I love German cars, but IMHO the seats in the Audi put my father's seats to shame. I'd go to sit in his car and the seat would go waaay down, and it didn't provide the cushioning that my Audi seats did.

Now I am in the market for an older Mercedes, and just today I sat in a 380SE and had the same reaction: "the seats blow!"

I know for my first post here that comment may not be well-received, but let me ask a question: are there replacement seats available for S-class cars which have a much different feel than the standard seats?

A second question, if I may: I'm pretty tall, and though I don't have football player sized shoulders, my shoulder hits the B-post (hope I got that right) to the point that it is a bit uncomfortable. Even moving the seat up doesn't fix the problem. In my 2000 Toyota Avalon I have no such problem.

So... is there hope for me in getting a Mercedes in which my posterior and my shoulders are comfortable?

Any input, suggestions, and questions are much appreciated - and THANK YOU.