imported_RaskyR1
New member
I would think all you would need to do is disconnect the battery and unplug the wiring harness from under the seat....better call the dealer though just in case. 
Removing 08 SL550 seats
- Thread starter JimO
- Start date
imported_Flash Gordon
New member
Flash the use of "Smiley's" reaches new heights everytime......<,oh and yes the fasteners are no big deal with a air ratchet but the airbag thing gives anyone pause.
I'll take that as a compliment? /
BTW. Got that Nav Screen all dialed back in yesterday. I guess I should post my results in that thread so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle
ancing Dot:I would think all you would need to do is disconnect the battery and unplug the wiring harness from under the seat....better call the dealer though just in case.
Yea, that sounds like the right route Chad. I was at my upholstery guys a couple weeks ago getting a mini coopers seat stitched up. My guy was showing me a big yellow cable. He said this was the airbag harness. I didn't bother to have him explain how this is all suppose to be disconnected as I have to limit myself as to what info I store in my coconut
ut:That MB has multiple harness's. Airbags, heat/air,sensors, they even have a deal in the seat where when you make a sharp turn, the seat turns with you. I guess what I'm saying is, this job is not like dropping a set of buckets out of a 69 Camaro. I would just be very hesitant to try to tackle this one. The multiple liabilitys are just not worth it Da Rules!
Also, those seats move in so many different positions, it shouldn't be a problem at all getting to practically ever square inch of carpet anyway :spy:
imported_RaskyR1
New member
That's why an air compressor is a must when detailing interiors!
Unless there is a spilled stain under the seat or between the seat and center console I would never remove the seats on a detail job.
GoFast908Z
New member
That's why an air compressor is a must when detailing interiors!
Unless there is a spilled stain under the seat or between the seat and center console I would never remove the seats on a detail job.
I think that may be the case. Tho I am VERY hesitant to pull these out. Just sounds like more trouble than its worth. Thanks for the input guys!
imported_kakeuter
New member
I use to work on stereos back in the day, and one thing I learned was that if you pull out a seat with an airbag installed in it DO NOT turn on the ignition to the vehicle when the seats are not installed. You're almost guaranteed to get an airbag light to come on, and that will not be a cheap to fix on that car. I know it sounds like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people forget about it when doing something simple (roll up windows).
I understand that they want perfection, but how bad can the interior really be?
I understand that they want perfection, but how bad can the interior really be?
GoFast908Z
New member
imported_Automania
New member
Seat Removal and Airbag Sensor Lights
Since I am engaged in removing seats from vehicles quite frequently the following is my response to the questions based on my own gathering of information over years. I should say that a premium should be charged for the removal of any seat and it should be similar to what the dealer charges or more. In addition you should also charge a reset radio and air bag fee.
While the removal of seats from a vehicle appears to be fairly simple one must have some protocols in place and practice due diligence.
This starts with establishing valid reasons for removing seats;
Documentation and customer check in sheet
Waiver to authorize the removal of seats and advising the customer what takes place when the seat is removed.
Check to ensure air bag indicator lights are not already on
Check radio is in working order
Check GPS navigation in working order
Check over head tv/dvd players in working order
Document condition of bolts (some bolts could have been previously stripped or missing)
Check/record previous damage to seats (does seat go forward and backward ? up and down, recline all the way back.. You should be aware that some older model Bmw?s, Volvo?s have a defect in the recline cable. Mini coopers have a recline problem and some Lexus?s have a problem with the drivers seat motor.
Document surrounding panels both on the interior and exterior of vehicles for previous scratches and nicks .
Record Radio Codes for vehicles
Disconnect negative from battery terminal and wait at least 3 minutes before removing seats. (This is to ensure safety and as general precaution against air bag deployment)
Having proper tools is also critical and facilitates easy removal of seats. Air bag reset tools to reset air bag light indicator which can come on as a result of removing the seat. I would not suggest re-setting an air bag light that was in the on position before removing seats. (this should be noted in your check in sheet and customer notified)
When removing seat remember to recline enough so that you can clean crevice when the seat is outside the vehicle
You should also be aware of the FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard) 207/210. This is a Federal Standard that all OEM manufacturers must meet.
