[mike mohun]

I am finding it is difficult to get comfortable in the driver seat, and some passengers have complained about discomfort. I am curious, is anyone else having this problem. The seats appear hard, not soft. Will they soften with time and use. There appears to be little thorasic support. I have played with lumbar support and position but cannot seem to get comfortable. I am even experiencing a little back pain. Are there other seats I can order to replace the standard.

 

[BMcD-E500]

E500 Seats

Mike - I have a new E500 and have not had a problem with seat comfort. I am assuming the seats are the same - mine has the active ventilation but I don't think that changes the seat construction too much. I keep mine adjusted with the seat bottom up in front and down in back with the seat back pretty vertical. I don't bother with the lumbar as I find it pretty ineffective. Go sit in my wife's Jeep Liberty if you want discomfort!!

 

[odayta]

seat comfort

Mike,

I have a new c230 coupe and have experienced the same discomfort. German seats have generally been on the "firm" side over the years. Definately going to take some serious adaptation on my part and if it becomes a big enough issue, I will part company with the car. I did not notice how uncomfortable the seats were during my test drives but now that I've done a couple 150 mile trips....mmmmm...not good.

Anybody else have comments on Stuttgart's design parameters for seating ergonomics?

BTW, with a mere 90 miles on the clock, the ESP died. To the workshop!
Definately not good.

 

[EMan]

Seat Comfort

Mike, I have a '01 E320 and I have an order in for a '03 E500. I have the same concern regarding seat comfort. My '01 is most comfortable as all my previous Benz cars have been but when I test drove the '03 I did not get the same feel. I hope other Forum members weigh in on this question!

 

[jakemj8402]

E500 seats

Yes, the seats of the new E-classes are rather firm; however, this is typical of any Mercedes product. Could we be a little softer than our German friends? Perhaps. If you find the seats too uncomfortable I wouldn't keep the car, lack of comfort will really kill the driving experience that you paid for when you purchased this sixty-plus thousand dollar car, correct? Don't just sell the car right away give your back sometime to adjust. I remember my first pair of Birkenstocks, I wanted a pair because everyone was saying how comfortable and anatomically correct they. My experience was not the same as theres had been in the beginning; at first they felt rock hard and painful, after awhile though, my feet adjusted to them and they were the most comfortable pair of shoes I had ever worn. Just some things to think about.

-Jake

 

[dmatre]

Try raising the thigh support in order to reduce the pressure on your "butt". I thought the seats in my C230SportSedan were uncomfortable, but once I raised the seat front, my legs were more fully supported, and now I find the seat to be very comfortable.

 

[DEREK E500]

As a new member to the forum and to MB after 25 years of BMW's I can say that I agree with the premise of the super firm seats of German Makers.

My 2003 E500 was ordered with the Active Seats which at $1200. were pricey but I have found that the standard Benz seats as well as BMW versions lack much in support vs the so called Comfort Seats.
The only other seat I can recommend is the SPARCO seats whick I had in an early 964 Porsche.

Derek