So, after having my ass go numb for the last time on my 38 y/o flattened driver's seat, I finally broke down and did the pool noodle "fix". I wish I had taken a picture because it actually turned out pretty well and now the difference is amazing. No more feeling like I am sitting on the floor, and I actually have full butt and thigh support too.
I have the old W115 setup which has all coiled springs in the seat box. I cut 4 4.5" cylinders from a softer/smaller diameter noodle and put them upright between each of the front springs and held them in place with twine. The next row of springs back, I used the same smaller/softer diameter noodle, but cut length-wise to the width of the seat and stacked two on top of each other for lower thigh support. Next row back from that, I used one larger diameter, thicker/firmer noodle cut to the width of the seat and stuffed it between those rows of springs. Finally, for the last row, I had wished to use that same bigger, thicker/firmer type of noodle, but that row is much tighter/narrower than the rest, so I used the small diameter noodle again, cut to the width of the seat and stacked 1 and 1/2 of them (sliced the top one length-wise in half), which is all that would possibly fit in the space. After all was done, I put everything back together, strapped the sheep skin in place, and now I can drive more than ~90 minutes without wanting to jump out of the moving car. Eventually when I get some more money I will buy an original spring box from the dealership, but for now, this is heaven.

it should last at least 4 months... get you through the winter kind of thing.

try finding the closed cell foam, it'll last forever...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

The other trick is to swap the seat bases between driver and passenger side. I think that will work on the 115, I know it works on the 123. That will help with the longevity of the noodles since it will not be sat on all the time.

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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech

Go to an upholstery supply shop to find the good foam.
they have different densities...and different quality.... measured in length of time it will last... and they know which is which...

for instance...here in Austin..
We've got you covered... for less. Capitol City Upholstery Supply

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1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=10414

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=156207&highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

I am currently feeling exactly like you felt with the old bummy seat and I'm exploring my options to increase comfort. To further complicate matters on mine, I have the w123 coupe with its specific seat bottoms.

Something is got to give and SOON!! My back is killing me today and I'm sure it's from the seat.

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Current fleet
2006 E320 CDI
1992 300D - 5speed manual swapped

former members
1984 300D "Blues Mobile"

1978 300CD "El Toro"

Guys, I looked at many different fixes, but the Mercedes Source Solution is definitely the way to go. Kent has done a great job with the kit and I have already fixed two seats (one from a 79 that was broken in 3 places) as well as my 83's driver's seat. The kit actually repairs the cause of the sagging, and gives you enough spring material to fix tired springs. It takes a little more time, but it is a permanent OEM-style fix.

I believe it to be a far far superior solution to "Newdles"

Packman

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83 240D - 4 speed manual - Manilla Beige
189K miles, Tachometer mod, cool wooden shift knob from PeachParts, CocoMats, Original factory paint, manual windows, manual sunroof. Starting to add AudioWrap to this car too!

At one point years ago in a thread...
people talked about Mercedes offering a ' heavy duty ' seat spring ..... just like they do on the suspension springs...
Yes, for fat..... I mean big .....people....
is that still available ?

edit... I think they called it ' orthopedic ' perhaps....

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1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=10414

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=156207&highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

I used Mercedes Source kit, and while it helped, I also bruised my ass...

I installed the kit before I had a chance to really tweak it and make it right. I am new to Mercedes, and wasn't sure what a 'good' seat feels like. I installed it, and two days later moved from OKC, OK to CO, 750 miles, 13 hours. My butt is still sore, and that was a week and a half ago.

I need to do a proper repair, but I don't have a garage, or the time. Gotta get a job.

Mercedes source is the way to go, IF you have a w123 or similar where the springs are the newer-style arched wavy type. Kent's kit will NOT work on w115/14.

I hated this. When I bought one of my W124s the previous owner was very fat and wore out the springs in the driver seat. Hit the floor every time I got in.

Heavy duty springs are still available last time I checked for those with larger waist circumferences.

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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k

I used compression fittings and jbweld to repair springs. That took care of the sideways tilt. Closed cell foam from the upholstery shop helped the sag. I'm not thrilled with the shop's panel repair. They could have had something outstanding with just a little more work. Instead, I'll have Togo back in.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.