Retrofitting third row of seats in E-class estate

[martin_j]

I am searching for a reasonably priced 7 seater diesel E class estate - from 2000 onwards - family is growing.

These seem to be kinda rare!

- so I was wondering if a normal estate can be retrofitted with a third seat row - has anybody done it? Experiences?

Thanks!

Martin J

 

[paulcallender]

As I understood it, the metalwork at the rear of the car is structurally different, not so much to accommodate the other fittings required, such as the seat belt mounting points, but to offer crash protection to the 6th & 7th occupants. So, while technically you could do it, it would be a whole lot of work! Also, you would have great trouble getting insurance. And when you come to sell it, the car would be worthless. Better off keeping looking for a genuine 7 seater. All the while I have been searching, they seem to be out there for sale...

 

[230K]

HI

We went through all this when we were looking for ours we heard that they could be retro fitted by MB for around £1K, I do not think they are strengthened compared to the non 7 seaters that is just sales talk.

Try the adds in back of Auto Trader and Exchange & mart etc there are companies that convert these for a living try a search on google even.

When we were expecting our 4th we looked for a long time and found a 7seat diesel 124 just before the baby arrived in July 03 and then we got a 98 300Td 7 seater there in Feb 04. Be patient and the right car will come along but do not rule out conversion.

230K

 

[maddog]

As I understood it, the metalwork at the rear of the car is structurally different, not so much to accommodate the other fittings required, such as the seat belt mounting points, but to offer crash protection to the 6th & 7th occupants. So, while technically you could do it, it would be a whole lot of work! Also, you would have great trouble getting insurance. And when you come to sell it, the car would be worthless. Better off keeping looking for a genuine 7 seater. All the while I have been searching, they seem to be out there for sale...

FWIW , I was told the same as Paul when i bought my 7 seater

 

[martin_j]

Thanks guys, I didn't want to rule things out.

We have three months before arrival of next one, which happily coincides with insurance and tax running out on the wife's proton, so we'll wait until the right one (as in a 7 seater) comes along.

Take care,

Martin J