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I am starting to notice spotting and discoloration along the top rails of the window frames. I think these are anodized parts but I'm not sure. It doesn't wipe off with water and a microfiber cloth. I also tried a little car wash soap to no avail. My grandma's SL actually has the same issue on the lower window frames.
Any ideas? Pics below.
I think it's just oxidation. Try hitting it with a mild polishing compound in an inconspicuous area. Something with a little bite to it. My 220 had anodized trim and that seemed to do the trick. Keep it waxed after it cleans up and it should stay clear.
My last c class had the same issue on the lowers.. it was a clearcoat layer delaminating.. polishing it will do bugger all IF its the same issue as its the delamination changing the appearance, not the top surface.
I have 2 sets of window trims on warranty through the life of that car..
It was exaggerated by the very harsh sun we have here.
And the last car was very infrequently waxed / protected (regularly washed though)
Suggest replace on warranty, then get into the habbit of using a durable wax / sealant product after washing..
Collinite 845 insulator wax is great product, low cost high performacne and durable, every 3 months or so would typically be more than enough.. there are of course a ton of others to choose from..
look on Autgeek online forum re using the collinite for best results and knacks etc..
Yeah, if you can run your fingernail over it and feel the where the clear coat is missing or flaking that's a warranty issue. If it's just surface oxidation the polishing compound should take care of it.
Can confirm that I have this problem as well. Car has only been washed in a touch-free wash and garage kept in New England (mostly driven at night, since I work from home). Dealer will be covering it under warranty:
That looks terrible. Do you have the same on the front and rear?
Yes, the same problem pretty much all the way down the side of the car and on both sides. Though it does seem to be a bit worse on the passenger (right) side.
Can confirm that I have this problem as well. Car has only been washed in a touch-free wash and garage kept in New England (mostly driven at night, since I work from home). Dealer will be covering it under warranty:
The owners manual does state to avoid touch free car washes. It claims that the types of detergents used in these car washes can damage paint and or trim pieces. Personally, I avoid the touch free washes because they never get my car clean.
If I can find the page number I'll edit and post the citation for this^^^.
The owners manual does state to avoid touch free car washes. It claims that the types of detergents used in these car washes can damage paint and or trim pieces. Personally, I avoid the touch free washes because they never get my car clean.
If I can find the page number I'll edit and post the citation for this^^^.
I saw that, but don't think it matters much. The black chrome on my old car held up fine after one touchless wash a week for term of the lease while at college. In the winter with my C I take it through the touchless and all is well, I don't have black pack though
Just noticed one of my trim pieces in the beginning stages of this. Not happy at all! My 450 was built in early March and took delivery the 1st of April. Going to show this thread to my dealership's service department sometime this week and hopefully they take care of it.
Holy crap, Vertice! That's a 2016? I see a recall coming like the MBTex bleeding issue
Wow, thanks for the heads up. Do you or anyone else know if there's a sticky with a list of potential problems to watch out for on 2016 and newer models?
I plan on taking my MB to touch less car washes. Is there a guide of best practices with maintaining the exterior? (How often to wash, how often to wax, etc)
My past four MBs, including two black S Class, have responded really well to Zaino Show Car Polish. Because it's non abrasive and optically pure, it can be built up in layers. This vastly increase gloss and depth, but it also seals and protects the paint and can last for many months without reapplying.
My cars can be driven in a rainstorm and when they dry they dry clean. Usually I'll devote a weekend to getting four or five coats on, and I won't touch it again for a year. In the meantime i run it thru touch less or soft touch washes. The Zaino seems to protect from scratches.
Here's the first order I'd place. The cure accelerator you'd only use for the initial application session. It allows you to layer multiple applications without waiting 24hrs between coats.
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