R230 SL - how do I get 1 rear seat into it?
Discussion
My R129 SL has 2 little seats in the back which are absolutely perfect for jamming one of my kids into on the occasions I need to transport them around. One child goes in the front with the seat wound forwards and the other can then fit in the back with only mild complaints. Granted that both children won't fit in the back at the same time, but all-in-all the R129 SL suits my needs perfectly.
I fancy changing it though for a R230 as I really like the double front lights look of the R230 and their prices are now almost the same as I could sell my 96 SL320 for (straight six engine, 74k miles and a brilliantly sophisticated dark green metallic colour if you're interested).
Trouble is there are no back seats in an R230. I'd like to have a single sideways or 45 degree facing seat with proper seatbelts or 3 point harness. Anyone know if this can be done?? I'm not too worried about insurance etc as I'm sufficiently old and with a boring enough driving record to have low premiums anyway. Similarly safety isn't an issue as the roll bar and proper restraints in a proper supporting sideways seat would be perfectly safe.
I fancy changing it though for a R230 as I really like the double front lights look of the R230 and their prices are now almost the same as I could sell my 96 SL320 for (straight six engine, 74k miles and a brilliantly sophisticated dark green metallic colour if you're interested).
Trouble is there are no back seats in an R230. I'd like to have a single sideways or 45 degree facing seat with proper seatbelts or 3 point harness. Anyone know if this can be done?? I'm not too worried about insurance etc as I'm sufficiently old and with a boring enough driving record to have low premiums anyway. Similarly safety isn't an issue as the roll bar and proper restraints in a proper supporting sideways seat would be perfectly safe.
Keep your R129!
An R230 will more than likely present you with more big bills and I think its homologated as a two seater, so putting any additional seat in would probably complete invalidate the insurance.
Finally the kids will grow up so fast that in a year or two they won't fit in the back anyway, so it will be a moot point.
You said it yourself : your current car completely meets your needs, so hang on to it and hope that R129 values start rising (like I'm doing
)
An R230 will more than likely present you with more big bills and I think its homologated as a two seater, so putting any additional seat in would probably complete invalidate the insurance.
Finally the kids will grow up so fast that in a year or two they won't fit in the back anyway, so it will be a moot point.
You said it yourself : your current car completely meets your needs, so hang on to it and hope that R129 values start rising (like I'm doing

chris333 said:
its homologated as a two seater, so putting any additional seat in would invalidate the insurance.
I have corrected the sentence. There's no 'probably' about it. Oh and the police would prosecute you for involuntary manslaughter should you kill the person sitting in that seat in the event of a crash. If you want a later Merc convertible with 4 seats, try a CLK. the 63 is an awesome bit of kit, trust me!
The EU banned side-facing seats back several years ago, much to the annoyance of camper van and motorhome owners. That's why you no longer see them on buses.
Passenger seats have to be forward or rear facing.
Link to the relevant legislation.....
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?...
Passenger seats have to be forward or rear facing.
Link to the relevant legislation.....
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?...
I've got the answer!!
If you REALLY want the quad headlight look, there were firms out there "converting" R129 front end to the R230. Badly, but that's just my opinion...

http://www.vhtuning.be/wagens/sl129-230/index.htm
If you REALLY want the quad headlight look, there were firms out there "converting" R129 front end to the R230. Badly, but that's just my opinion...

http://www.vhtuning.be/wagens/sl129-230/index.htm
Edited by harry kular on Sunday 13th October 17:21
harry kular said:
I've got the answer!!
If you REALLY want the quad headlight look, there were firms out there "converting" R129 front end to the R230. Badly, but that's just my opinion...

http://www.vhtuning.be/wagens/sl129-230/index.htm
what a mongrel! I agree 'badly'. If you REALLY want the quad headlight look, there were firms out there "converting" R129 front end to the R230. Badly, but that's just my opinion...

http://www.vhtuning.be/wagens/sl129-230/index.htm
Edited by harry kular on Sunday 13th October 17:21
chris333 said:
Keep your R129!
An R230 will more than likely present you with more big bills
This, absolutely 10000%An R230 will more than likely present you with more big bills
As an ex-R230 owner I wouldn't sway a 129 for one ever. OK, they beautiful, sleek things and look more modern, but IMO mine was the worst car I ever owned. I wouldn't dream of it.
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