Norsk_Johnson

Hey guys, so it's to my understanding that this is a common problem in most W203's. I know because I looked on eBay and most ALL of them are peeling as well.

Does anyone have a repairing solution to this besides replacing the entire unit? It operates perfectly, it just looks horrible. Thanks!

VVF

I have been thinking about disassembling the thing, peeling all the lamination off then applying some clear coat or vinyl etc, for some time now.

RWDlifer

I happen to have a perfectly good one lying around if you're interested...upgraded my radio.

Norsk_Johnson

@VVF, I was thinking the same thing! However, I don't know if it's worth going through all that.

@RWD, I'm curious, what did you upgrade your new unit to? I've seen a few aftermarket units but they're $$$! How much are you willing to sell your old one for?

Ps - This may be a dumb question guys, but I see that there is the "phone integration" built into these things (with phone pick-up and hang-up buttons on both the steering wheel and radio unit) I've tried like hell to figure out how to hook my iPhone up to this thing, is it just another one of those "features" you have to have installed by the stealership?

-Thanks Fellas!

RWDlifer

Upgraded to comand 2.0, found a junkyard unit for a few hundred bucks and DIYed it. Shoot me a pm if you want the Audio 20..

Norsk_Johnson

Oh, Btw @VVF, I tried peeling mine off this weekend, this is what I got.. Fail.

Norsk_Johnson

Im thinking once I remove this unit, I'm going to sand it off completely and use a spray-paint clear coat afterwards (Like I did when I restored my headlamps)

VVF

By 'fail' do you mean some of the plastic is still attached?
Or is it just the residue? Have you tried rubbing alcohol on it?

Sanding sounds like a good plan though.

Norsk_Johnson

It's both @VVF. I used a plastic (then metal) razor blade, with a hairdryer to get the rest of top layer off. Unfortunately it made it look worse... As of this point, I'm just going to swap the unit and experiment with this one. I'll probably use a 600 Grit to get it all off, then 1000 Grit. Tape it off, then spray paint a Rustoleum Clear-Coat spray.

I really wish there was a way to replace just the display...