W123 Driver's Seat Removal - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rmmagow · #1 06-30-2003, 11:48 AM

I had occasion to remove my drivers seat this weekend to begin fixing some unwanted ventilation ports located in my floors :-)
When I pulled out the drivers seat I destroyed some plastic trim on the inboard side which is probably not too important. But, there was one thing I saw, kind of a black painted steel bar that looks like it's supposed to go through the seatbelt buckle end that's bolted the inboard side. What's it do and how am I supposed to get it back where it belongs? Does this whole assembly unbolt from the driveshaft tunnel? Thanks for any and all advise.

Kyle Blackmore · #2 06-30-2003, 12:06 PM

If I understand your question , the bar is bolted to the side of the tunnel just behind the end of the console.I've never unbolted the seat completely so I'm not sure what it bolts to on the front.Good luck.

Zoonhollis · #3 06-30-2003, 03:57 PM

This setbelt retaining assembly (or guide rail for the seat...not quite sure of its function) pivots upward slightly, and is simply inserted through the belt receiver when re-installing the seat. I've done this many times, and it has the potential to be very frustrating the first time 'round.

Stage_wizards · #4 07-05-2003, 01:05 PM

A guy in Washington (state of) publishes a useful guide to seat rebuilding. It also shows all the workings. Good investment, since I am running 2 300TDs
Another low-tech solution -look at the other seat to figure out what goes where.
It took me a while to learn that one -duhhhh.

haasman · #5 07-05-2003, 03:37 PM

rmmagow

The "black painted steel bar that looks like it's supposed to go through the seatbelt buckle end " is part of your seatbelt anchoring system.

It does go through the lower portion of the buckle and your seatbelt with not function properly without it doing so. The purpose of the bar is to supply a "localize anchor point" meaning where ever the seat is adjusted, full forward or aft, the seatbelt buckle has a point close to the lowest portion of the hip. Since a seat can accommodate both a 4' X" to a 6'X" persons, without a moving anchor point the buckle cannot effectively accommodate all body types. The sliding buckle mount can.

Typically you can remove the front seats without also detaching this anchor by removing all four seat bolts, any wiring and then sliding the whole seat assembly forward until the inside buckle assembly comes off the steel bar you mentioned. Generally you do not have to unbolt this steel bar.

Hopefully this was helpful.

Haasman