Safety, 7 seater Merc?

[Autofix]

Hi all,

I have need of a 7 seater but I really dont want an MPV type.

The first thought in my mind is a late model 210 estate but I have to wonder about the safety aspect of the rear seats. Google has not been much help so far. Any thoughts?

The safety aspect of the rear seats is my main concern but I also wonder about the comfort.
When we need 7 seats there will be 3 or 4 adults, 3 kids and some luggage. Most journeys will be short but there will be a few 300 mile motorway trips too.

thanks

 

[Myros]

they are safe enough

otherwise they'd never pass the tuv or be homologated in Germany , or anywhere else. As for the luggage, you can stow a bit under the kids feet, but strap it down to be certain there are d rings in the boot for that purpose. Anything large will have to go on the roof. Here comes the top box again for the long trips.
My kids love going in the back.

 

[star]

Not sure bout safety issue, but rear seats and luggage dont mix well, just not enough space and luggage mixed with children in an accident... not good.

 

[bushy30]

4 adults, 2 kids and uggage for a long weekend from Oxfordshire to East Devon was OK, If we needed the 7th seat then luggage would've been a problem, but then there are roof bars so I guess a top box would help !!!

Anyway all very comfortable, kids still think the back is an adventure!

Cheers

Bushy

 

[mattsurf]

My kids love the rear seats - 4 adults and 3 children fit without problem.

You will need a roof box for carrying luggage - a couple of soft bags will fit between the 2 rows of seats, and some other soft bags will fit in the footwell (if you have very small kids)

I am not aware of safety issues - it can't be less safe than another 7 seater, although the rear passengers will not be as well protected as those in the middle row of seats. I understand that the rear seats are within the passenger protection zone within the car, so the rear crumple zones are behind the rear seats

A mercedes W210 is a much better choice than a 7 seater if you can live with the reduced carrying capacity and your kids are 12 or less as the rear seats will be too small for a teenager

 

[GMK]

My sister-in-law has 3 of these and swears by them. They regularly carry 2-3 adults, 4 kids, a dog plus luggage in the roof box between their London and Glasgow homes. The kids range from 6-12 years and the rear-facing seats seem fine

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

The 7 seat option is well fitted and comes with 3 point seat belts. I have had the 124 variant and currently have the 210 with this option. I retrofitted the 124 using a company called Luxury7.

The kids loved the rear seats and they will comfortably accomodate average sized 12 year olds. A roof box is essential if you need to carry any amount of luggage.

As regards safety, the seats offer very good front impact protection as the occupants are facing backwards. However, the consequences of a hard rear impact, 30mph plus are better discussed with MB. Like everything there is a risk, I have never seen the consequences of such a shunt to the bodyshell. Obvoiusly the passenger cell is well ptotected but whether the rear of the estate is reinforced to provide extra protection to the extra seats I'm not sure.

Hope this helps!

 

[Autofix]

Thanks for the replies.

The safety of the rear seats was my main corncern because of how far back they are but even though I have not found any data specific to these seats I would imagine they must be TUV etc passed.

From a pratical point of view I cant see any reason to pick something else over the 210T. An ML would also need the roof box but I cant see Mrs Autofix managing to load suitcases up that height. Another plus point is the value for money that late 210's are now. All I need to do now is find a LHD one

Thanks again

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks for the replies.

The safety of the rear seats was my main corncern because of how far back they are but even though I have not found any data specific to these seats I would imagine they must be TUV etc passed.

Not an issue to my mind when you see how close the seats are to the back window in most "people movers" The Zafira's are particularly bad in that respect and I wouldn't fancy anyone being rear-ended in one of those.

I have a requirement for 6/7 seats and luggage space so have just bought a Caravelle.

 

[SilverSaloon]

i have a 7 seather W124 estate.

we have used the extra seats for the kids for local driving - i would use them for long distance aswell.

however i do worry about what would happen if someone rear ended you at speed. this is my concern.

 

[100%Bitch]

My sister-in-law has 3 of these and swears by them. They regularly carry 2-3 adults, 4 kids, a dog plus luggage in the roof box between their London and Glasgow homes. The kids range from 6-12 years and the rear-facing seats seem fine

Poor dog, getting stuffed in the roof box with all that luggage.