Jacked-up radio buttons!!
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 18
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2010 E350 4Matic, 2012 ML350 4Matic
Jacked-up radio buttons!!
I apparently made the mistake of hanging one of those 'tree' air fresheners near my radio buttons, and it must have gotten wet from the humidity in the air after a rain yesterday (I didn't even have the roof or windows open!!). Anyway, the freshener must have wet the radio buttons, and now they're all screwed up (see attached pic). Does anyone have any idea how I can fix this? New button decals? Do I have to try and pillage a new head unit?
Pretty annoyed at myself for having the brain fart in the first place, but just trying to find a solution at this point. Heck - I'd settle for an *improvement*.... thanks!
Pretty annoyed at myself for having the brain fart in the first place, but just trying to find a solution at this point. Heck - I'd settle for an *improvement*.... thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
If you read the wrapper for those air fresheners there is a warning about not leting them com in contact with surfaces. I had one hanging around the Gear selector on the column. It marred up part of the steering column. No big deal, but it was not deemed a warranty issue. After reading the warning on the air freshener, I hate to say it, but, it was my fault. You will likely need to replace the front panel, containing the radio buttons. Next time, just cut the bottom of the cellophone the air freshener comes in, leave it wrapped. It works great and is safe.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 561
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From: New Mexico
2014 E350, 2012 SL550
Those things are full of scented oils that can be harmful to interior finishes. Some claim that even without physical contact with the device, the oil that gets out of them into the air has harmed finishes.
Call me paranoid, but since I heard that, I won't even allow the ones that the carwash sticks on the floor under the seat.
Regards,
Don
Call me paranoid, but since I heard that, I won't even allow the ones that the carwash sticks on the floor under the seat.
Regards,
Don
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Unfortunately, warranty does not cover this unless dealer is willing to eat cost – unlikely. Replacement part # 2129069000 (MSRP $4000 to comparison shop, parts.com $2940), Automotix (no affiliation/experience) may be able to locate used part @ substantial discount http://www.automotix.net/usedautopar...b5a&seq_num=23
Last edited by konigstiger; Apr 28, 2012 at 05:56 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: North Carolina
2010 E350, 2015 S550
I apparently made the mistake of hanging one of those 'tree' air fresheners near my radio buttons, and it must have gotten wet from the humidity in the air after a rain yesterday (I didn't even have the roof or windows open!!). Anyway, the freshener must have wet the radio buttons, and now they're all screwed up (see attached pic). Does anyone have any idea how I can fix this? New button decals? Do I have to try and pillage a new head unit?
Pretty annoyed at myself for having the brain fart in the first place, but just trying to find a solution at this point. Heck - I'd settle for an *improvement*.... thanks!
Pretty annoyed at myself for having the brain fart in the first place, but just trying to find a solution at this point. Heck - I'd settle for an *improvement*.... thanks!
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Out Of Control!!
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Ouch, that sucks. Not that I would put one of those in my car anyway, to now see and hear about how harmful the chemicals in them are to materials, I wouldn't let one sit anywhere in my car.
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From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
What is your post helping?
Obviously I feel bad for O/P's mistake. I've done plenty of stupid/unklowledgebable things to my car. However, I'd urge people to not put those things anywhere near their cars, which is what my post was pointing out in the first person.
Obviously I feel bad for O/P's mistake. I've done plenty of stupid/unklowledgebable things to my car. However, I'd urge people to not put those things anywhere near their cars, which is what my post was pointing out in the first person.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
I apparently made the mistake of hanging one of those 'tree' air fresheners near my radio buttons, and it must have gotten wet from the humidity in the air after a rain yesterday (I didn't even have the roof or windows open!!). Anyway, the freshener must have wet the radio buttons, and now they're all screwed up (see attached pic). Does anyone have any idea how I can fix this? New button decals? Do I have to try and pillage a new head unit?
Pretty annoyed at myself for having the brain fart in the first place, but just trying to find a solution at this point. Heck - I'd settle for an *improvement*.... thanks!
