Greasy rocker panels at hinges - W204 Sport
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Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 124
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From: Where GW crossed the Delaware
16 E350 4M wagon, 70 911T
Greasy rocker panels at hinges - W204 Sport
Searched on topic but found no results on point, so here goes:
After a rainstorm, or even a car wash, the rocker panels on my car get streaked with dark grease dripping straight down from the location of the door hinges. If my car was a darker color it wouldn't be quote so noticeable but it stands out on the relatively light Palladium Silver. When I open the door to examine the hinges I don't notice any particularly dark grease on them, either visually or by touch. Hence it may not be coming from the hinges but from somewhere within the doors. I'll check later today to confirm.
Is this typical? Is it related to some sort of factory-applied protectant, similar to cosmoline? Does it go away with time (my car has only a hair over 10K miles so still pretty new)? If anyone else has experienced similar, how did you treat it - besides regular washings or removal with a quick detailing spray?
Thanks for any and all suggestions.
After a rainstorm, or even a car wash, the rocker panels on my car get streaked with dark grease dripping straight down from the location of the door hinges. If my car was a darker color it wouldn't be quote so noticeable but it stands out on the relatively light Palladium Silver. When I open the door to examine the hinges I don't notice any particularly dark grease on them, either visually or by touch. Hence it may not be coming from the hinges but from somewhere within the doors. I'll check later today to confirm.
Is this typical? Is it related to some sort of factory-applied protectant, similar to cosmoline? Does it go away with time (my car has only a hair over 10K miles so still pretty new)? If anyone else has experienced similar, how did you treat it - besides regular washings or removal with a quick detailing spray?
Thanks for any and all suggestions.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 288
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From: New Jersey
2012 C300 sport
When I was looking to buy a C Class I noticed the streaking you are talking about on a few white cars. I bought a white one and don't have the problem, but every now and then I see a white or silver car with the streaks. I wash mine at least once a week so maybe that has something to do with not having the problem.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 583
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2026 GLC300 4Matic (X254)
I don't know what it is, but it's 100% normal. Mine does it too, as did several of my VWs. Definitely a Euro car thing. It is a thick grease in the doors as far as I can tell, didn't think it was from hinges (though it's possible). I recall my VW dealer saying it's a rust or salt proofing thing. Someone mentioned that it might also be factory prepping for long journey over from Germany or South Africa.
Anyway, just clean it off from time to time if it bugs you. Comes off easy.
Anyway, just clean it off from time to time if it bugs you. Comes off easy.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 124
Likes: 5
From: Where GW crossed the Delaware
16 E350 4M wagon, 70 911T
Makes perfect sense, spyked. I suspected it was some sort of cosmoline-like preservative. Agree that it comes off easily; I typically clean it off once a week with some quick detailing spray like Griot's Speed Shine or Meguiar's Quik Detailer.
I was just wondering whether it was something I could displace with something else that's a little less noticeable when it runs, like WD-40, PB Blaster or white lithium grease. Just another of the many joys of ownership!
I was just wondering whether it was something I could displace with something else that's a little less noticeable when it runs, like WD-40, PB Blaster or white lithium grease. Just another of the many joys of ownership!
