7th January 2009 |

NEEDED: Third-Row Seats for 2003 Mercedes ML (Used OEM or After-Market)

  • Owner of new 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML 320 "Sport" wants to add the optional third-row seats (first offered on new 2003 models). Because a fuel-efficient 3.2 liter model with 3rd-row option was not available, I am now seeking source of used or discarded OEM Seats that fit 2003 ML 320s, ML 350s, ML 420s or ML 500s, preferably in matching Java leather. Will also consider after-market 3rd-row, forward-facing seats that will fit the 2003 models. What I need is a contact -- address and contact info. -- for a source that has the above seats (hopefully also 3-point seatbelt assembly) for me to purchase and what is the asking price. I am located in Texas, but will consider picking up items in Europe if necessary. Good lluck and I hope you can find a reliable source.


  • Hello - Please note: I don't consider this answer finished until you are satisfied with it. If you choose to rate this answer, please do so after asking for any necessary clarification or information. Thanks for your understanding. A company called JAT Design manufactures 3rd row seats for your Mercedes ML 320. o Two head rests o Removable quick release system o Factory leather, java color [will look up by VIN if needed], pleats, perforations, o 2 lap belts; optional shoulder harnesses o 3-point seatbelt assembly Price is $1198 + approximately $80 for shipping from Florida. JAT Design (A gentleman named Joe is the owner) http://www.jatdesign.net/ (904) 280-7979 If this source does not meet your needs, please let me know. jbf777 Search strategy: "3rd row" mercedes


  • Thank you for your very fast response -- unfortunately it does not answer the question, however. What we are seeking are forward-facing full-size 3rd-row seats that were (optionally) made available in the 2003 so-called "redesigned" ML-Class. We checked out the product available from JAT Design, FL (they sent photos by e-mail) and it is a single children's seat for two (they say children up to age 13) which is preferably mounted rear-facing -- clearly these were designed for, and have been installed in many earlier ML-class models, before Mercedes made modifications (2003 models only) to permit using two "full-size" 3-rd row seats (you can see from the www.jatdesign.net web site that what they build is "children's seats.") So, to answer our question, you need to continue your search to find forward-facing 3rd-row seats comparable to those offered optionally by Mercedes Benz for their 2003 ML-class vehicles. These seats will differ from the old-design child's seat in that they sit closer to the floor to provide head room for an adult (the 2ne-row seats in the new 2003 ML slide forward to give leg-room for the forward-facing 3rd-row). Also, the OEM parts are in form of TWO seats rather than one which permits using only ons-sided seating to make room for luggage (something we did in Europe last year). Thus, we would prefer two seats. If you cannot find used or "discarded" (i.e., someone has bought a new model off the storeroom floor with these seats but does'nt want them) OEM seats, perhaps there is an after-market manufacturer like JAT design who makes full-size seats for the new ML. If there were a way to e-mail a photo to Google of the new 3rd-row Mercedes ML seats from a brousure I have I will be glad to post it. Good luck on your search.


  • Hello - I will continue to search. However, Mercedes-Benz says these cannot be retrofitted as of 2001. Another dealer of seats concurs. This rules out OEM seats. Jordan


  • You are correct that North American Mercedes, beginning 2001, got out of the after-market installation of 3rd-row seats in the ML-Class (they now prefer putting in DVDs and chrome grills). This has to do, clearly, with the state of manufacturer's liability litigation in this country, particularly in the wake of increased SUV deaths by ejection and misused seatbelt constraints. But, in fact, the new 2003 ML's come with all of the quick-release mounting attachments recessed in the carpeted rear floor to fit and sustain the OEM 3rd-row seats. So if you can locate used or "abandoned" OEM seats for any 2003 ML-Class vehicle, they will click right in instantly, no modifications needed. Get the seats and we then simply deal with the 3-point seat belt issue by going to a clasic car supplier to provide belts (made for older cars that did not have belts originally), and that manufacturer assume the liability (something with which you or I can be totally comfortable, but North American Mercedes will not). So, OEM seats are, in fact, perfect if you can get them -- one needs to find a body shop or non-certified Mercedes dealer who may know where a pair of these seats can be found!! A European contact might also be a possibility since we should not assume that Damlier-Benz after-market policy on this outside the U.S. is the same as North American Mercedes. If color can't be matched, replacing leather is the next step. Keep up the good work.


  • I have located a specialized Mercedes "salvage lot" company that has their own warehouse in addition to being tied into a "network" of junkyard/salvage lots across the country. The link is here: http://www.mercedes-auto-and-parts.com/salvage_parts/ml320-interior_parts-salvage_parts---51_807_113_0.html For $5.95 they will perform a search for this part. For the part name, you can try selecting "Other," but it didn't work for me. So try something close to it, and then put ample comments in the comments field. I would enter "10 days" for the time frame. If they cannot find the part for you, please let me know, and I will remove this answer (you will not pay for it). Thanks, jbf777-ga


  • When you click on that link, scroll down to fill in the first of 4 screens.