Pretty annoyed at myself for having the brain fart in the first place, but just trying to find a solution at this point. Heck - I'd settle for an *improvement*.... thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
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From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Oh no! Somebody on a Message Board said something that was already said! Maybe you can ask Mods to put a button under every post that says "I Concur" so we don't have to reiterate anything in our own way. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
too bad the off topic is dead maybe you can pad your post count there
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 88
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From: So.Cal., US
2011 E550
I apparently made the mistake of hanging one of those 'tree' air fresheners near my radio buttons, and it must have gotten wet from the humidity in the air after a rain yesterday (I didn't even have the roof or windows open!!). Anyway, the freshener must have wet the radio buttons, and now they're all screwed up (see attached pic). Does anyone have any idea how I can fix this? New button decals? Do I have to try and pillage a new head unit?
Pretty annoyed at myself for having the brain fart in the first place, but just trying to find a solution at this point. Heck - I'd settle for an *improvement*.... thanks!
Pretty annoyed at myself for having the brain fart in the first place, but just trying to find a solution at this point. Heck - I'd settle for an *improvement*.... thanks!
Anyway, here's what I would do in your situation.
1. Try to see what your dealer would do for you. All they can say is no to warranteeing it. If they do, then see if they will work with you some how.
2. If you don't get anywhere with item 1, then check with some local body shops and get their thoughts. You may also be able to pick up some of the parts from a wrecked W212. This might take some time, but should save you some $.
3. Check to see if there are any parts on ebay. This is going to be hit or miss, but you never know and might find some of what you need.
4. There's probably some other options, but lastly I'd see what the dealer would charge you for the repair. Perhaps if you told them you're interested they might try a little harder to see if there's a low-cost solution.
Good luck!
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
I apparently made the mistake of hanging one of those 'tree' air fresheners near my radio buttons, and it must have gotten wet from the humidity in the air after a rain yesterday (I didn't even have the roof or windows open!!). Anyway, the freshener must have wet the radio buttons, and now they're all screwed up (see attached pic). Does anyone have any idea how I can fix this? New button decals? Do I have to try and pillage a new head unit?
Pretty annoyed at myself for having the brain fart in the first place, but just trying to find a solution at this point. Heck - I'd settle for an *improvement*.... thanks!
Pretty annoyed at myself for having the brain fart in the first place, but just trying to find a solution at this point. Heck - I'd settle for an *improvement*.... thanks!
Are you sure the buttons don't just clean off? It looks like there is something flaking off of the surface and I have a bit hard time to believe it is the plastic itself.
Could it be that this harmful freshner oil dried on the surface and is flaking off?
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Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Suburban Phila., PA
2012 E350 Coupe
I apparently made the mistake of hanging one of those 'tree' air fresheners near my radio buttons, and it must have gotten wet from the humidity in the air after a rain yesterday (I didn't even have the roof or windows open!!). Anyway, the freshener must have wet the radio buttons, and now they're all screwed up (see attached pic). Does anyone have any idea how I can fix this? New button decals? Do I have to try and pillage a new head unit?
Pretty annoyed at myself for having the brain fart in the first place, but just trying to find a solution at this point. Heck - I'd settle for an *improvement*.... thanks!
Pretty annoyed at myself for having the brain fart in the first place, but just trying to find a solution at this point. Heck - I'd settle for an *improvement*.... thanks!
Echoing Arrie's comments, is there a chance it's just dried residue from the air freshener or perhaps even melted plastic protective wrap that came on the car originally?
If so, you may want to try a product called "GooGone" before you spring for $3-4K to repair the damage. Of course, I can't say it won't make things worse in your specific application, but I can vouch for the effectiveness of this product in removing sticky stuff from plastic and a whole lot more. If you try it, read the label first, so you know what to do.
My latest experience was a few months ago. Bought a new high end home theater receiver. When I opened the box, the manufacturer had placed a huge (4x6" approx) "Features" sticker smack on the front door of the unit. Even though it appeared to be one of those easily peeled types, it had the most tenacious glue backing I have ever seen.
After struggling with it with all sorts of scraping materials while praying I didn't damage the black plastic door, I got the sticker itself off, but all of the glue remained and seemed impossible to get off. Then I remembered I had a bottle of GooGone (the liquid form of it). Rubbed it on, let it soak in for a few minutes, and the glue easily wiped off with little effort, no fuss or hassle. Absolutely no damage to the plastic door whatsoever.
If your damage is not just surface, but intrinsic to the buttons themselves, my sincere wishes for you to find an effective resolution with as little pain as possible. And thanks for posting this. It's a lesson for me, for sure!
Last edited by BenzMan369; Apr 28, 2012 at 05:45 PM.
