Help;

I am looking to buy a newer ML350. I currently have a very early 98 ML320 which I feel is soon to start giving me problems (transmission is feeling a little weird). Having gotten a good 6 years of use, I feel it may be time for me to unload it before it cost me a bunch.

I really like the ML, but I know ( now) that the newer ones have fixed many of the problems that plagued the first and second year production.

Anyway. I have located my almost dream 2003 ML350 It's an Inspiration package, NAV, HID, M1 with everything else BUT NO heated seats.

I'm getting the vehicle at about 10K below Blue Book with less than 10K miles so I would like to "upgrade" to the 2003. Its a no ding or scratch, perfect interior, NON smoker car.

Here is my delima. I really - really - really want the heated seats. How difficult would it be to install the heated seats. I know I will need the switch panel that surrounds the radio, the two switches and the heaters for the seats. I'm comfortable with the work, my question is,

Is the wiring already in place.

Do I need to have the AAM reprogrammed.

Whats's the approx cost of these items, I figure if it cost me around 1k or less, then I'm still money ahead vice lookin for a better vehicle.

I dont' think I will find a nicer vehicle for the price.

The bottom line is, as long as I don't have to actually install wiring and replace the seats with new ones, then the job seems do-able.

Opinions are welcomed.

I wouldn't want to try it. The wiring is more than likely there, but I'd pass on the truck or accept it as-is. Maybe when it's cold you can get one of those heated seatcovers .
Um, but have you considered asking the salesman if he can try to locate an 03 with heated seats? They have a computer to search other dealers inventories, then they can truck it to this dealer and sell it to you there. Just a thought.
I don't believe you'd need to change seats to do the swap, but possibly new covers (sometimes the heater pad is integrated, on the ML usually it's seperate, but still calls for a different seat cover, which if it's leather........big bucks), also may need a different cushion. THEN, (I forgot about this) you also have the backrest to take apart too??? Lot's of labor involved, I mean DOABLE, but it'll be more than a grand, i can tell ya that, and that's assuming I'm right that the wiring exists. YES the AAM programming would need to be changed, but "so what", that's the least of anyones concerns.

Gilly

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i've done these conversions at my shop for "cost is no object" customers, and if "cost is no object", then it is possible. some have the wiring, some don't. this is not an item MB ever planned to offer as a retrofit and it will cost you multiple thousands of dollars to convert them. i am with gilly, either accept the lack of heated seats or find another vehicle (164s will be out in fall). there is the option of adding aftermarket seat heaters, which is a much less cost prohibitive endeavour, although you lose the clean look of the factory install. i had aftermarket seat heaters installed on my RX7tt for about 600.00 for the two seats, and the install looked clean, just not factory.

Thanks for the input.

I read a lot of the other forums and looks like a lot of folks with the E-class have done the conversions, and installe dheated seats. I investigated the seats in my 98-ML320 and it looked do-able, to just pull the seats and have an upholstery shop pull the covers and insert the heater pads.

However upon close inspection of the prospective new ML350, I found it to be very abused for less than 12k miles. The headliner was filthy, the seats and console had a year of undistinguisable liquids and sticky stuff that I can only imagine what it was ( and I am being very kind ) The front rotors are scored, the oil was about 1/2 inch over full, every other fluid was about 1/2 inch below empty. The manuals were missing. the CD changer cartridge, jack, first aid kit and triangle are missing.

I can't believe that a vehicle could be this filthy in only a year. I took this to indicate the lack of care given this vehicle and decided that I want no parts of it.

I'll look for another 03 or a used 04 ( I can't justify purchasing new ) with all the options I want.

Till then I'll slog around in the "ole 98"

Actually its easy to install them.. I have done it before.. Just get em off heaterseats.com they are a very reliable company and have their kits are made in Germany. Their kits are actually used in some Mercedes-Benz vehicles.. Seat covers are easy to remove because they are only held down by hog rings (like paper clips). I believe they have installation instructions on their website.. with wiring diagrams.. worth taking a peak.