Does the inside of your W204 smell like a crayon?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
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2008 W204
Does the inside of your W204 smell like a crayon?
Ever since I got my car it has smelt like a crayon inside. Multiple people that have ridden in my car have came up with the same description of the smell. I am used to it and actually kind of like it.
I guessing that most W204s do, and its probably the smell that the MBTex produces, and that's why I like it, unlike most vinyls that have no smell, the MBTex maintains a pleasant smell, it's just a little different from the leather smell.
I'm just wondering if other W204s with MBtex have this smell, or am I only one?
I guessing that most W204s do, and its probably the smell that the MBTex produces, and that's why I like it, unlike most vinyls that have no smell, the MBTex maintains a pleasant smell, it's just a little different from the leather smell.
I'm just wondering if other W204s with MBtex have this smell, or am I only one?
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Joined: Jun 2012
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C350
Yes - in fact, I think all German cars do. I read somewhere that it was because of the type of glue used in the interior. They can't use all of the chemical glues that are commonly used due to some type of regulation. They can only use a wax-based glue...and it happens to be the same wax used in crayons. My wife's VW smells the same...
MBWorld Fanatic!
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LOADED 08' C350 & 14' GLK-350 Diamond White (P1, MM, AMG Pkg, Ln Trkng, Htd Sts, Keylss Go)
yep same here- faint crayola smell..
not a bad smell whatsoever...
just definitely not that amazing leather smell of a new leather interior...
but who cares, MBtex last longer and most people cant even tell the difference when they ride in my w204
I chose MBtex because of durability not because of price or smell though
not a bad smell whatsoever...
just definitely not that amazing leather smell of a new leather interior...
but who cares, MBtex last longer and most people cant even tell the difference when they ride in my w204
I chose MBtex because of durability not because of price or smell though
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Joined: Dec 2011
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2012 c250
HAHAHA!! now I know what it is. I've always wondered what that smell was. Even with my airfreshener, it still had a faint smell which I thought was from the carpet floor mats. Since the wifey has a Bimmer with carpet floor mats, I figured it was a smell coming from the dirt and dust we walk on in Vegas since her car has a similar smell. LMAO!
Now everything makes sense and I dont have to buy all weather floor mats anymore.
THANKS GUYS!
Now everything makes sense and I dont have to buy all weather floor mats anymore.
THANKS GUYS!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 816
Likes: 21
2008 W204
HAHAHA!! now I know what it is. I've always wondered what that smell was. Even with my airfreshener, it still had a faint smell which I thought was from the carpet floor mats. Since the wifey has a Bimmer with carpet floor mats, I figured it was a smell coming from the dirt and dust we walk on in Vegas since her car has a similar smell. LMAO!
Now everything makes sense and I dont have to buy all weather floor mats anymore.
THANKS GUYS!
Now everything makes sense and I dont have to buy all weather floor mats anymore.
THANKS GUYS!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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LOADED 08' C350 & 14' GLK-350 Diamond White (P1, MM, AMG Pkg, Ln Trkng, Htd Sts, Keylss Go)
I originally thought it was because I added the heavy rubber after market all weather mats
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From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
Yes - in fact, I think all German cars do. I read somewhere that it was because of the type of glue used in the interior. They can't use all of the chemical glues that are commonly used due to some type of regulation. They can only use a wax-based glue...and it happens to be the same wax used in crayons. My wife's VW smells the same...
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: FL
C230 Kompressor
All German cars of this era have a crayon smell. I was a valet for many years so I've driven them all. BMW, VW, and if course our MB. It was something used in the manufacturing of this era. The newer ones do not have this smell.