The regulation requires that all seat and seat bolts to be replaced with new if the seating or belt bolts have been removed. It is considered very poor practice to re-use seat seatbelt bolts especially if a vehicle has been in any kind of crash.
You should also have a properly calibrated torque wrench and know the torque values for each bolt keeping in mind each vehicle has specific torque standards.
It is also important to know how to remove the seats from the vehicles, as you can easily damage connectors, as well as the seat rails can easily nick center console and surrounding leather, steering wheel, scratch interior and exterior door panels on entry/exit to the vehicle.(A 2 person team best advised when you are not experienced and when seat is heavy)
Protection ? heavy duty gloves, some seats have razor edges on seat rails and cut open your hand in second.
When storing seating with side air bags it is also important to place seat in an area where it will not tip over or fall as the air bag might deploy and cause damage to the seat.
Once seat has been returned to vehicle make sure that seats are working, bolts are secured for both seat belt and seat frame, and replace any missing bolts (even if you did not remove them)
Re-set air bag lights, reprogram radio.
Have customer re-inspect and sign off every removed seat and seat belt.
Gina Budhai
Since I am engaged in removing seats from vehicles quite frequently the following is my response to the questions based on my own gathering of information over years. I should say that a premium should be charged for the removal of any seat and it should be similar to what the dealer charges or more. In addition you should also charge a reset radio and air bag fee.
While the removal of seats from a vehicle appears to be fairly simple one must have some protocols in place and practice due diligence.
This starts with establishing valid reasons for removing seats;
Documentation and customer check in sheet
Waiver to authorize the removal of seats and advising the customer what takes place when the seat is removed.
Check to ensure air bag indicator lights are not already on
Check radio is in working order
Check GPS navigation in working order
Check over head tv/dvd players in working order
Document condition of bolts (some bolts could have been previously stripped or missing)
Check/record previous damage to seats (does seat go forward and backward ? up and down, recline all the way back.. You should be aware that some older model Bmw?s, Volvo?s have a defect in the recline cable. Mini coopers have a recline problem and some Lexus?s have a problem with the drivers seat motor.
Document surrounding panels both on the interior and exterior of vehicles for previous scratches and nicks .
Record Radio Codes for vehicles
Disconnect negative from battery terminal and wait at least 3 minutes before removing seats. (This is to ensure safety and as general precaution against air bag deployment)
Having proper tools is also critical and facilitates easy removal of seats. Air bag reset tools to reset air bag light indicator which can come on as a result of removing the seat. I would not suggest re-setting an air bag light that was in the on position before removing seats. (this should be noted in your check in sheet and customer notified)
When removing seat remember to recline enough so that you can clean crevice when the seat is outside the vehicle
You should also be aware of the FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard) 207/210. This is a Federal Standard that all OEM manufacturers must meet.
The regulation requires that all seat and seat bolts to be replaced with new if the seating or belt bolts have been removed. It is considered very poor practice to re-use seat seatbelt bolts especially if a vehicle has been in any kind of crash.
You should also have a properly calibrated torque wrench and know the torque values for each bolt keeping in mind each vehicle has specific torque standards.
It is also important to know how to remove the seats from the vehicles, as you can easily damage connectors, as well as the seat rails can easily nick center console and surrounding leather, steering wheel, scratch interior and exterior door panels on entry/exit to the vehicle.(A 2 person team best advised when you are not experienced and when seat is heavy)
Protection ? heavy duty gloves, some seats have razor edges on seat rails and cut open your hand in second.
When storing seating with side air bags it is also important to place seat in an area where it will not tip over or fall as the air bag might deploy and cause damage to the seat.
Once seat has been returned to vehicle make sure that seats are working, bolts are secured for both seat belt and seat frame, and replace any missing bolts (even if you did not remove them)
Re-set air bag lights, reprogram radio.
Have customer re-inspect and sign off every removed seat and seat belt.
Gina Budhai
imported_Auto Concierge
New member
GoFast908Z
New member
Thanks for the tips guys. After realizing the effort involved and I insisted the dealer remove/reinstall, I think he decided it wasn't worth it. Haven't heard back from him, and kinda glad...didn't sound like a fun job!