  • OK! I have placed a search order for the 3rd-row 2003 ML-Class seats on the URL that you provided (like you, had a little problem negotiating the web site, but specified 10 day response time as you suggested). Will be back to you as soon as response is received. Hopefully we are going in a direction that will be fruitful in answering the question.


  • Yes, it looks like the kind of resource that would be most befitting for this type of search. It's really not pragmatic to contact individual dealerships for this kind of thing, since there is probably a very large number in America alone, and this item is very needle-in-haystack. It would take a very long time.


  • Unfortunately there may be a major problem with the website you found. I have made two attempts to place a used-part search order (payment of $5.95 processed in each case) but have received no direct response by e-mail or phone call. I called the toll-free number (1-800-258-5944) only to be told by respondant that they do not handle used parts and then hung-up. The following "rejected message" e-mail suggests there is a serious problem with that site -- my e-mail to the Webmaster was also rejected! The original message was received at Tue, 2 Sep 2003 11:56:07 -0400 from host148.hostcentric.com [209.25.154.148] (may be forged) ----- The following addresses had permanent fatal errors ----- (reason: 554 delivery error: dd Sorry, your message to aautoparts@sbcglobal.net cannot be delivered. This account is over quota. - mta813.mail.yahoo.com) ----- Transcript of session follows ----- ... while talking to mx1.sbc.mail.yahoo.com.: >>> DATA <<< 554 delivery error: dd Sorry, your message to aautoparts@sbcglobal.net cannot be delivered. This account is over quota. - mta813.mail.yahoo.com 554 5.0.0 Service unavailable


  • That's terrible! I'm very sorry to hear that. It looked like a reputable site. I just looked up the site's domain information at network solutions, and came up with this additional info: automotix@yahoo.com (310) 312-7599 Fax Automotive Parts Solutions 211 World Trade Center Suite 17-431 Chicago, Illinois 60654 United States No voice phone number on the who-is lookup. Have you tried this form: http://www.mercedes-auto-and-parts.com/contact-us.html Try the other email address as well as the fax (if you can). I tried contacting the domain hosting company they're registered with, and they unfortunately possess no additional contact information. If you're unable to contac them, simply stop payment with your credit card company. I will remove the answer if you cannot contact them or get a sufficient answer from them either way. jbf


  • Many thanks for the additional info. I have now sent a message on the other e-mail address and a similar message via the form you identified. No responses so far. Also, rechecked the site's TRACKING page -- response prompt on both order numbers is "ORDER CANNOT BE FOUND." I have also sent an inquiry about the domain through the Internic.org website. No responso so far. Still hoping site may have only suffered a virous or e-mail spam and will suddenly be up -- the concept of this site is terrific! What a tragedy if it were to turn out that it isn't a real site, but merely a group of files that have been hijacked for the revenue of $5.95 per unwitting visitor. If you learn more, please let me know -- I will do the same.


  • I completely agree. For all intents and purposes, it looks like a possible sham. They claim to be in "211 World Trade Center", and World Trade Center is 200. I called the building, and they don't know of the company. Notwithstanding, I think I might have some alternatives to getting these seats. However, I'm a stand-still unless I can get the VIN from you. Is that possible? jbf


  • I might be able to get new OEM, actually. Is this OK?


  • sorry, that should read, "I'm at a stand-still..."


  • That would be great -- actual OEM parts. The vin No. is as follows: 4JGAB54E03A372174 Look forward to hearing back from you. WCB


  • I've got a guy who is going to try and work with a Mercedes rep to see what can be done. Monday is the target date to hear back. Thanks for your patience with all this. :)


  • I am really impressed with the direction this question has taken -- your efforts have been extremely innovative and unrelenting to say the least. Look forward to hearing from you on Monday.


  • Thanks for the kind words. I just hope we can find these seats for you after all this! :)


  • Hey there again, The individuals I'm working with need a little more time. I should hopefully have a better idea in the next 24-48 hours. Thanks again. jbf


  • Please, please keep up the good work !! Look forward to hearing from you in the next couple of days.


  • Well, I've tapped pretty much every resource, including dealers, retail stores, and another salvage part network. Thought maybe something was cooking with a couple reps, but unfortunately nothing (although I may hear something next week, but nothing solid enough to report). At this point, there seems to be only two options: 1) Order all the parts individually and assemble the seats yourself, or have them assembled. This is most likely cost prohibitive -- i.e., $1000's per seat. 2) I can try to get a hold of some front or 2nd row seats as well as a source to have them "custom welded" into your car. This is probably the only do-able option. If you'd like me to further investigate any of these, please let me know. Otherwise I'll have to withdraw the answer. Sorry!


