98 ML320-- my rear bench doesn't drop down (or move back or forward) so as to be level with the cargo area. Any suggestions on how to fix or diagnose the probelm without going to the "ST"ealer??
I'll even take some intelligence on how the mechanism works, maybe that can help me fix the problem.
RE: Rear bench doesn't drop down level to cargo area
If I remember corectly you need to be a German engineer to pull off that feat with the 98’. I believe that you need to push the lever all the way down you will feel it click and the seat will move forward. The push the lever all the way back to the top this will allow the seat part to fold down. The push the lever back down to the bottom this will let the seats fold all the way down to the floor. Removing the headrests will help. Also if you have the regular floor mats and rubber ones it will not go all the way down, the clearances are very tight.
Those directions may be backwards it’s been a while since I have folded them down and I am going from memory.
RE: Rear bench doesn't drop down level to cargo area
just look at the diagram next to the latch on the side of the seat. One direction releases to go forward back and also up down. The other is a release when it's down. Just make sure you press the lever all the way in. If you have stuff under the seats or rubber mats with walls they may interfere with it locking in the down position, level with the trunk. I use mine all the time and it's not a problem at all.
One tip, you must move it forward before it will go up or down. Just make sure you press the lever all the way and it clicks.
RE: Rear bench doesn't drop down level to cargo area
It may be possible that your latches are froze up. Someone had spilled a chocolate milkshake down the side of mine and it gummed up the works. I removed the seats and set them upside down on a work table. I then worked on the latches until I got them free again. Has been fine ever since.
RE: Rear bench doesn't drop down level to cargo area
You have my sympathy, Bigblu. My first ML was a '98 ML320, and I remember well fighting with the rear seats. In fact, it was largely due to the complexity of the seat mechanism, along with the fact that no one could figure out how to work it, that the mechanism was changed after only one year. One work of caution, I recall that it is very easy to seriously smash your fingers trying to horse the seat in to the folded position, so do exercise some caution.
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