As I recall you said the rip/split seam wasn't there before the dealer worked on the seat base. Then you had to jump through hoops to get MB to pay for half when it seems like it was more of a dealer issue. In addition, you are out the $200 diagnostic fee from when the dealer told you there was nothing wrong.. Is the seat base heater fixed or just the cover replaced? What about the air pump?
I think I'd still be pretty annoyed
You are correct on all points. I did not see the rip when I dropped the car off the first time but there is no way I can prove it so my choices were to leave it as is (ripped), fix it or replace it. The replacement was the easier and eventually the least expensive option.
I can't say if the heater problem has been solved by the replacement as it's too hot to try.
The air pump is a DIY job - $270 part and 30 minutes of labour (with beer breaks), so even at 50% off it's still ~$1000 at the dealer. The car will continue to run fine with the secondary air pump busted, so I'll order the part and replace it when it breaks. It may never break, who knows.
The blower motor was also a DIY job.
Of course it's scary at first when you see the dealer quote but the dealer doesn't hold you hostage as you have other options (unless it's a powertrain issue).
I am planning to do a little write up after about a year or 20,000km.
