ML 320 - 3rd row
 

I am curious about the back area where the 3rd row is sometimes located. Do all have the capability to addthe 3rd row of seats?

My understanding is yes. The hardest part is not finding the seats but the seat belts IIRC.

Third row seats from the factory adds a flip up 2nd row passenger side seat to get to the 3rd row and electric vent windows in the back... Plus the actual seats and seatbelts. 2nd row seats also move fore and aft... not sure if all ML's do that.

All 2nd row seats move that I've seen. The vent windows are also independent of the 3rd row seats. IIRC it was added in the 2nd generation change.

Yes, the electric vent windows were added later... 2002 or so. But before that you could ONLY get them with the 3rd row seats.

Athens: what year is your ML? The early ones all have the mounting hardware required to install the third row seats. I got the seats from the dealer in 2000; they came with the seat belts and all the fasteners, etc. Even came with templates for cutting holes for the seat belts in the d-pillar trim panels. Don't know if this kit is still available. I have a 1998 ML320.

Physically will work on all 163's.
Legally, there is a problem on the early trucks, something about headliner or hardware problems not meeting some crash standard. I had a memo, not sure if i have it now.

Gilly

I found an old "net message", I think it was just early 2000's that had a problem in meeting what must have been a new 2000 standard, look up FMVSS201

Gilly