Fading Wood Trim. I think I am getting screwed by MB Dealer.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,372
Likes: 945
W212 FL
I got my car back yesterday with the replacement wood trim. They did a great job, car looks brand new. I am very happy with it!!! Anyone who is having issues with fading trim should definitley take it to the dealer. Note: The replacement trim is the same tone as the new models in the showroom (definitley more red in the brown than the original Burl issued in 2011).
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 269
Likes: 3
2014 W212 E350 4M
Last week I had my burl walnut trim replaced on a 2010 E350 4Matic whose VIN# was in the affected range.
Kudos to Mr. Konigstiger for his service bulletin information.
I have been aware of the problem since the first posts in an earlier string on this forum. The change was gradual as my vehicle is garaged.
I pointed it out to the shop foreman on a visit to the dealer. He looked at it and immediately agreed it should be replaced. He checked the VIN, ordered the kit, and two days later the trim was replaced. The foreman explained that it required about 5.5 hours of labor. A loaner was provided.
This dealership is family owned with family members present. The service on any warranty issue or question has been superb. For that reason my vehicle maintenance is performed there. They deserve my patronage.
In addition to the service advisors there are two shop foremen. One is in the shop with the technicians. The other is on the service ramp and spends his time with the customers, he is a master technician and can answer any question knowledgeably.
Is the shop foreman available to the customers a common MB dealership concept?
Kudos to Mr. Konigstiger for his service bulletin information.
I have been aware of the problem since the first posts in an earlier string on this forum. The change was gradual as my vehicle is garaged.
I pointed it out to the shop foreman on a visit to the dealer. He looked at it and immediately agreed it should be replaced. He checked the VIN, ordered the kit, and two days later the trim was replaced. The foreman explained that it required about 5.5 hours of labor. A loaner was provided.
This dealership is family owned with family members present. The service on any warranty issue or question has been superb. For that reason my vehicle maintenance is performed there. They deserve my patronage.
In addition to the service advisors there are two shop foremen. One is in the shop with the technicians. The other is on the service ramp and spends his time with the customers, he is a master technician and can answer any question knowledgeably.
Is the shop foreman available to the customers a common MB dealership concept?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 70
Likes: 2
From: Columbus, OH
G63
I do them outside of VIN range now. a few months ago i was more strict because of the volume and availability of parts. Most places will jump all over this, especially if they get paid off gross sales ( wood kits are big $$$) my guys did enough to be able to complete them in about 1 1/2 hours. Just a heads up i have had to do some cars 2 times. The fading happened again. Keep in mind this was in the low country southern region and most do not garage. Lots of sun damage. but i would keep an eye out regardless. It can happen again.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 41
Tesla Model S P100D
If you get this done, insist that the whole car's trim be replaced. The car is going to look horrible if the other untreated sections start discoloring later, perhaps just as the warranty runs out.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 269
Likes: 3
2014 W212 E350 4M
The replacement burl walnut trim is noticeably redder, darker, and richer in color. It would be hard to mix with the old without it being noticed. It is supposed to have the UV protection.
The MB bulletin directs replacement of all 16 pieces of trim in the kit.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 56
Likes: 1
From: Edgewater, NJ
2010 E350 4Matic Sport
My dealer just replaced all of the wood under warranty. They were hesitant at first and replaced everything except the wood on the center console. This looked really bad when I first saw the car. The new darker trim looked so much different than the old one. I had to speak to the service manager to get them to replace the rest. I took a look at the car this morning when I returned the loaner and the new trim really looks great. It is the same shade as the trim on the 2013's in the showroom. I am really happy I had them replace it and cannot wait to drive it home when I pick it up later today.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 160
From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Anyone NOT having a problem?
My car has a Nov 2009 build date so is covered by the TSB. However, my Burl Walnut trim looks perfect. Of course, car spends 90% of its life in a garage and only just hit 12,000 miles.
Are there any people out there who have not experienced a problem with the Burl trim from the early period? Or was ALL of the trim manufactured incorrectly?
Are there any people out there who have not experienced a problem with the Burl trim from the early period? Or was ALL of the trim manufactured incorrectly?
