Question about MB-Tex
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 457
Likes: 16
From: Columbus, GA
'25 MB GLE 450, w/airmatic
Stan, I take my "that's normal" comment back after seeing your pics. Good lord, I've never seen anything like that....anywhere. I had what I think Glyn described quite nicely but it went away as he stated it would.
I can understand your frustration - outrage?- and I'd be equally pissy at the thought of having the seat covers replaced on a new car.
I'm trying to bite my tongue and let me know if I'm out of line but...wtf is wrong with this new C-Class???? Is this another Alabama QC or supplier issue or is it global (I can't interpret the origin of the tech bulletin)? I see that the MB bulletin suggests that inventoried cars get a wash with warm, soapy water before delivery. I'm confused because I assume you've done this multiple times already?? If so, and considering your pics are worth a thousand words, will other new owners experience the same problem and the same "don't worry, we'll replace your seat covers" solution?
All I can say is "Wow". And I sympathize of course. Looking forward to hearing about your resolution.
I can understand your frustration - outrage?- and I'd be equally pissy at the thought of having the seat covers replaced on a new car.
I'm trying to bite my tongue and let me know if I'm out of line but...wtf is wrong with this new C-Class???? Is this another Alabama QC or supplier issue or is it global (I can't interpret the origin of the tech bulletin)? I see that the MB bulletin suggests that inventoried cars get a wash with warm, soapy water before delivery. I'm confused because I assume you've done this multiple times already?? If so, and considering your pics are worth a thousand words, will other new owners experience the same problem and the same "don't worry, we'll replace your seat covers" solution?
All I can say is "Wow". And I sympathize of course. Looking forward to hearing about your resolution.
If the TSB is 12/19/14, I can't imagine they have already manufactured new and improved replacement covers yet.
Or maybe it was just a bad batch that went out about the time Stan took possession of his car.
Last edited by PeteInGilroy; Jan 4, 2015 at 05:31 PM. Reason: corrected date
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 33
From: Whitefield, NH
2015 C300 Sport: Palladium, Premium, Multimedia, Leather, BLIS
Since the TSB wasn't issued until late December, and it states a solution is still pending, it looks like a lot of US production cars may have gone out with defective MB-Tex. Apparently, cold weather leaches the oily substance out of the vinyl, then warm temperatures in the cabin evaporate it and leave the white residue behind. The white stuff feels like lanolin and you can rub it off with a fingernail, but it does leave a dark stain behind.
Yeah, I'm upset and very angry right now. I'm reaching the conclusion that Alabama is a QC black hole, and someone in charge of QC should be fired. Doesn't anyone test this stuff before it goes into production cars?
My salesman already emailed me back and will bring my pictures and the TSB to the service department first thing in the morning. I'll try to get new seats, and will also ask for an extended warranty as a comp. I will update this thread as things develop. Now I just need to take a deep breath and have some Jack Daniels.
Yeah, I'm upset and very angry right now. I'm reaching the conclusion that Alabama is a QC black hole, and someone in charge of QC should be fired. Doesn't anyone test this stuff before it goes into production cars?
My salesman already emailed me back and will bring my pictures and the TSB to the service department first thing in the morning. I'll try to get new seats, and will also ask for an extended warranty as a comp. I will update this thread as things develop. Now I just need to take a deep breath and have some Jack Daniels.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 457
Likes: 16
From: Columbus, GA
'25 MB GLE 450, w/airmatic
Since the TSB wasn't issued until late December, and it states a solution is still pending, it looks like a lot of US production cars may have gone out with defective MB-Tex. Apparently, cold weather leaches the oily substance out of the vinyl, then warm temperatures in the cabin evaporate it and leave the white residue behind. The white stuff feels like lanolin and you can rub it off with a fingernail, but it does leave a dark stain behind.
Yeah, I'm upset and very angry right now. I'm reaching the conclusion that Alabama is a QC black hole, and someone in charge of QC should be fired. Doesn't anyone test this stuff before it goes into production cars?
My salesman already emailed me back and will bring my pictures and the TSB to the service department first thing in the morning. I'll try to get new seats, and will also ask for an extended warranty as a comp. I will update this thread as things develop. Now I just need to take a deep breath and have some Jack Daniels.
