Anyone else had back pain issues with w210 seats?
 

I have a 2002 e320. When I got it, last September, at first blush I really liked the seats. This is important for me as I have chronic lower and mid back pain issues.

However, when I took my w123 out of storage a few weeks ago, it became apparent that the increased back issues I had over the winter (my chiro is probably going to Spain on me soon) were being badly irritated by the Mercedes seat. A few days driving the w123 and most of my pain was gone.

Has anyone else had this issue? And found a workaround that didn't involve changing cars?

I basically like the car and will keep it if something can be done. For example:
- w140 seat?
- w124 seat?
- VW or Volvo seat?
- some sort of orthopedic item?

I really need a power seat, so installing a w123 one isn't an option.

I am currently sitting on an ortho back lower cushion in the car. It helps a bit but only so far. Three hour drive and I can barely walk when I exit the car.

Thanks

I didn't like the lower back support in my W210, but I don't have the back issues you do. Even my Dodge minivan and VW have better seats with adjustable lumbar support.

There are some orthopedic seats with more support features (like these https://www.ebay.com/itm/1996-2002-Mercedes-Benz-W210-E320-E430-E420-HEATED-ORTHOPEDIC-leather-seat-FRONT/191666342327?hash=item2ca03449b7:g:VosAAOSwd0BV0rL7)
but I'm not sure what else they need, like control units or vac/air hoses.

I don’t know if basic 210s are previews and plumbed for ortho seats. The complexity of a retrofit might drive you to replacing the car. If not a 210 with ortho seats then a 211 with dynamic seats. Does Recaro still make ortho seats?

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

Thanks for the replies. I found a few threads on the other forum. I am not alone.

I am trying a memory foam support now and have a wood bead seat overlay on order. If those don't improve things, the car will go.

Pity as it's a nice car overall and an awesome highway eater.

i had lower back problems and sciatica. an opportunity arose for me to buy Designo seats
off a totaled 210 so I grabbed them. arguably, it would have been less expensive for me
to try other appliances such as inflatable lumbar insert, pillow from goodwill, etc. but the
Designo seat did help quite a bit.

Designo seats only have different colored leather, correct?

that they do. their color palette differs from the standard leather interior so it's
not a simple "anyone have charcoal designo?" request but the luck of the draw
whether the color combination compliments your interior/exterior. to that end,
I was fortunate

Actually in Germany you can still select the colors specifically, including bright yellow. In the US it is generally a pre-determined and conservative color combination.

https://www.mercedes-benz.de/passengercars/mercedes-benz-cars/designo/center-of-excellence/exclusive-consulting-details.pi.html/mercedes-benz-cars/designo/center-of-excellence/exclusive-consulting-details