98 C230 seat rattle

[JCE]

The power driver seat in our C230 has developed an annoying muted rattle in the middle of the seat back. It occurs mostly when driving over tar strips or pot holes in the road. If I lean forward so my back doesn't touch the seat back, it mostly stops making noise. Head rest position doesn't seem to make any difference. Anybody familiar with the inner workings of the seat back or have any ideas on what is going on?

Thanks for any info,

[shandy]

Look here,http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp?TP=1&F=202085&M=111%2E975&GA=722%2E605&GM=717%2E460&CT=F&cat=45H&SID=91&SGR=060&SGN=01, for parts diagram.
Hope it helps,Geo.

[JCE]

Thank you - interesting site! It helps to be able to see what is inside the seat back.

[suginami]

You know John, with the seat rattling and all, I think it's time you give up on the car before it nickel and dimes you to death.

I'll do you a favor and take it off your hands. Just sign the pink slip to me...

[JCE]

You know John, with the seat rattling and all, I think it's time you give up on the car before it nickel and dimes you to death.

Actually, once all the factory problems were repaired (fuel sensors x3, auto trans 4 times, rear sway bar links, AC controller/display, etc), mostly under warranty, this had been a great car. Most probs were sorted out by 25k, and we have 125k on the clock now with only routine work. Of course, MB never did completely sort out the trans, but it is still going at 125k with only occasional 2/3 long flares. Compared to the 3 Honda products we owned, it has been a benchmark for reliability and low cost repairs! Compared to the 2 Toyotas, it has been a standard for enduring fit and finish/rattle free build quality, though the Toys win on the reliability department. (Hondas lost in both areas).

The seat noise doesn't bother my wife, it is so faint (but then, she never hears me, either ). It mostly bugs me that it is 11 years newer than my 300E which is rattle free, while our C230 has a rattle in the seat back and the driver seat belt latch. In fact, ouir indie say's that the early 98 car is known for rattles in the seat belt, problems with the trans, and short-lived door check straps, and doesn't recommend replacing the strap. But the 4 banger is a gem, keeps on turnin and giving great gas mileage.

I like it, would probably buy another late 98 if this one were stolen or totalled. Now, if you want to even trade pinks for your V8 W210, maybe we can talk!

[suginami]

Originally Posted by JCE

I like it, would probably buy another late 98 if this one were stolen or totalled. Now, if you want to even trade pinks for your V8 W210, maybe we can talk!

Yeah, if we got rid of the Volvo and we were looking for another sedan for my wife, I'd look for a C230.

However, I don't think I could give up my V8.

[BenzOnline]

What I have in my seat back of the C230 is not a rattle but a "knock" type sound as pressure is applied to the back of it when accelerating...and I dont mean foot to the floor eitheir.

I tighten every screw but its somewhere in the seat back...any ideas?