Yeah, I'm upset and very angry right now. I'm reaching the conclusion that Alabama is a QC black hole, and someone in charge of QC should be fired. Doesn't anyone test this stuff before it goes into production cars?
My salesman already emailed me back and will bring my pictures and the TSB to the service department first thing in the morning. I'll try to get new seats, and will also ask for an extended warranty as a comp. I will update this thread as things develop. Now I just need to take a deep breath and have some Jack Daniels.
How about asking the dealer to upgrade you to leather?
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
What a mess. Unacceptable. Make it the dealer's problem. That's not on!
BTW ~ That is an official MBUSA TSB Number.
BTW ~ That is an official MBUSA TSB Number.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Jan 4, 2015 at 06:11 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 600
Likes: 4
From: Sunshine State
2015 C300 RWD
I'm so sorry about that Stan. You've gotta be getting up there with days out of service. Your call after all the dust settles, but I'd be considering asking them to buy it back. http://www.dmv.org/nh-new-hampshire/...#Whats-a-Lemon
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 600
Likes: 4
From: Sunshine State
2015 C300 RWD
Topic number
Complaint
Oily, shiny surface or white residues on MB-Tex seat covers
Cause
- In cold weather the surface of the MB-Tex can appear oily or shiny (IMG_2055.jpg, IMG_2058.jpg)
- When the material warms up again, the substance evaporates and this can result in white edges on the surface (IMG_2054.jpg)
1) For customer vehicles with issue only!
Replace the seat cover and head rests, except for the front passenger seat bottom.
The passenger seat bottom cannot be changed at this time because the factory calibration is performed on the cushion/cover/bladder as a complete set.
We are currently in developing a spare part kit, once established, this Tips LI will be updated.
2) For vehicles in dealer inventory
Please clean the seats with warm soapy water solution (do not use aggressive cleaning agents) before releasing to customer.
A final resolution is currently under development, this LI will be updated accordingly.
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Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
'13 C350, '13 GLK250
I hope there are some sharp, forum-following automotive reviewers out there who'll take advantage of the upcoming Detroit auto show to corner an MB exec or two and ask the tough questions that might need to be asked right about now.
Not looking for a vindictive media slam but rather a bit of public accountability in terms of the W205 issues brought to light in the MBWorld threads that seem, for the most part, related to Alabama production. As I said in another thread, the "problems" identified by forum members are probably a fair representation of the problems being experienced by current owners throughout North America. If this admittedly broad statement is even close to being correct, Mercedes needs to act quickly and firmly to avoid word of mouth damage that shoddy build quality/shoddy QC can do to such a brilliant car IMO.
Not looking for a vindictive media slam but rather a bit of public accountability in terms of the W205 issues brought to light in the MBWorld threads that seem, for the most part, related to Alabama production. As I said in another thread, the "problems" identified by forum members are probably a fair representation of the problems being experienced by current owners throughout North America. If this admittedly broad statement is even close to being correct, Mercedes needs to act quickly and firmly to avoid word of mouth damage that shoddy build quality/shoddy QC can do to such a brilliant car IMO.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 33
From: Whitefield, NH
2015 C300 Sport: Palladium, Premium, Multimedia, Leather, BLIS
I'm so sorry about that Stan. You've gotta be getting up there with days out of service. Your call after all the dust settles, but I'd be considering asking them to buy it back. http://www.dmv.org/nh-new-hampshire/...#Whats-a-Lemon
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
'13 C350, '13 GLK250
No such luck here in Canada, vehicle replacement is mostly a "good will" gesture once you've spent about a lifetime arguing your case and on top of that are fortunate enough to have the solid support of a dealership behind you.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 301
Likes: 19
2015 W205
Maybe better to not bring it up to the dealer, but keep the option up your sleeve for use if needed. Wouldn't want the dealer to rush and do a half *** job repairing your car because they are worried about the 30 day timeline.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2015 C300
