Phat_J

Hey everyone,

Like many W204 owners, My drink holder chrome paint is peeling.
I was inspired by the thread here:

https://mbworld.org/forums/cls-coupe...i-did-diy.html

I went and bought all the paint and sandpaper. When I disassembled the cup holder piece, the chrome part does not separate like on the CLS. It's held in place by all these plastic rivets. They are an absolute ***** to remove, I've been trying with needle nose pliers and razor blades.
My plan is to soak the chrome part in paint remover, as I don't have the patience to sand off all that peeling chrome paint.

Here are some pictures of what I mean:




Any suggestions on getting that chrome piece apart from the black piece?

Thanks!

AkaSigFreak

Mine was repaired by the dealership at no charge. They said it was a known issue and didn't hesitate.

Phat_J

Yeah, my dealership won't replace it for free. Plus it's just going to peel again.

shotgun_banjo

If you are planning of getting a new one instead make sure to get the ones on a 2014 c-class. The trim is not chrome anymore but a satin silver finish like the silver accent trim on the shifter. Somehow mine was changed to that when I have my chrome peeling and the SA told me if I dont mind the none chrome look as it wont peel like the old one. Somehow it looks better as my shifter is the cheap silver type and now the shifter and cup holder trim looks the same and matches.

AkaSigFreak

Sorry to hear that. Mine was replaced once and never peeled again.
I'd like to see some picks of the new brushed version.

Shimee

To remove the rivets get a flat spade-tip xacto knife blade and heat it over a flame. Then just shear off the rivets.

Once you get that out you want to soak the chrome part in bleach. It will make the chrome easier to peel if not remove it completely.

Then you want to get a plastic primer and a paint color of your choice.

To reattach the trim piece use a strong plastic epoxy like Plasticweld in the same locations as the plastic rivets were.

shotgun_banjo

https://mbworld.org/g/picture/593960

Here is what the new one looks like. It is a satin silver finish which is the same finish as the command knob.

Phat_J

Shimee, Thanks I will try that.

Thanks shotgun_banjo If all else fails, I'll just order a new part. Even though that one is for 2014 model, it will still fit my 2008?

snowmuch

You can order that thing for like $30 on parts.com. I just ordered one myself

c350nubie

I have the same problem, just that mine isn't peeling as much. I planned to wrap it once it gets worse. Perhaps I should just try my luck with the dealer and ask them if they can replace it for free (fat chance)

Phat_J

Does anyone know the model number for the 2014 version? Thanks

black lavender

Would like to know as well.

Thank You

Shimee

This is what I ordered from MBonlineparts.com: 20468048089H44

It is the satin silver finish and came to $46.82 shipped.

Phat_J

Thanks for that.
I ended up ordering one of the older style ones from the dealer, then I coated the chrome part with clear adhesion promoter, followed by a couple layers of clear coat. So far so good, I'll see how long it stays chip-free.

dreilly36

Anyone know the part number for this?

intrdrgn

the part # is on post #13, The member even posted the web site to oreder it. i just ordered mine today good luck

Colin G

I sliced my finger on the peeling chrome on mine today. Just started peeling in my 2008.

Looks like I'll be ordering one on Monday.

Josh.A.Hussey

Yeah I replaced mine about a year and a half ago, it was CAD$80 from the dealer including next day shipping.

Colin G

Josh, do you happen to have a part number handy? The trim is also not chrome but silver now, yes?

Josh.A.Hussey

Sorry, mine was the chrome PN. Still want it?

Colin G

I'll hold off. I think the chrome would just peel again on the new one.

Alfadude

It may peel off again on the new one, but the old one took 8 years to go bad on yours, so unless you plan to keep the car another 8 years it should still hold up until you get a different car down the road. Plus, it isn't that expensive.

Colin G

I just bought the car last week and will keep it for at least 5 more years. The car was barely driven and still smells like new inside. That new cup holder trim would peel within a few years I bet under regular use.


I prefer the silver if available like mentioned in above posts but may just peel the offending piece of chrome off and dab some clear nail polish on it to keep from peeling further. It is a small piece that is lifting but big enough to slice my finger open. The chrome peeling does not bother me as much as cutting my finger open again would.

Josh.A.Hussey

If somebody has the VIN of a car with the silver one from factory I can get you the part number.

Josh.A.Hussey

Genuine, cheap! Thought I'd post!