[GrahamUK]

This may seem a bit basic, but it literally may be the death of my CLK if I can't find a solution.

I have three children under the age of four. Is anyone aware of a method of correctly installing three child seats to the rear seat.

The child seats will fit within the width of the rear seat.
Can three child seats be saferly secured by any means ?

Is there a three seat rear conversion? I seem to remember hearing about a "three seat rear conversion" about 6 years ago, but can find nothing on the web.

I love the car and normally would only part with it due to fire, theft or or gearbox failure... seems a bit soft to have to part with the car due to lack of contracepton !

As a back up question.... can the front airbag be turned off ?

Any help greatly apreciated !

Thanks

 

[keyhole]

As a back up question.... can the front airbag be turned off ?

Yes - if a rear-facing child seat is fitted to the passenger seat, the airbag can be deactivated.

But if MB do the disconnection, they will ask you to sign a 'disclaimer' document.

 

[DBA-ONE]

Mercedes offers a car seat that disables the airbag when installed and activates it when the car seat is. I've got a 2k CLK and I couldn't imagine 3 car seats in it. Might be time to let it go and replace it with an E Class.

 

[keyhole]

I have three children under the age of four. Is anyone aware of a method of correctly installing three child seats to the rear seat.

The child seats will fit within the width of the rear seat.
Can three child seats be saferly secured by any means ?

I'm not sure about your W208, but my W209 has 3 seat belts at the rear. The middle one is a simple lap belt, but surely that is OK for securing a child seat?

 

[poptopclk]

what if ?

Why not use some seatbelt extenders and secure a center baby seat to the ones on each side, which will be secured by the two lap/shoulder belts bolted in?

 

[GrahamUK]

I'm not sure about your W208, but my W209 has 3 seat belts at the rear. The middle one is a simple lap belt, but surely that is OK for securing a child seat?

Lap belt would do fine, but I don't have one on my W208. The car has two separte seats with a centre console of a "hard flat area" about 15 inches across separating the seats. Unless I'm demented, I read about a "centre seat conversion " years ago. Does anyone have a W208 with a central rear seat belt ?

I do old classic cars and could easily fit a lap belt using the existing securing points of the current belts.

But would I be legal and correct? I suspect the car is a "Four passenger vehicle" on its design / safety rating. If I do this without using a validated kit , would I be outside of the law? Would I be outside of my insurance ?

 

[GrahamUK]

Why not use some seatbelt extenders and secure a center baby seat to the ones on each side, which will be secured by the two lap/shoulder belts bolted in?

Thanks,
I hadn't thought of this.
Where can I get these ?
Would I be legal and correct for law and insurance ?

Graham

 

[bobbyjo9]

Thanks,
I hadn't thought of this.
Where can I get these ?
Would I be legal and correct for law and insurance ?

Graham

Im no lawyer but I would think this the same as attempting to seat 4 in the front of a full size truck. Not legal and not a good idea even though it's possible.

 

[MarcusF]

Thanks,
I hadn't thought of this.
Where can I get these ?
Would I be legal and correct for law and insurance ?

Graham

If I had three kids, and my wife saw me make a homemade seatbelt for the car seats, the law would be the least of my problems . . . . . .

 

[GrahamUK]

I was convinced that back in about 2003 I read about a Mercedes middle seat conversion for the rear of CLKs. It just occured to me to give a Mercedes dealer a ring: There is / was no three seat conversion.

 

[Jeffster]

Hi, I'm in a similar situation, and I came across these guys, which might help if you are still looking?

Child Car Seats - 4 Child Car Seat, 3 Child Car Seat & Accessories

They're a bit pricey (~£1,100) but might solve your problem if you really want to keep the CLK. They make a 3-in-one car seat that sits across the whole back seat and is properly safe and legal. or you might be able to get a used one for less? GL

 

[MGD]

I'm not sure about Ireland, but here in Canada you are legally responsible for any minor (under 16yrs old) passenger in your vehicle for their use of seat belts.

I would imagine that since the W208 is classified as a four seat car it would not be legal to do what you want. If, God forbid, you should get in an accident where someone in your vehicle gets killed I would imagine that you would/could be held responsible. Let alone your own guilt. I don't mean to come on harsh, just something to really think about. And like mentioned earlier by someone else, knowing my wife I wouldn't have to worry about the law either.

When in doubt ask your local transportation authority or your insurance company.

HTH
Marc