I have a '02 E320. The driver's heated seat (both elements) are not working. It's not a fuse or controller, the connection under the seat is receiving voltage for both power settings. Also, the other side of the connection isn't showing any conductivity (the passenger side shows both elements at about 3 ohms). The seat used to work fine and doesn't see much action as I live in Texas.

1. Is this a common problem?
2. Anybody have ideas as to why both elements would quit working at the same time?
3. The connection I'm checking is right under the front of the seat, is there another connection closer to the element?
4. The dealer here says that I need to replace the entire seat cover $1000+ as the element is integrated into the cover. Is that true?
5. I'm going to remove the seat and cover to further diagnose soon, any hints or suggestions for doing this successfully?
6. While I have it apart, I'm going to replace the cushion for the bottom of the seat. Any suggestions or hints for things to do/not do while I change it out?
7. Lastly, I always used a manual for working on vehicles. There are usually little things you pick up that save time. The only manual I find for this car is a DVD from MB ($200). Is there any other route to go?

I would appreciate any information/ideas someone would be willing to give on the above.

Thanks in advance...

 

If The seats are getting power from the seat switch ..Then use a OHM Meter to check the heat elements
You can use other heat pads from other models that WILL Work ...
But the seat will have to be removed frome the car and taken apart

Locate a copy of Mercedes Benz WIS as it has ALL The Info on ANY repair on ALL Mercedes Vehicles made

 

Thanks for the reply.

At the connector, the elements have no conductivity (infinite resistance if you choose). The same check on the passenger side yields 3ohms. So it looks like the elements are bad. After some more reading, it sounds like it isn't that rare. I read somewhere that someone suggested W202 chassis for purchasing pads, do you have any experience with which model to use?

Is there an inexpensive way of getting my hands on WIS.

Thanks

 

I had a 98 E320 that had a bad heated seat element. The drivers seat heated up to the point of being extremely uncomfortable before it suddenly burned out. At the time it was replaced under warantee. I remember that the leather seat bottom skin was replaced since the heating element was attached to the underside of the leather. The seat back was not working but started to work when the bottom was replaced. The cause of the failure was stretched wires and folded seat pad. Apparently, kneeling on the seat will stretch the wires and cause eventual burnout. I NEVER kneel on my seats now.
The entire seat was removed and disassembled to do the work. It took several hours for a leather seat specialist (NOT a dealer employee)to complete the work. The black leather initially looked different but after three months of daily use it took on the same lustre as the rest of the car.
You might want to consider obtaining a replacement seat from an auto wrecker. Convertible top specialistsusually do seats.

 

The 202 pads will work....one needs the seat removed to remove the seat pads..as the heat pads are sewn to the leather
try ebay for the WIS CD

 

How do heated seats even work? I have them on my E320 and 420SEL.