MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 1997 Complete Repair Manual

121 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 5. Pull lock button (2) up, and fold seat back forward
until it locks in place.
The red backrest lock indicators at the lock
buttons (2) are not visible in locked position.6. Press lock button (3) to unlock lever (4). Pull
lever (4) in direction of arrow (5), then pull lever (1)
and push down seat bench section until it locks in
place.

122 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
To return seat bench section to sitting position:
1. Pull lever (1) and raise seat bench section until it
locks in place.
2. Pull lock button (2) up, and unfold seat back to
upright position. Check for secure locking by
pushing and pulling on the backrest. The red
backrest lock indicators at the lock buttons (2) are
not visible in locked position.
3. Pull lever (1) in direction of arrow, and slide seat
bench section rearward to desired position.4. Install and adjust head restraint.
For installation of head restraints see page 124.
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to assure that seats are locked into place
could result in an increased chance of injury in an
accident.Never place hands under seat or near any moving
parts while a seat is being adjusted.

123 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Easy entry/exit feature
(only in vehicles with third row seats)
Folding right seat bench section for access to rear
compartment area:
1. Move right front seat forward.
2. Slide seat bench section forward.
3. Push head restraint fully down and tilt it forward,
see page 43.4. Pull lock button (2) of seat back up, and fold seat
back forward.
5. Remove respective cargo floor plate, see page 129.
6. Pull lever (6) up, and fold seat bench section
forward.
Resetting seat bench:
1. Pull down on seat bench section until it locks into
place.
2. Pull lock button (2) up, and unfold seat back to
upright position. Check for secure locking by
pushing and pulling on the backrest. The backrest
lock indicators at the lock buttons (2) are not visible
in locked position.
3. Pull up and adjust head restraint.
Caution!
Never drive with the second row right seat folded
forward (easy entry/exit feature). It could open and fold
back unintentionally.
When unfolding the seat, be sure that there is no danger
of anyone being harmed by the procedure.

124 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Rear seat head restraintsRaising:
Pull up on head restraint.
Lowering:
Push down on head restraint.
Adjust head restraint to support the back of the head
approximately at ear level. The head restraint angle can
also be adjusted manually.

125 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Removal:
Pull head restraint to its highest position. Push lock
button (1) and pull out head restraint completely with
both hands. The head restraint(s) should be stored
below the cargo floor plates.
Installation:
Insert the head restraint and push it down to the stop.
Ensure proper head restraint positioning, see above.
Caution!
Do not remove head restraints except when mounting
seat covers. Whenever head restraints have been
removed be sure to reinstall them before driving.
Wa r n i n g !
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.Adjust head restraint to support the back of the
head approximately at ear level.Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head
restraints. Head restraints are intended to help
reduce injuries during an accident.

126 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Third row seats (MB Accessory)
Two single seats can be unfolded to enlarge the seating
area.
To fold seat down:
1. Remove head restraint from seat cushion.
2. Remove cargo f loor plate, see page 129.
3. Lift tensioner (1) upward to a horizontal position to
release tension of the strap.4. Disengage hook (2) and attach belt at hook and loop
strip on underside of seat.
5. Fold seat down until it locks securely in place.
Important!
When seat is correctly unfolded, the red marking on
the seat release (4) should not be visible.
6. Store cargo floor plates inside the backrest, see
page 130.
4

127 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 7. Pull release lever (3) and unfold seat back until it
locks securely in place.
8. Install head restraint in seat back.
Note:
For removal and installation of head restraint refer to
rear seat head restraints on page 124.
To sto r e s ea t:
1. Remove head restraint from seat back.
2. Pull release lever (3) and fold seat back forward
until it audibly locks securely in place. Place seat
belt between lever (3) and backrest.
3. Remove cargo floor plates from the backrest.
4. Pull seat release (4) and fold seat up. Engage
hook (2) in ceiling mount. Pull on free end of strap
until tight.
5. Install head restraint in openings provided in seat
cushion.
6. Install cargo floor plates, see page 129.
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to assure that seats are locked into place
could result in an increased chance of injury in an
accident.Never place hands under seat or near any moving
parts while a seat is being adjusted.For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.Adjust head restraint to support the back of the
head approximately at ear level.

128 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
To remove seat:
1. Lift tensioner (1) upward to a horizontal position to
release tension of the strap.
2. Disengage hook (2) and attach belt at hook and loop
strip on underside of seat.3. Move lever (5) upward and remove seat.

129 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Removable cargo floor plates
The cargo floor plates (1) behind the split rear seat
bench are removable.To remove:
Lift cargo floor plate at rear edge until it unhinges.
Remove cargo floor plate by pulling it rearward.
To i n st a l l :
Grip into opening (2) and guide pins (3) into attachment
openings (4) until release (5) audibly locks.

130 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Storage of cargo floor plates
To store cargo floor plates, open hook and loop strip (6)
at bottom of backrest of the split rear seat bench and
insert f loor plates (7, arrow).Note:
Before storing the left cargo f loor plate, fold it together
in direction of arrow.