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 56
Likes: 1
From: Edgewater, NJ
2010 E350 4Matic Sport
The fading was not too bad on mine either when I purchased as CPO because it faded evenly. I could notice the difference when compared to later year models. Unfortunately, I am unable to garage it and I wanted get the trim replaced under warranty rather than waiting a few years and then regretting it not done when I was first aware of the issue.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 20
From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
It was originally thought to be a problem with a range of VINs. Mine was far outside the VIN range in 2011, but, also experienced the fading. I would imagine that all of the early vehicles would be susceptible to this issue. If your vehicle is in the range of VINs, I would definitely have the wood replaced just to have the wood trim with UV protection.
Banned
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Usa
magLipVE
Fade Trim Replaced
Want to thank everyone here after the faded trim stories. I took my MB to the dealer the next day and I got lucky. They had the trim in stock since the person they ordered it for never showed up since July.
They replaced the trims on the spot and it looks great. I was outside the VIN number but I printed the comments here and showed it to the service manager and he said no problem.
Great advice from you all.
They replaced the trims on the spot and it looks great. I was outside the VIN number but I printed the comments here and showed it to the service manager and he said no problem.
Great advice from you all.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 160
From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
So far, mine hasn't been
I did have it listed as a concern at an annual service just to get it in the MBUSA system.
Not sure, but I think amount of exposure to sunlight has a great effect on fading.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Trim clean point is August 2011, all trim produced before this point is susceptible to fading. Initially LI68.10-P-05415 https://mbworld.org/forums/5041804-post53.html released with affected VIN range A000988 to A291888 then LI68.30-P-053962 https://mbworld.org/forums/5459952-post98.html released with clean point validity. Check your PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 56
From: East coast
2010 E550 4M P2 Distronic, CLK550 Cab P2
Trim clean point is August 2011, all trim produced before this point is susceptible to fading. Initially LI68.10-P-05415 https://mbworld.org/forums/5041804-post53.html released with affected VIN range A000988 to A291888 then LI68.30-P-053962 https://mbworld.org/forums/5459952-post98.html released with clean point validity. Check your PM.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2005 W211 E500 4matic
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 9
From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
I have NOT read any reports of fading 'black ash trim'.
The fading trim issue seems to have affected only MY2010-2011 W212 with burl walnut trim. Perhaps a few early production MY2012 may also have suffered fading trim ? This problem is not just restricted to W212 located in the southern states; I have seen several MY2010-2011 W212 here in the Pacific North West with faded walnut trim.
The fading trim issue seems to have affected only MY2010-2011 W212 with burl walnut trim. Perhaps a few early production MY2012 may also have suffered fading trim ? This problem is not just restricted to W212 located in the southern states; I have seen several MY2010-2011 W212 here in the Pacific North West with faded walnut trim.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 9
From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Grass Valley, Northern California / Gardnerville, Nevada
1991 560SEC AMG & 1995 E420 & 2013 BMW 535i DINAN & 1967 Cougar
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
2010 E550
I have a question/issue. My 2010 burl walnut was replaced under the TSB, all of it. In a year since then, the dash pieces as well as the ash tray door have faded AGAIN. So much for UV protectant. I haven't brought it up to my dealer yet, and I'm not expecting help since I'm now in CPO vs factory warranty period and its already been replaced once.
Has anyone experienced the fade more than once? Or did I get shafted on the replacement pieces?
Has anyone experienced the fade more than once? Or did I get shafted on the replacement pieces?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I have a question/issue. My 2010 burl walnut was replaced under the TSB, all of it. In a year since then, the dash pieces as well as the ash tray door have faded AGAIN. So much for UV protectant. I haven't brought it up to my dealer yet, and I'm not expecting help since I'm now in CPO vs factory warranty period and its already been replaced once.
Has anyone experienced the fade more than once? Or did I get shafted on the replacement pieces?
Has anyone experienced the fade more than once? Or did I get shafted on the replacement pieces?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 394
From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
Don't most dealers give a 12/12k warranty on most repairs. I agree with Ned - you have nothing to lose by bringing it up.
I think I recall seeing someone post in the E350 faded burl wood thread about how the replacement wood faded also, but I don't recall the details.
I think I recall seeing someone post in the E350 faded burl wood thread about how the replacement wood faded also, but I don't recall the details.
