W204 Heated seats overheating/fire risk

[Don Byrne]

Hi I have a 2014 w204 c class. Today I felt excessive heat on the back portion of the seat to the point of it being burning . I turned off the heating on the seat and noticed that there was a small smudge on the leather in the region of this “overheating” and got the whiff of something burning but no smoke.. I’m wondering has anyone come across this before. I assume it involves seat out and possible repair to element or associated electrics.

 

[Uncle Benz]

I've only ever seen it once before, on a BMW 6 series. A short circuit in the heating pad had led to a very localised overheating. It actually burned a small hole through the leather on that car. Not common at all, but potentially dangerous, as you imply.

 

[EmilysDad]

I've seen it on a Vauxhall too ..... similar result. Kneeling on the seat to reach over the car doesn't help!

 

[sonic]

Never had a problem with numerous MB's all had heated seats.

 

[onefortheroad]

Very apt user name .

 

[Don Byrne]

Very apt user name .

unfortunate irony under the circumstances...

 

[Don Byrne]

I've seen it on a Vauxhall too ..... similar result. Kneeling on the seat to reach over the car doesn't help!

Not so much kneeling on it. Have a bad back so use it only on cold mornings or if the back is acting up and need a boost of heat into it.

 

[EmilysDad]

Not so much kneeling on it. Have a bad back so use it only on cold mornings or if the back is acting up and need a boost of heat into it.

I meant that kneeling on the seats can damage the heating element ...

 

[Gazwould]

There's only one nocturnal activity I can think of that has damaged that in that way...

 

[M80]

Not unknown

burning seat heater - Google Search
and I'm sure there will be more.

In your case I would be looking for a 2nd hand replacement on eBay. An issue there can be being sure the seat is heated as not all sellers give an accurate description, but you have 30 days to raise a case.

Meanwhile settings 2 and 3 apply a lower voltage to the heater so is far less likely to give you hot pants.

 

[Don Byrne]

offending areas circled in red

 

[Don Byrne]

Will let forum know outcome. Booked into local MB dealer Monday

 

[Blobcat]

offending areas circled in red

I didn't think the heater was in the bolsters, just in the main back section

 

[EmilysDad]

Will let forum know outcome. Booked into local MB dealer Monday

The dealer will want to sell you a seat cover at £££££££££££££££££££££££££££££s after they've charged you a diagnostic fee to tell you that your seat heater element is goosed!

 

[BillyBoy]

I didn't think the heater was in the bolsters, just in the main back section

Agreed - I wonder if it has be pushed out of position at some point (maybe by a previous owner?) and that's what's damaged the element?

 

[00slk]

The dealer will want to sell you a seat cover at £££££££££££££££££££££££££££££s after they've charged you a diagnostic fee to tell you that your seat heater element is goosed!

Heated seat cover's aren't too badly priced at MB around £600 per cover, actually that sounds a alot but you do get brand new leather with a sewn in element So £2400 for the front seats.......
That really didn't help you did it

 

[EmilysDad]

Heated seat cover's aren't too badly priced at MB around £600 per cover, actually that sounds a alot but you do get brand new leather with a sewn in element So £2400 for the front seats.......
That really didn't help you did it

How much?!?!
I'd expect to be able to buy a road going car for £2400!

 

[00slk]

How much?!?!
I'd expect to be able to buy a road going car for £2400!

That price is for an SL55, I would be expecting a cheaper price for saloon or even the SL500. AMG for some reason commands higher prices
I can remember paying £205 for w124 estates in 2006

 

[Don Byrne]

By way of a belated update guys on this issue I Ultimately got a replacement back with the built-in element. Image of damage done to original attached. Wasn’t cheap to repair but I couldn’t just leave it or disconnect.

 

[sonic]

By way of a belated update guys on this issue I Ultimately got a replacement back with the built-in element. Image of damage done to original attached. Wasn’t cheap to repair but I couldn’t just leave it or disconnect.

Thanks for the update, pleased you got sorted.