replacement seat foam cushion
 

Gents,
Having purchased a set of MB Tex replacement pads I am about to begin the procedures for reupholstering the front seats on a '83 300CD. While my options include switching the foam pads from the passenger side to the driver's seat, I wanted to ask if anyone knows of a supplier of REASONABLY priced foam sets. Mercedes dealer wants $141 /side for the lowers & even more for the seat back foam. worlduph.com wants the same (since they buy from MB and don't see any reason to pass their bulk discount savings on to the little guy.)
Thanks for the advice,
Chris Collins

Chris -- I have a factory MB seat cushion foam rubber pad, never used, sitting in my garage. I bought it when I was rebuilding the seats in my '82 coupe. Upon close examination, I decided the passenger seat cushion didn't need new foam (the horsehair backrest was a whole other story).

I'd sell it for $70 shipped. Part No. is 123 910 31 50, just to ensure it's what you had in mind.

Russ M

You can get the pads from Fastlane or buymbparts and save a few bucks. I did a "how to" on the Vintage Forum a while ago. It was for a 114 coupe, but I wouldn't think there is a lot of difference.

The lower seat cushion in my 1998 C230 is kind of "squashed down" and not real comfortable. I bought it from the orig owner and he wasn't really very big (by American standards...). Is it typical for these to get worn out so fast? I was quoted 109.00 for a new lower cushion from the dealer. Is this going to be hard to replace? I think I would have to remove the seat and then remove the seat back and then remove the upholstery/cover.

Mike

Mike:

Yup, you got it.

The pads are actually rubberized animal hair (not usually horse hair anymore). The are molded to make the actual seat shape and aren't available from anybody but Benz (or the actual company that makes them). Not a bad price for something that can last 30 plus years if kept dry....

Junkyard seat pads are often fine (and often rotten, you just have to look).

You can "soften" up the seat a bit by putting a half inch sheet of "memory" foam on top of the pad under the seat cover when putting it back together -- Mb uses cotton padding, and it squashes down with age and gets pretty hard. I used some 1" polyurethane foam in my seatcovers, makes the 280 MUCH more comfortable.

Peter