What is the reason why the leg rest of the Mercedes-Benz driver's seat cannot be fully raised?
4 Answers
Mercedes-Benz driver's seat leg rest cannot be fully raised possibly due to the adjustment knob or severe wear of the mechanical lifter gears. This can be repaired or replaced at a decoration shop. Advantages of the leg rest: Thanks to the additional front, rear, and height adjustments, the front passenger seat can be further moved forward to the so-called legroom expansion position. This provides ample space for rear passengers, making the journey more comfortable. The significantly increased legroom allows rear passengers to adopt a more comfortable sitting posture. Use of the leg rest: The leg rest has also been extended to car seats, mainly used to assist in increasing the leg support area for passengers to improve riding comfort. The seat leg rest adjustment can adjust the angle to support the lower leg, divided into front seat and rear seat leg rest adjustments; The leg rest adjustment first appeared in luxury sedans, providing a relaxed sitting posture for rear bosses, and later developed in MPV models accordingly.
I've fixed many Mercedes seat leg rest issues. The driver's side leg rest not lifting fully is often due to mechanical jamming, like deformed rails or small objects stuck inside. For electric versions, it might be insufficient motor torque causing it to stop when encountering resistance. Another possibility is rusted pivot shafts on the leg rest brackets, common in humid regions. Some owners overlook incorrect seat memory settings. One case I encountered involved floor mats pressing on wiring under the seat, disrupting signals. If this occurs in new cars, it's likely assembly defects; for older vehicles, it's usually wear and tear. Don't force it - the aluminum rails are brittle. Have a professional disassemble it for inspection and replace rails if necessary.
My Mercedes had the same leg rest issue last year. When I took it to the dealership for inspection, they found the sliding rail bracket was deformed. The mechanic said there are mainly three reasons why leg rests fail to rise: first is rail deformation, which often happens to owners who frequently place bags near the footwell; second is aging transmission components, especially rubber parts that tend to harden in vehicles over 8 years old; and third is motor power degradation, particularly when frequently parked on slopes which increases motor load. They replaced the entire bracket assembly and lubricated the sliding rails, now it operates smoothly. Regular maintenance is crucial - keep the rails dust-free and apply specialized lubricant every six months to extend their lifespan.
There are several possible situations where the Mercedes leg rest may not extend fully. Sand getting into the sliding rails can cause jamming, which most commonly occurs when drinks are spilled. Motor overheating protection may also limit the travel distance, especially noticeable in hot weather. Another possibility is a loose or displaced limiter - I helped a friend deal with this exact issue last year. For DIY troubleshooting, first try restarting the vehicle after disconnecting the power, as electronic systems can sometimes act up. Then inspect under the seat for any obstructions. If the problem persists after checking these, it's recommended to visit an auto upholstery shop for a comprehensive inspection - rail calibration is often more cost-effective than replacement. Be cautious about using aftermarket parts to save money, as OEM sliding rails and aftermarket ones often have significant size differences.