I've been creeping around these forums for about a month now after taking possession of my 2015 C300 in mid-December and learning a lot from everyone. Last week I noticed this same issue on my seats, particularly the rear ones. I quickly came and looked all over the forum and Google but found nothing. I had thought and hoped that maybe the dealership had cleaned the seats with an aftermarket product and it was just wearing off uneven. The OP pictures inspired me to register as this is a serious concern. I wiped down all the shiny spots with a damp microfiber towel and they haven't returned but it's been unseasonably warm in Pittsburgh the last few days. With single digit temperatures returning this week I'm anxious to see if the blotches reappear. If they do, I will quickly be firing an e-mail with the link to this forum to the dealership requesting the seats be replaced and upgraded with leather.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 600
Likes: 4
From: Sunshine State
2015 C300 RWD
I've been creeping around these forums for about a month now after taking possession of my 2015 C300 in mid-December and learning a lot from everyone. Last week I noticed this same issue on my seats, particularly the rear ones. I quickly came and looked all over the forum and Google but found nothing. I had thought and hoped that maybe the dealership had cleaned the seats with an aftermarket product and it was just wearing off uneven. The OP pictures inspired me to register as this is a serious concern. I wiped down all the shiny spots with a damp microfiber towel and they haven't returned but it's been unseasonably warm in Pittsburgh the last few days. With single digit temperatures returning this week I'm anxious to see if the blotches reappear. If they do, I will quickly be firing an e-mail with the link to this forum to the dealership requesting the seats be replaced and upgraded with leather.
Oy Vay Mercedes. You can't say MBTex is a 'new product issue' either. Terrible QA and overemphasis on pushing them out fast and cheap. Proof is in the photos.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Memphis, TN
c300
Here I was in blissful ignorance about my new c300 until I joined these forums. I hope since my c300 isn't being built until the next production run, they have the 'fixed' mb-tex for mine (or I change my order to real leather, not sure). I'm in Memphis, so not much cold weather here (of course, we even had snow once here last year!), and by the time I get mine, it will be mostly over. I will be keeping an eye out for the crap on my windows, though. Does regular ammonia/water get it off easily? I was looking to get that uv blocking film on my windows as soon as I can get it on, plus maybe the vpex(?) for the front end paint.
pek
pek
Last edited by pek; Jan 4, 2015 at 10:34 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 9
From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
MBTex seat covers
StanNH:
Wow ! Having driven for over 50 years, I have never seen ANY new car, let alone a Mercedes, with seat covers that looked as horrid as yours !!! It's an inexcusable defect in manufacturing ! Those seat covers really look vile !!!
I wonder if these MBTex seat covers are made in the US or whether its a more widespread problem that includes the German built cars ?
If it were my car, I would request a no cost upgrade to leather seats, which are, IMO, more comfortable, both in winter and summer.
Wow ! Having driven for over 50 years, I have never seen ANY new car, let alone a Mercedes, with seat covers that looked as horrid as yours !!! It's an inexcusable defect in manufacturing ! Those seat covers really look vile !!!
I wonder if these MBTex seat covers are made in the US or whether its a more widespread problem that includes the German built cars ?
If it were my car, I would request a no cost upgrade to leather seats, which are, IMO, more comfortable, both in winter and summer.
Last edited by DerekACS; Jan 4, 2015 at 11:26 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 457
Likes: 16
From: Columbus, GA
'25 MB GLE 450, w/airmatic
StanNH:
Wow ! Having driven for over 50 years, I have never seen ANY new car, let alone a Mercedes, with seat covers that looked as horrid as yours !!! It's an inexcusable defect in manufacturing ! Those seat covers really look vile !!!
I wonder if these MBTex seat covers are made in the US or whether its a more widespread problem that includes the German built cars ?
If it were my car, I would request a no cost upgrade to leather seats, which are, IMO, more comfortable, both in winter and summer.
Wow ! Having driven for over 50 years, I have never seen ANY new car, let alone a Mercedes, with seat covers that looked as horrid as yours !!! It's an inexcusable defect in manufacturing ! Those seat covers really look vile !!!
I wonder if these MBTex seat covers are made in the US or whether its a more widespread problem that includes the German built cars ?
If it were my car, I would request a no cost upgrade to leather seats, which are, IMO, more comfortable, both in winter and summer.