  • Well that is disappointing isn't it. You have certainly explored a wide range of possibilities. I guess it is certainly worth following up on the one or more leads you have that might still have something to report next week. With regard to the other two options you mention -- 1) As an engineer, I have no problem assembing the seats; question is what would be the cost for parts for both seats? Something up to say $1500-1600 would certainly not be out of the question. With regard to option 2), it would be interesting to learn what the wider 2nd row seat (i.e., the left 2nd row which seats two) would cost used or new in the Java leather. Also someone in Texas who could do and warrentee the modification (maybe someone has already worked the problem!). I will examine ours in the next day to see if it appears to me that it could reasonably be modified so as to utilize the existing anchors for the 3rd row seats to make it possible to easily install and remove the seat (does one need to worry about liability were there an accident with a "non-tested" mounting?). By-the-way FYI, we followed up with the credit card company on who did the collection on the first website search you suggested. Turns out that a second used auto parts site that actually received the $5.95 X 2 funds is also "non-operative" (all e-mails returned) so we canciled payment and changed our card number yesterday. Sad state of affairs isn't it? Hope you will investigate above options as outlined. Many, many thanks.


  • Hey again - Yes, definitely unfortunate. I searched high and low; even called a "rare parts" specialization place in the UK. 1. Buying the parts and installing it is most likely out of the question. One dealer quoted a few hundred dollars just for the leather covers. 2. Found an excellent source for custom retrofitting in Rosharon, TX (http://www.jautotrimandrestyling.com/) . The rep gave me an estimate of about $500 to install the seats, fully warranteed, including a provision for full removability. He's doing a search right now to see if he can find some seats. I will call him tomorrow. I don't know about liability in terms of custom retrofitting. That's a legal issue that I don't know anything about. That really is a shame -- the "used parts network." Someone should take them to court. Sorry to have you go through that... jbf


  • Really look forward to hearing what you learn from the TX custom shop -- looked at the website and it appears very reputable. Intersting that you checked a London source. Had thought it might be possible to pick up the seats in Europe -- I expect to be going to Germany (Hamburg) perhaps next month. Don't know what Daimler-Benz policy would be on selling a set of 3rd row seats separately -- did the London guy give you any indication? Look forward to hearing from you tomorrow or next week.


  • I have examined our left 2nd row seat (it seats two) and it appears it will (less its folding metal support assembly and anchors) fit nicely as a 3rd row double seat. I have designed a welded metal support device that can couple into the rear floor anchors, and I know an individual who can fashion this support I believe. Would you please check with one of the Mercedes reps that you have been talking with to see if they can supply a new OEM seat and on what time scale and at what price? What would be needed is the left rear (2nd-row) seat in Java leather (preferably minus the folding bottom support mechanism), package to include its integral seat belt and two seat belt latches and the two required head restraints. Irrespective of this, please also follow up on the other options commented on above. Many thanks.


  • 1) The individual in UK didn't give any indication. I originally talked to a Mercedes corporate-level rep, so it's a company-wide mandate that 3rd row seats are only done at the factory. 2) Chris in the parts department at Greenway Mercedes, Houston, TX: 713-986-6708 3900 Southwest Freeway Houston Texas ...quotes $2296.32 incl. tax for the left seat, with everything you listed. Tracking mechanisms, with motors and all, will be additional (and significant). Pretty much any dealer should be able to get these parts for you. 3) The custom shop quoted about $500 for the installation of two seats. Since this now essentially 1 seat, it should be cheaper, but since I don't know the ins-and-outs of the parts involved, your best bet would be to order the seat and talk to him directly. jbf


  • Have been out of town, but continuing to follow-up on finding 2003 ML-Class OEM left rear seat in leather (Java). Believe price you received from Houston Mercedes agency may be for left front seat plus head restraints. Am in Atlanta at the moment looking at what access there might be available to a discount price for the left rear seat. What we want in the seat is just the bottom, back rest and hinge mechanism (plus 2 head restraints) -- i.e., no folding support mechanism. Any clearification on price and other possible sources would be appreciated. Many thanks.


  • Hey - What city are you in? I will try a couple other dealers in your city, so you don't have to have it shipped or drive far to pick it up. The price quoted was for second row left seat according to the Houston dealer. jbf


  • I'm in Atlanta this week enroute to Washington, DC, but the cities in Texas convenient to our ranch or where we travel frequently would include Kerrville, Austin, Burnet, Ft. Worth and Dallas. Again, the parts of the left rear seat of the 2003 ML-Class (in Java leather) is the bottom seat portion without the folding support mechanism and mounts, plus the "hing mechanism" to back support and the back of the seat equipped with one integral seatbelt and the two detachable head rests. Many thanks.


  • Hello again - At this point, I can't really make any more calls on this question. The amount of money in long distance calling is going to offset any income from it. I hope you understand. Here is a dealer/parts shop in Austin: Continental Cars 6757 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752 (512) 454-6821 According "Jose," who you should ask for if you call or visit, the seat seats 3 people, and require 3 headrests. He recommends coming in and specifying the exact parts you need by "pointing them out." 3 headrests: $150/piece = $450 2 seat pads: $61.88/ea = $122 1 back support: 87.60/ea 2nd back support: 82.80 2 safety belts: $141.60 = $280 3rd safety belt: $79.20 1 back rest frame: $239.20 2nd back rest frame: 122.40


  • Thank you so much. What you have provided is exactly what I needed. I shall certainly recommend Google and the Google correspondents to every one I know who is looking for help in answering a simple or an extremely complicated question.


  • Thank you. Please don't hesitate to ask for any additional clarification before rating this answer. Thanks again, Jordan







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