W126 orthopedic seat retrofit - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Solid Snake · #1 03-05-2010, 10:15 PM

Hey guys,

I may soon be getting myself all the parts to the orthopedic seats for a W126.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "cool story, bro."

BUT, I am doing this in an UN-orthodox manner; I'm going to retrofit the little bladders and vacuum lines into my existing seats, as opposed to just buying the seats whole and getting new covers.

Now, has anyone ever even done this? I'm just a kid, and I want to know from you guys, much more experienced than I'll ever be, if this is even an endeavor worth taking.

To be honest, I don't need em; if I want the fancy seats I'll take dad's 740iL, but I kinda want em just to say I have em. It's why I bought the 560 instead of a 420 5 years ago; rear power heated seats.

But in theory, since I'm going to be redoing my two front seat pads and covers this summer, can I do it?

If I do, I will most certainly be taking pictures; I'll even take pictures of all the mechanisms and do-hickeys so you guys may even be able to conjure some non-factory ones up.

Thanks for any advice,

Carlen

RichardM98 · #2 03-06-2010, 03:06 PM

Great project, good luck.

There's a WIS procedure for retrofitting the ortho code to the W210. But there's not much detail. If the W124 is similar, you'll be running wire and cutting holes in console trim for the switches. That might be the hard part considering you'll have the cushions apart anyway.

Keep us posted.

Solid Snake · #3 03-06-2010, 03:31 PM

Thanks; I was looking through my workshop CD, and there is a procedure for removal and installation of the manual orthopedic units, but none for the electric full-Monty's.

It's good to hear that it's possible on newer cars; I just wish MB would have made the procedures more detailed...

As for the running wire and cutting for switches, that scares me a little bit; I'm sort of a purist, and want to perform this as minimally invasive as possible. Do I still need to cut holes for switches if I'll be receiving the control units that go next to the seat as well?

I figure'd I'd have to cut up some to wire and vacuum the system, just not on my precious (yet not so pretty) console...

Thanks,

Carlen

RichardM98 · #4 03-06-2010, 06:55 PM

Carlen - Sorry I guess my morning coffee hadn't had it's full effect. You are right. The ortho seats are pneumatic and only require the controls between the seat and console. I was thinking of the retro fit for the heated seats which require the switches.

BTW, I've read one post where they stated that the 'pockets' for the air bladders are present and you only need to insert the bladders. Hopefully that's true for yours.

Solid Snake · #5 03-07-2010, 10:25 PM

Thanks Richard,

I sure hope it's a drop in mod; make my life that much easier!

I'm toying with the idea of doing the passenger seat first, so if I mess up I won't have bladders filling on their own while driving, giving me the heebie jeebies.

I'm just wondering where the heck the closest vacuum line is; I'm guessing for the door lock system?

Carlen

compu_85 · #6 03-08-2010, 10:33 AM

You'll need to run a new line to the back of the car, and exchange the central locking pump for one that can also run the seats.

-Jason

Solid Snake · #7 03-08-2010, 10:38 AM

Very interesting Jason,

I'm getting the gear from a 500 SEL; should I get that pump as well?

And also, do you know if I need to run one line and T it off, or two separate lines?

Thanks,

Carlen

compu_85 · #8 03-08-2010, 11:27 AM

I would assume you run one line from the pump up to where the seats are, and T is off from there. As I understand it the pump just makes a constant pressure (and shuts off when that pressure is reached) and the dials set the pressure going to the balloons in the seats. I may be wrong tho. I'd give the service manual a read

-J

RichardM98 · #9 03-08-2010, 01:24 PM

Here are a couple of diagrams of the pneumatic tubing routing.

Regarding the front bladder (#11). My seat has a stretch fabric panel on the front to accommodate the inflation of the bladder. You might compare the seats you are removing it from and yours to see if that's an issue.

Also, you need to remove the console to retrofit the left seat.

Solid Snake · #10 03-08-2010, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardM98

Here are a couple of diagrams of the pneumatic tubing routing.

Regarding the front bladder (#11). My seat has a stretch fabric panel on the front to accommodate the inflation of the bladder. You might compare the seats you are removing it from and yours to see if that's an issue.

Also, you need to remove the console to retrofit the left seat.

That's the other thing I don't know; I'm outsourcing for the junkyard parts, and from what I've heard, the seat covers are in pretty shoddy conditions, so I don't even know if the covers are different. I'll check with the guy who does Mercedes restorations in town.

It also looks to me from that diagram that it's T'd off at the very end, which is nice, considering I want to rip up as little carpet as possible

Thanks again guys,

Carlen

Solid Snake · #11 03-09-2010, 10:29 PM

Alright,

So I asked the dude today, and he says that the seat covers are the same; I can see that as the truth, as there's a lot of 'cushion' in these seats, leaving plenty of room for expansion.

Makes this endeavor one bit easier...

Carlen

compu_85 · #12 03-09-2010, 11:00 PM

Be sure to take pictures

Solid Snake · #13 06-24-2010, 09:44 AM

Hey guys,

So I got the stuff yesterday; some facts about the orthopedic seats...

-The seat covers are the same for the W126! Now I don't have to worry about new seat covers after all.

- The tubing T's off at the end in a W126 as well; it's exactly the same set up as in the W210 service manual.

I'll be taking pictures later; but how do I get the bladders and horsehair pads out of the front parts of the seat? remove those plastic clips?

Thanks,

Carlen

Solid Snake · #14 06-24-2010, 10:06 AM

Alright, first pics; too lazy to go down to the garage to take pics of the seats (yet).

First is a picture of the correct central locking pump; note the second plug to the right of the remaining hose.

Second and third pictures are of the 4 tubes that go into the seat for the bladders, and the 5th supply hose.

Last picture is of the control unit for the side of the seats; I'm not going to lie, they're a LOT smaller than I had imagined.

Post requests for specific shots of the stuff.

Solid Snake · #15 07-02-2010, 08:18 PM

Hey guys,

Sorry about the wait on the other pics/ installation; I've been working like a madman lately (59 hrs last week, 64 this week

).

So these pretty much document the installation/ difference in the pads. There was a sticker with a part number (?) on the back of the lumbar pad, so I snapped a shot in case it can still be purchased...

First upload...