And, I also wonder if this defect is limited to just the C Class, all vehicles made in Vance, AL, or all 2015 MB vehicles.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 85
From: San Francisco, CA
2017 E300
I don't think its really as simple as forgetting to wipe down the mb tex with a "special" cleaner before delivery. There has to be something wrong with the manufacturing process. It is not like MB tex is new to alabama, most MLs leave with MB tex too and some here were hard pressed to find any past issues.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
2007 e320 Bluetec
Absolutely ridiculous for Mercedes! I would take it back and have them install real leather. Mine has MB Tex but I got it pre-owned and must have missed out on all this nonsense. It already has a previous repair on the left lower bolster of my seat; if it spreads, I will take it to Katzkin and have them install their leather, unless I can find a correct factory leather interior out of a wrecked Mercedes or else get a reasonable price on factory leather seat covers.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 457
Likes: 16
From: Columbus, GA
'25 MB GLE 450, w/airmatic
I don't think its really as simple as forgetting to wipe down the mb tex with a "special" cleaner before delivery. There has to be something wrong with the manufacturing process. It is not like MB tex is new to alabama, most MLs leave with MB tex too and some here were hard pressed to find any past issues.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 9
From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
I don't know exactly how parts are procured by auto manufacturers, but I wonder if the company that made the seat covers somehow tried to save money by altering the Mercedes specifications and ended up making a defective product.
And, I also wonder if this defect is limited to just the C Class, all vehicles made in Vance, AL, or all 2015 MB vehicles.
And, I also wonder if this defect is limited to just the C Class, all vehicles made in Vance, AL, or all 2015 MB vehicles.
If I were StanNH, I would immediately write a letter to the President of MBUSA, enclosing photos of his MBTex seats, asking him if this is the kind of quality by which Mercedes wishes to be known ?
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: USA
W205
Stan - good luck to you on getting this resolved. This absolutely looks disgusting and is unacceptable. I would be livid as well based on all the "little" issues you've faced since ownership. It's especially disappointing that these quality issues are happening with MB on a $40k-60k+ car.
After reading through your issues and other common issues that others have faced, I've honestly gone from really excited about my upcoming delivery to almost dreading what kind of QC issues will crop up in my car. As others have mentioned, MB Tex is not new. A number of these quality issues shouldn't be happening regardless of whether it's a first year model or not. It indicates carelessness and cutting corners. Whether it's warranted or not, my personal bias against "built in USA" and locally sourced parts seems to be further validated.
/rant.
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 171
Likes: 1
Ferrari, Lexus, Toyota
OMG! I looked back at your car build. Yours is a commonly found build on every dealer's lot, not custom. I WOULD NOT let them fix your seats, especially as you've had other problems.
I would ask your dealer manager to conference call you with MBUSA and demand a new vehicle. Period! Maybe one on your dealers lot they can deliver to you.
There is no way NOT to involve MBUSA and Alabama plant managers with this. Don't let them just change your seats or handle at the dealer. Then what, seat heater acts goofy in a year, little rattles after that? Your car is still a baby.
I still wouldn't touch that car after this number of concerns in a matter of few months even with a 100 year 1,000,000 mile free warranty. The factory and Mercedes oversight of it let you down. Mercedes Benz needs to be made aware and fire a few hundred people over your car alone.
I would ask your dealer manager to conference call you with MBUSA and demand a new vehicle. Period! Maybe one on your dealers lot they can deliver to you.
There is no way NOT to involve MBUSA and Alabama plant managers with this. Don't let them just change your seats or handle at the dealer. Then what, seat heater acts goofy in a year, little rattles after that? Your car is still a baby.
I still wouldn't touch that car after this number of concerns in a matter of few months even with a 100 year 1,000,000 mile free warranty. The factory and Mercedes oversight of it let you down. Mercedes Benz needs to be made aware and fire a few hundred people over your car alone.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
From: Sweden
A180 / On order S205
This is just horrible and I really feel for your Stan this is totally not acceptable for a car in the segment and price range. I would say it is not acceptable at any price range or brand for that matter when it comes to a new car like this.
