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Repairing MB-Tex

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Old Apr 27, 2011 | 12:27 AM
  #1  
dcjwlee's Avatar
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From: LI, NY, U.S.A.
2013 GLK 350 4M (Iridium Silver), 2010 E350 Coupe (Iridium Silver)
Repairing MB-Tex

So at about 55k the C developed a fine two inch crack across the left thigh bolster...

This is usually the first spot to go in all of my cars as it gets pushed down when I turn my body to get out of my car. (I only weigh 170 lbs...)

I will take some pictures later, but realistically what are my options for repairing this?
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Old Apr 27, 2011 | 01:59 AM
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From: New Jersey/ Aviano Air Base, Italy
'08 c300 sport
I would like to know this too. The button from one of my back pockets tore the MBtex probably when I was getting in and out of the car -_-
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Old Apr 27, 2011 | 02:07 AM
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From: New Jersey/ Aviano Air Base, Italy
'08 c300 sport
This is how mine looks.. Same spot as what you described and from your description sounds like it's similar to my tear

Repairing MB-Tex-img00778-20110427-0203-2.jpg
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Old Apr 27, 2011 | 02:39 AM
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2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
I have a sheep skin throwover to stop such wear & tear ie buttons, penknives ,dog claws ect.
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Old Apr 27, 2011 | 04:58 AM
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Same spot for me too when I had an 08 e-class. I thought mbtex was supposed to be more durable than leather.
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Old Apr 27, 2011 | 10:12 AM
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2008 C350 Sport
Any decent upholstery shop can pull your seat apart and re-wrap the bolster, look on line for local, or better yet try to get a recommendation from someone who has used them...
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Old Apr 27, 2011 | 11:23 AM
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Benz sell new seat covers. Just buy one in the right colour for the seat base & have it fitted. You can't really repair that without replacing the panel at least & you will see it.
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Old Apr 27, 2011 | 12:01 PM
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2013 GLK 350 4M (Iridium Silver), 2010 E350 Coupe (Iridium Silver)
Thanks for the replies guys.

Easydoesit, looks liek we have the same problem. I've put a piece of scotch tape over it so it doesn't keep peeling away. (I won't be uploading any pics, just use Easy's as a reference as it is about the same in size and location)


Will check MBZ for seat covers, and will look around local upholstery shops to collect quotes.

Will report back with what I find.

Anyone who has done this specific work please chime in.

This has happened in ALL my cars so far. But this tear happened a bit early and is worse than the usual cracking/peeling that happens down the road. I reckon I might have sat on a coat zipper and then pulled it out from under me... seems like a likely cause.
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Old Apr 27, 2011 | 02:19 PM
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From: New Jersey/ Aviano Air Base, Italy
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Yeah let me know what route you decide to go with dcj, thanks!
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Old Apr 27, 2011 | 03:32 PM
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'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Originally Posted by dcjwlee
So at about 55k the C developed a fine two inch crack across the left thigh bolster...

This is usually the first spot to go in all of my cars as it gets pushed down when I turn my body to get out of my car. (I only weigh 170 lbs...)

I will take some pictures later, but realistically what are my options for repairing this?
Every MB dealer has either people on staff (if they are big enough) or vendors that come by to repair damage like this on trade-ins, remove small dents, repair curbed wheels, and touch up door dings etc. Go to your dealer and ask the used car manager (oops, pre-owned) who does this work for them so that you can come in the next time the leather/Tex repair guy is scheduled. Do not turn this over to a service writer unless you want him to add his commission to the bill.

They fix this sort of thing all day long.

Last edited by RLE; Apr 27, 2011 at 03:35 PM.
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Old Apr 27, 2011 | 04:25 PM
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'11 C350 '13 F150 lariat
mine was ripped in the same spot. I turned it in for a new lease last week and they didnt blink. happens to all of them. the dealer has a guy who repairs them if theyre bad they do seat covers. if your under miles they WILL replace under warranty....
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Old Apr 27, 2011 | 05:59 PM
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S204 220 CDI
My upholstery has also been cracked. Apparently, the plastic material is very poor quality. Here in Spain there are many complaints.

Greetings.
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Old Apr 27, 2011 | 11:15 PM
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W204 Color: 090 / 1999 Honda Civic EX / 2003 Acura TL
i had the same problem i went to my dealer and talk to the service manager and i got it replaced under warranty
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Old Aug 26, 2011 | 09:26 PM
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2008 C350
sorry for bringing up an old thread...was searching for something and saw this and figured I'd respond...

this is a very typical thing to happen to leather or vinyl(tex)...any competent automotive upholstery shop should be able to get the correct material and replace the section in the seat that's ripped or worn...I won an custom upholstery shop and have been in the business since 1996 and have done thousands of these repairs in MB, BMW, Audi, VW...

you may get charged more because it's European, but it's honestly a harder seat and more labor intensive than an American made junk seat lol...You do need to make sure that the upholstery shop knows what they are doing...there are some things in a European interior that some people will stumble on and mess up or break something...maybe ask the dealership who they recommend...
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