Either that or all of Germany just smells like crayons, this is what I tell anyone who brings it up when riding in my car
Either that or all of Germany just smells like crayons, this is what I tell anyone who brings it up when riding in my car
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 377
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2013 C250 sport
Funny description! I just bought a 2013 C250, and it doesn't smell like leather, but it has a somewhat "gently pleasant" new car smell (mb tex). I bought some Zaino leather in a bottle, and wipe down the seats with it every now and then. I guarantee every single person that gets in my car thinks it's leather, especially after a fresh application!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 288
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From: New Jersey
2012 C300 sport
I drove a 2013 C300 loaner for the past couple days and my wife commented that it had a "funny smell". Now that you mention it, it was kind of like crayons. My 2012 doesn't seem to have it though.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2014
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2005 Mercedes clk320
Crayon smell
I purchased a 2005 Mercedes clk 320 Convertible with a strong crayon smell. I finally pulled up the carpet on the driver and passenger side and found the source of the odor to be the foam pads underneath the carpet. They are molded foam that fits into the indentation on the floor. I cut off the molded foam, sprayed the remaining backing with kilz. I had to cut and put styrofoam in these indentations in the floorboards to maintain some backing under the carpet. On the passenger side. I have ordered new molded carpet for the drivers side from Benz. After removing this foam backing the smell was reduced by about90 percent and it is now tolerable. I am sure the the rear seat carpet also has this foam but I have not pulled the back seat yet
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: M'sia
MB C250
Ever since I got my car it has smelt like a crayon inside. Multiple people that have ridden in my car have came up with the same description of the smell. I am used to it and actually kind of like it.
I guessing that most W204s do, and its probably the smell that the MBTex produces, and that's why I like it, unlike most vinyls that have no smell, the MBTex maintains a pleasant smell, it's just a little different from the leather smell.
I'm just wondering if other W204s with MBtex have this smell, or am I only one?
I guessing that most W204s do, and its probably the smell that the MBTex produces, and that's why I like it, unlike most vinyls that have no smell, the MBTex maintains a pleasant smell, it's just a little different from the leather smell.
I'm just wondering if other W204s with MBtex have this smell, or am I only one?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
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From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
It's not the MBTex, it's not 'dirt from vegas', it's not the carpet 
It's the foam insulation that MB uses. There have been TSBs in the past when the smell was much stronger / nastier. If you ever pull up one of the carpets to access the wiring underneath, you'll smell it quite specifically coming from the foam. MB has even admitted this with the past TSBs.
It's the foam insulation that MB uses. There have been TSBs in the past when the smell was much stronger / nastier. If you ever pull up one of the carpets to access the wiring underneath, you'll smell it quite specifically coming from the foam. MB has even admitted this with the past TSBs.
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 223
Likes: 3
From: Orlando, Florida, USA
09CLK550Cab 61k miles
hparth, or anyone else, did your fix get rid of the smell in the long run?
This smell is really bad in my car, and bothers my lungs (my friends, wife, and kids complain too). Definitely very strong from the carpets, so I believe hparth is right about the source, but I wonder if the fix is permanent and complete, or should I sell my car.
I also smell it in the trunk as well, but I don't sit in the trunk, so I'm less concerned about the trunk.
This smell is really bad in my car, and bothers my lungs (my friends, wife, and kids complain too). Definitely very strong from the carpets, so I believe hparth is right about the source, but I wonder if the fix is permanent and complete, or should I sell my car.
I also smell it in the trunk as well, but I don't sit in the trunk, so I'm less concerned about the trunk.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 300
Likes: 13
From: GA, USA
Current: '19 E450 Cabriolet - Past: '19 C300 Coupe, '12 SLK350, '16 E350, '14 C250 (x2), '09 CLK350
Two W204s in our family and no crayon smell, both MBTex. They're fairly new though, both under 15k miles.
I used to have a CLK 350 that smelled like a fresh box of crayons, however, with 50k miles on it. It was leather, so I doubt it has to do with the upholstery. I've researched it some online and found a number of possible sources but can't find a definitive answer.
One thing is for sure, even though I didn't mind it that much, it's nice to have a car that doesn't smell like crayons inside anymore.
I used to have a CLK 350 that smelled like a fresh box of crayons, however, with 50k miles on it. It was leather, so I doubt it has to do with the upholstery. I've researched it some online and found a number of possible sources but can't find a definitive answer.
One thing is for sure, even though I didn't mind it that much, it's nice to have a car that doesn't smell like crayons inside anymore.
Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Australia, Brisbane
C220 W204
Not sure what crayon smells like, but my car certainly smells new like I got them recently even though its a MY11 
But occasionally I get the stinky fart smell coming the diesel engine lol
But occasionally I get the stinky fart smell coming the diesel engine lol
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 8
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clk350
crayon smell
Hi,
You mentioned that " MB has even admitted this with the past ". Can you tell me where I can find out that they admitted it. Also is it hard to remove the carpets and do you have to replace them after removing the foam. Thanks.
You mentioned that " MB has even admitted this with the past ". Can you tell me where I can find out that they admitted it. Also is it hard to remove the carpets and do you have to replace them after removing the foam. Thanks.
