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 |
Request for Answer Clarification by
safestsuvdriver-ga
on
29 Aug 2003 11:43 PDT
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.
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
29 Aug 2003 12:26 PDT
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
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
safestsuvdriver-ga
on
30 Aug 2003 12:20 PDT
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.
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
30 Aug 2003 15:47 PDT
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
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
30 Aug 2003 15:48 PDT
When you click on that link, scroll down to fill in the first of 4 screens.
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
safestsuvdriver-ga
on
31 Aug 2003 16:34 PDT
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.
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
31 Aug 2003 18:32 PDT
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.
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
safestsuvdriver-ga
on
02 Sep 2003 20:13 PDT
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 -----
<aautoparts@sbcglobal.net>
(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
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
02 Sep 2003 22:25 PDT
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
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
safestsuvdriver-ga
on
03 Sep 2003 11:39 PDT
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.
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
03 Sep 2003 13:22 PDT
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
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
03 Sep 2003 13:23 PDT
I might be able to get new OEM, actually. Is this OK?
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
03 Sep 2003 13:24 PDT
sorry, that should read, "I'm at a stand-still..."
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
safestsuvdriver-ga
on
04 Sep 2003 06:18 PDT
That would be great -- actual OEM parts. The vin No. is as follows:
4JGAB54E03A372174
Look forward to hearing back from you.
WCB
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
05 Sep 2003 10:10 PDT
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. :)
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
safestsuvdriver-ga
on
05 Sep 2003 12:12 PDT
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.
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
05 Sep 2003 12:28 PDT
Thanks for the kind words. I just hope we can find these seats for
you after all this! :)
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
08 Sep 2003 19:02 PDT
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
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
safestsuvdriver-ga
on
09 Sep 2003 17:33 PDT
Please, please keep up the good work !! Look forward to hearing from
you in the next couple of days.
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
11 Sep 2003 08:55 PDT
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!
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
safestsuvdriver-ga
on
11 Sep 2003 11:47 PDT
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.
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
11 Sep 2003 12:53 PDT
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
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
safestsuvdriver-ga
on
11 Sep 2003 19:46 PDT
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.
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
safestsuvdriver-ga
on
12 Sep 2003 07:28 PDT
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.
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
12 Sep 2003 10:27 PDT
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
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
safestsuvdriver-ga
on
28 Sep 2003 13:48 PDT
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.
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
28 Sep 2003 15:57 PDT
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
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
safestsuvdriver-ga
on
29 Sep 2003 14:58 PDT
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.
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
30 Sep 2003 11:07 PDT
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
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Request for Answer Clarification by
safestsuvdriver-ga
on
30 Sep 2003 13:04 PDT
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.
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
30 Sep 2003 13:18 PDT
Thank you. Please don't hesitate to ask for any additional
clarification before rating this answer.
Thanks again,
Jordan
|
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3 Comments
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