[Quickstep192]

The (leather) seats in my new sports coupe seem unusually firm. I know they're supposed to be supportive and all like that, but to me they are firm to the point of being uncomfortable. Anybody else having this experience? Will they "break in" in time? If so, how long can I expect this to take?

 

[Mark08859]

I have the leather seats also. Sport seats should remain relatively firm for the extra support during spirited driving. But, don't worry, as with any other seat, there will be some contouring to your "features".

 

[Beavis]

I have the cloth seats, but they are also quite firm. I am hoping they will break in as well.

 

[odayta]

seat comfort

Yes, the seats are like, firm shall we say? Spirited driving is great but these seats are too much. I hope they limber up before my butt and back give out.

 

[pokerface]

Re: seat comfort

Yes, the seats are like, firm shall we say? Spirited driving is great but these seats are too much. I hope they limber up before my butt and back give out.

i tend to sink into mine (twin leather c240)

 

[odayta]

Re: seat comfort

i tend to sink into mine (twin leather c240) [/quote]

That's good news. How long did it take for them to break in and become softer and more compliant?

 

[mctwin2kman]

Mine are fine, but it is all a matter of opinion. I like them firm and they help my lower back pain as well. The heated option just makes it all that much better.

 

[pokerface]

Re: seat comfort

i tend to sink into mine (twin leather c240)

That's good news. How long did it take for them to break in and become softer and more compliant?[/quote]

I dont remember exactly when that started happening... but my car is a bit over 2 years old now

oh yeah, also the bottom cushion MB Tex started to stretch (or more likely, the padding receded from the MB tex...

the seats dont give me much support. I usually slip in my eyeglass case between my lower back and the seatback for additional support. Lateral support however isnt that great. my friend's 325xi's seats are much more comfortable and supportive (side bolsters are great too)

 

[odayta]

Seats

My car now has 250 miles on it and I am ready to part company with it. This is like a bad dream but unfortunately it is a reality that may end up costing me real money.

The seating ergonomics are simply unacceptable for me. Before I sell it, I will consult a specialist about elevating the front portion of the seat by shimming the attach points, achieving an overall rearward seat tilt which I hope will ease some of the muscle strain and help support the lumbar region.

I'm afraid I bought the wrong car. I now wish I could have done an hour long test drive which would have revealed the achilles heel. What a pity. The c230K is a fantastic car. I just can't go on any trips with it so what's the point?

If I can remedy the situation, I will certainly enjoy the car. If not, someone on this forum may stumble upon a fantastic deal if they have cash and are willing to come to Michigan.

This machine is a new 1.8 brilliant silver, charcoal leather 5 spd auto, factory installed CD, heated front seats and C2 value added package model.

 

[Quickstep192]

I'm now at 2500 miles and begining to see some breaking in. I hope it continues 'cause it's really becoming a pain in the you know what!

 

[GUY]

I believe that a general criticism about Benz seats is that they are "too" firm. Personally I'm v comortable in mine, but everyone likes different things, and I also have no back complaints (yet!!) to bother me.

 

[Beavis]

odayta,
Have you considered shopping for some padded (perhaps even contoured) seat covers? Probably not your first choice (especially if you have heated leather), but you might be able to make the seat more comfortable and spend way less than you'll lose by selling or trading a brand new car.

I have over 5,000 on mine, and the seats are still quite firm. However, my Subaru outback also has very firm seats. Volkswagen has nice cumfy seats though.

 

[Quickstep192]

What are eveyone's feeling about what makes them uncomforatble? To me, it seems to me the foam is to hard. Could a good upholstery shop improve them? If enough of us complain to MB will they fix it or pay for the fix? What are your thoughts?

 

[craniusmaximus]

If enough of us complain to MB will they fix it or pay for the fix? What are your thoughts?

Not a snowballs chance in hell! It would have to be a safety issue and the NTSB would have to lean on them.

 

[Bluecord2]

I've used leather conditioner on all of my leather surfaces, the conditioner also helps the impression in the back seat after folding it down ontop of theseatbelt buckle.

 

[callison]

be careful what you wish for...

Let me preface this by saying: I am NOT a chiropractor. So, I may be full of it....

However, I love my seats (charcoal leather in a 2003). In fact, my 60 year old father drove the car the other day, for the 1st time, and the first words uttered out of his mouth were - My god this feels incredible on my back - Seriously.

Now, this is a guy who has had a bad back, from years of manual labor, and had neck/spinal surgery in 2001.

I recall people saying that the best way to cure a stiff or aching back is to lay on a flat hard surface - no comfy surfaces.

Thus, perhaps those that don't feel comfortable in the seats have irritable backs anyway and soft surfaces feel better but, may not be the best thing long-term.

Now, this doesn't corresond with my father's immediate overwhelming comfort level in the seats but, it is something to think about.

By the way, I commute almost 2 hours every day and I am extremely comfortable!

 

[jakemj8402]

Everybody is built differently to an extent. People need support in different places, unfortunately there is no one size fits all seat. Most manufactures build a seat in accordance to the height of an average size male (5'8"). However, the Swedes have seat building down to an exact science, our Volvo has seats to accomodate just about any form, I've never heard any complaints. MB just like most other German manufacturers believes in extremely firm seats, but its not for everyone.

 

[WYLDBLACKBENZ]

Seats

My seats are perfect. I also have the leather, and they do not seem firm. Good luck all.

 

[Quickstep192]

If Volvo can do it, why can't MB?

 

[beats1234]

Yeah they're firm

I always thought that the coupe leather seats were so firm because the leather is budget or something. I think they're just supposed to be firm. My old IS300 definitely had harder seats with higher quality leather/escaine, so I don't think it's the quality, rather the sports factor.