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Black on middle console peeling

Old Jun 30, 2009 | 10:09 PM
  #1  
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Black on middle console peeling

Hi all.

the black thin layer on the consol by the i drive type device is starting to peel. looks like crap. doubt mercedes would cover under warranty.
Attached Thumbnails Black on middle console peeling-_media-card_blackberry_pictures_img00023-20090630-1647.jpg   Black on middle console peeling-_media-card_blackberry_pictures_img00026-20090630-1649.jpg  
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 10:12 PM
  #2  
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I have the same problem. I took it to the dealer to ask them if they can fix it for me. They told me the only way they can do it is to replace it. It's not covered under warranty since they said its a wear and tear issue. They did suggest that another cheaper alternative is to have it repainted myself. Though they surely won't cover anything that goes wrong should the painters mess anything up.
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Old Jul 1, 2009 | 08:10 AM
  #3  
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These "ceramic" PVA coatings suck. Same crap as the bezel on your old CRT Sony TV set.

They make things look old before their time.
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Old Jul 1, 2009 | 08:34 AM
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Ah, the old wear and tear excuse. A one year old car should not have peeling like that, MB should step up and replace under warranty!

Have you tried calling MB USA customer service and complaining? Maybe they'll ok the replacement? It's worth a shot.
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Old Jul 1, 2009 | 08:40 AM
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Beats the he_l out of any japanese hard plastic type interiors, they look old even as new.
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Old Jul 1, 2009 | 10:00 AM
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How could Benz have missed this durning testing? I hope to have this car for a while and hate the thoughts of it looking worse than my last Mazda after 8 years.
Once all the paint peels off, what does the backing surface look like?
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Old Jul 1, 2009 | 10:47 AM
  #7  
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Black plastic. Painted & chromed plastic parts are all a cost saving thing. On new Toyota's you can scratch the coating permanently with a light scratch from a finger nail. Previously Benz only painted steering wheel buttons & door pulls - now it's expanded all over the place. To make matters worse the PVA get sticky as it ages.

Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Jul 1, 2009 at 10:51 AM.
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Old Jul 1, 2009 | 11:31 AM
  #8  
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Take it back to the dealer. I have a ML350 with various peeling issues around the C pillar and the dealer replaced all parts twice during the warranty period. Dont let them off with the wear and tear excuse. A 08 car should last longer than that.
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Old Jul 1, 2009 | 12:03 PM
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that really sucks, i gotta start being really careful around my console
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Old Jul 1, 2009 | 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by jwoods986
Ah, the old wear and tear excuse. A one year old car should not have peeling like that, MB should step up and replace under warranty!

Have you tried calling MB USA customer service and complaining? Maybe they'll ok the replacement? It's worth a shot.

Maybe if we complain enough, they'll do something about it. Just maybe...
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Old Jul 1, 2009 | 03:57 PM
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Several things increase your chance of "peeling"

...in no particular order these products will "help"peel that coating off.

ArmorAll (one of the most evil products ever invented)
sunblock lotion
face cream
bug repellant
makeup
hand lotion

In general, you'll see more peeling in cars operated by women (more lotions and makeup) but ArmorAll will peel the paint right off.

So, what should you use to clean your interior?

A clean, damp cloth is all it really takes, followed up by a 50/50 solution of Aerospace 303 and water if your car spends lots of time in the sun - otherwise just use the damp cloth.

If you have a leather interior then you'll want to use a quality product made for leather.
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Old Jul 1, 2009 | 04:43 PM
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I have seen cars where air freshners have done some serious damage, specially on the button surfaces.

Dont use air freshners!
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Old Jul 1, 2009 | 05:31 PM
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Right...

Originally Posted by vic viper
I have seen cars where air freshners have done some serious damage, specially on the button surfaces.

Dont use air freshners!

...basically, anything with oil in it is bad news for these painted surfaces...
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Old Jul 2, 2009 | 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted by vic viper
I have seen cars where air freshners have done some serious damage, specially on the button surfaces.

Dont use air freshners!

what's a good method to make your car smell good without air freshners? is there a way to make your car smell like brand new again? I miss that smell lol
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Old Jul 2, 2009 | 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Will38
what's a good method to make your car smell good without air freshners? is there a way to make your car smell like brand new again? I miss that smell lol
Spray the carpets.
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Old Jul 2, 2009 | 12:26 PM
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2008-Mercedes-C280-C300-C350-Arm-Rest-Bezel-Cup-Holder_W0QQitemZ110404312043QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMot ors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item19b49c1be b&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A10|39%3A1

:\
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Old Jul 2, 2009 | 05:15 PM
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Good find...


...but to answer the question about "how do I keep my car smelling good" try a box of baking soda under the seat. Those Arm&Hammer refrigerator packs work great - they suck up all sort of yucky smells.

That new car smell is just the chemicals from the plastics...
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Old Jul 2, 2009 | 06:22 PM
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It's nice to see the part is fairly small(easy to replace) and fairly cheap.
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Old Jul 7, 2009 | 01:10 PM
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I have the same issue on my center console, and i'm pissed off about it! I'm going to hound the dealership until it gets replaced....
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Old Jul 7, 2009 | 06:40 PM
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I had 2 arm rests replaced under warranty, there's no excuse for crappy interior components. I thought Mercedes was using better quality parts. Just approach your service advisor and ask them to replace it. I also had a cup holder replaced since the cheap metal paint around the ring was flaking off. This was all done under warranty, so take a calm approach and don't take no for an answer. I have a great dealership but it sounds like yours is not as customer-oriented. Good luck.
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Old Jul 7, 2009 | 07:36 PM
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Originally Posted by SteveAustin
I had 2 arm rests replaced under warranty, there's no excuse for crappy interior components. I thought Mercedes was using better quality parts. Just approach your service advisor and ask them to replace it. I also had a cup holder replaced since the cheap metal paint around the ring was flaking off. This was all done under warranty, so take a calm approach and don't take no for an answer. I have a great dealership but it sounds like yours is not as customer-oriented. Good luck.

Well Steve,

Who can say no to the 6 million dollar man? We small earthlings are all handicapped when it comes to influence. Cannot pick up my SA, throw him 6 floors up and catch him before he lands back; then ask him, wanna go for 2? But understand that my arm is hurting me and may have to let you fall.

Cheers, JV
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Old Jul 8, 2009 | 08:27 AM
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Originally Posted by CEB
...but to answer the question about "how do I keep my car smelling good" try a box of baking soda under the seat. Those Arm&Hammer refrigerator packs work great - they suck up all sort of yucky smells.

That new car smell is just the chemicals from the plastics...
+1
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Old Jul 8, 2009 | 10:45 AM
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"how do I keep my car smelling good" ?

Keep the car clean, its that simple, if you clean the car on a regular basis it will keep the new car scent for a very long time, there is no need for yucky chemicals or baking soda..
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Old Jul 8, 2009 | 01:55 PM
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there're some japanese air freshners they smell good and it's not oil type
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Old Jul 8, 2009 | 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Will38
what's a good method to make your car smell good without air freshners? is there a way to make your car smell like brand new again? I miss that smell lol
Resist smoking , eating, pets, fornicating or farting in your vehicle. Then clean regularly.
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