W124 coupe seat backs

[Nik_Codling]

Hi All,

Returning to the forum after a lengthy absence - I guess that says something for these old 124s!

Unfortunately my '89 300CE has just failed an MoT because the seat backs don't lock in place. All the vacuum gubbins looks in good order, from a brief visual inspection, but for whatever reason it's not actuating the catch to lock the seat backs in place.

The irritating thing is it's been like this in the four years I've owned the car, and this is the first time it's failed for it.

Question one: is there is list of simple things I can check that might affect the operation?

Question two: for the purposes of passing an MoT would a mechanical means of preventing the seat back tilting (some appropriately placed heavy duty cable ties, for example???) be adequate?

All hints and tips appeciated to keep the old pimpmobile running!

cheers,

Nik

 

[paulcallender]

I take it you're actively watching http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=7256 but you're right, its a vacuum issue rather than a bodywork one!

If I were an MoT tester I'd fail a car whose seat backs were held upright with cable ties; but pass it if the vacuum mechanism/springs had been removed and the rods held in place in the 'lock' position with cable ties. In other words, I'd want to see the original hook being used to secure the seat backrest, but I'd not fail it if a non-standard way of holding these were used. Technically, there is nothing in the MoT manual to say the rear seat passengers need to be able to get in an out the car (elegantly).

 

[kth286]

Nik

Did you take it to a different MOT person ?

Did he know the engine has to be running - do you know ?

Regards

 

[Nik_Codling]

Hi David,

Yes, new MoT place for me this year - the garage I used to use started treating me like a walking wallet...

Not sure the examiner knows about the engine on/door shut thing, but I know that they still don't work, so one way or the other they'll have to be fixed.

cheers,

Nik

 

[kth286]

Nik

What about the other vacuum units ? Are the headlight adjustments working OK ? They work from vacuum.

I am wondering whether it is a local thing just on seats or a bigger picture.

Regards

 

[merc-mark]

Hi Nik,
Just a thought, but does your MOT tester know that the front seat backs on the W124 Coupes only lock in place when the car's actually moving. When the car is staionary, the seats can be pushed forward to allow access to the back seats without pressing the release button. The button on the side of the seat is only there to release the seat if the mechanism fails.

Just thought I'd check, sorry if I'm stating the obvious!

Best Regards,
Mark. ;-)

 

[paulcallender]

........... the front seat backs on the W124 Coupes only lock in place when the car's actually moving. When the car is staionary, the seats can be pushed forward to allow access to the back seats without pressing the release button. ...........

Not true!

They lock with the engine running and the doors closed. If

a) the door is open
b) the button is pressed
c) the engine is off

the seat will release.

 

[merc-mark]

....sorry Paul, I stand corrected...just been out for a quick spin in my E220 Coupe and you're right :Oops:
...well you live and learn!

Mark

 

[Nik_Codling]

fixed....kind of!

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to thank all of you who helped with explainations and advice - much apreciated.

The seats are now sorted - kind of! They lock in position now, and if you want to tip them forward you have to press the buttons on both seats, and they'll both tip forward. Alternatively you can just tip the passenger side one forward by pressing the button on that side.

Not got round to working out the logic of why it works like it does, but I think it boils down to the solenoid not working under the driver's seat.

Well whatever the reason, it's through the MoT now, and that's all that really matters! I was encouraged to see that the guy at the garage reckoned it was in pretty good shape.

cheers,

Nik