How to flatten the rear seat recliner of the Vito?
2 Answers
Open the car door: Open the car door and locate the release handle on the backrest, which is positioned at the shoulder area of the seat. Each rear seat is equipped with a release handle, allowing the owner to easily choose which seat to fold down, providing a strong sense of comfort. Find the release handle: Grip the handle and fold the seat down according to the angle. The owner does not need to worry about damaging the handle; it can be folded down completely or halfway, adjusted to the desired position based on personal needs, and the seat's front and rear positions can also be adjusted. Note to fold forward: When flattening the seat, make sure to fold it forward. At this point, you will notice that the space has become sufficiently large.
I've worked on adjusting the recliners to flatten the rear seats of the Vito several times before. At first, it was all about trial and error. The recliner mechanism for these seats is located at the side where the backrest connects to the seat, featuring a ratchet system that locks the backrest in place when engaged. You'll need to locate the small latch or lever—usually, lifting it firmly upwards will release the lock. If the seat doesn't lie completely flat, it might be due to insufficient angle adjustment or restrictions from the brackets. In such cases, I loosen the bracket screws with a screwdriver to adjust the height and add some rubber spacers for fine-tuning. Be careful not to apply too much force to avoid breaking anything. Finally, ensure the seat doesn't wobble or shift once flattened. This method works for most Mercedes-Benz models during modifications. Remember to wear gloves to protect against sharp metal edges. Flattening the seats can free up considerable space for cargo or sleeping, which is quite practical, but take care not to damage the original support components, as this could compromise driving safety.
