At first everything works, but after I sit and drive for about 15 minutes, the forward and backward do not work, others positions work fine. It happens the same thing the next day. Any sugesstion would be appreciated. Thanks 96' C280

 

I have this same problem. Help, please?

 

Wow no one has answered this, I have the same problem, did a search -- nothing

 

My wifes car had a similiar problem. when the seat was moved it would pinch some wire under the seat.

 

I resolved this problem in my 1999 C230 by changing the seat adjustment relay located in the trunk of my car. I have read that that solder joints inside the relay crack and can be re soldered, but this only worked temporarily for me.

 

Could you tell us please where this relay is located in the trunk?

 

another possibility may be the seat switch - our 99 C230 did the same thing. Ended up replacing the switch in the door. (tried pulling it out & hitting it with electric connector cleaner - but that really didn't help) easy to replace in the door - took about 15min.

here's a source for your switch - if you choose to go that direction. (Car Part Wholesale - Auto Parts and Accessories Catalog - Seat Switch For 1996 Mercedes Benz C280 Base 6 Cyl 2.8L)

Cheers,
Ed

 

The relay in my car is under a plastic panel which is in front of the space where the spare tire lies. The relay is on the passenger side of the car in my vehicle. Hope that helps.

 

With this good information I did a search on "comfort relay" and got this additional info:

"Mercedes Benz 1998 C280 Relay part # is 002-542-22-19 this will fix your power seats from doing crazy stuff.
Example:
Working only in the morning, only works every now and then, with door open, key in or out. Purchase k24 relay and all your problems will go away. My Benz dealer charged me $42.90 for a new relay"

Anyway - looks like the mystery is solved. My thanks especially to 1729er for putting this thread onto the right track.