A Planted Technology seat bracket for the Mercedes ML-Class, first generation on the W163 chassis, 1997 to 2005. Part number SB329.
The first Mercedes built in America
Mercedes opened a plant in Alabama for the W163, and early build quality was notoriously poor by their standards. That reputation followed the car and is why they are cheap now.
Mechanically it is more capable than the reputation suggests: proper low range transfer case, and the ML55 AMG with the hand built 5.4 V8 is a genuinely quick thing that almost nobody remembers.
What the seat change is for
Support on uneven ground rather than sitting lower. The height is part of the point of the vehicle.
Check the underside before you commit
Early MLs corrode, and the seat mounting area is worth a look with the carpet up. A bracket can only feed seat load into sound structure, and on a vehicle of this age and reputation that is a real question rather than a formality.
Ask us about neoprene trim if it sees mud and water.
Have you written anything about this exact product?
Yes, we have covered this exact product: Lexus Planted Technology Frames Updated For 2026, and Customer Car: Subaru Impreza With Corbeau RRS Seats and Planted Technology Brackets. That is first-hand coverage from our own builds and showroom, not brochure copy.
Will this fit my car?
This frame is made for the Mercedes ML-Class (1st Generation). Chassis code and years matter more than the badge, as floor pans change between generations, so if your car sits near a changeover year, send us the registration and we will confirm before you order.
Which seats does it take?
Check the bolt pattern in the specification against your seat. The Compatible seats tab above lists what bolts straight on. If your seat is not listed, tell us what you run and we will confirm the fit.
Do I keep fore-and-aft adjustment?
Only with a sliding runner between the frame and the seat, which is a separate part on Planted frames. If more than one person drives the car, budget for the runner. Our guide to sliding runners explains the options and widths.
Is this for the driver or passenger side?
Both sides are available on this listing, pick driver or passenger side at the point of order (sides listed are for right-hand-drive cars). Left-hand-drive car? Ask us, as the sides swap over and availability varies by model.