Corroded chrome trim
02-26-2019, 06:56 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Corroded chrome trim
Hello,
I have a w205 2016 CPO. I noticed the chrome trim around the windows are corroded. Also have algae growing underneath one side. Any one ever experience this? Do you think Mercedes will cover it under warranty?
I have a w205 2016 CPO. I noticed the chrome trim around the windows are corroded. Also have algae growing underneath one side. Any one ever experience this? Do you think Mercedes will cover it under warranty?
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benzw205 (08-10-2022)
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04-09-2019, 08:25 PM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Here is the trim. I tried to clean it with Eagle One Never Dull but it didn't help.
Also I noticed on my bumper the plastic is also becoming discolored. Any idea of Mercedes will cover this?
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benzw205 (08-10-2022)
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benzw205 (08-10-2022)
04-11-2019, 11:29 AM
#5
Autosol have a special polish for chrome plated plastic (which is what these parts are). You can try giving that a shot.
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04-13-2019, 07:10 PM
#7
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Thread Starter
Nope. I bought the car recently like this. At the time I jua thought it was a bad wash and water spots by Mercedes but after I washed it myself I noticed it's permanent damage.
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benzw205 (08-10-2022)
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04-13-2019, 07:14 PM
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Had Mercedes look at it today, they said they won't cover the grill but they might cover the chrome trim, they have to wait until the service manager gets in on Monday. I'll keep you guys posted.
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benzw205 (08-10-2022)
04-14-2019, 02:28 AM
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
On the aluminum trim - it will be a bit "easier" if your C-Class is under 50K miles and still under remaining Mercedes New Car Warranty.
I say this because MM USA treats the aluminum trim problem as "environmental" rather than defect - and under New Car Warranty your dealer has a better chance to make a special case to MB US to get this replaced.
FYI - CPO warranty specifically does not cover trim items - so getting MB USA approval for trim replacement is a much/much tougher road.
This trim is polished aluminum - with a clear coat - and specifically a contaminant can sit on the clear coat - etching it and eventually etch the polished aluminum underneath. The most common contaminant is car-wash-detergent residue - often misidentified as "hard water spots" - although I have seen hose-water/sprinkler water on a hot days cause the same effect.
When you "notice" the aluminum trim - it's hard to "forget" it - however for many people they don't see it at all.
On that front piece - that's definitely environmental of some type - start checking eBay for a replacement.
Keep the beat !
I say this because MM USA treats the aluminum trim problem as "environmental" rather than defect - and under New Car Warranty your dealer has a better chance to make a special case to MB US to get this replaced.
FYI - CPO warranty specifically does not cover trim items - so getting MB USA approval for trim replacement is a much/much tougher road.
This trim is polished aluminum - with a clear coat - and specifically a contaminant can sit on the clear coat - etching it and eventually etch the polished aluminum underneath. The most common contaminant is car-wash-detergent residue - often misidentified as "hard water spots" - although I have seen hose-water/sprinkler water on a hot days cause the same effect.
When you "notice" the aluminum trim - it's hard to "forget" it - however for many people they don't see it at all.
On that front piece - that's definitely environmental of some type - start checking eBay for a replacement.
Keep the beat !
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benzw205 (08-10-2022)
04-16-2019, 09:40 PM
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Mercedes agreed to replace the chrome trim but said the front black piece was due to outside factors. I'm ok with this. Looks like no more car washes for me!
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benzw205 (08-10-2022)
10-29-2020, 01:40 PM
#11
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Which dealership
hi I have the same issue and the dealership won’t cover it. Can you tell me which dealership that was and what warranty status they used? PLEASE HELP ME!
10-29-2020, 10:43 PM
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
If you are talking about the Aluminum Trim (or Black Trim) around the side windows - it's a "issue" that has been blamed on different factors (ie auto car washes that don't sufficiently rinse) - and whether Aluminum or Black that trim gets "seriously" cloudy.
In almost any instance with CPO vehicles as a cosmetic issue caused by outside factors - Mercedes does not approve "replacement" under CPO - and now replacement is often denied under New Car Warranty if the MB is over 2yrs old.
In my spot - I have seen it quite frequently - because I see a lot of Mercedes like 500-600 a yr - but lack of owner's being candid I can not help identify the "cause".
This can really put a damper on a $70K-$90K CPO upper-line/SUV or upper-line/Sedan - and frankly over 2yrs in coordination with my Service Dept and my Collision Center we tried "everything" just short of grinding down the trim to bare metal - and nothing really worked.
Finally we found a solution - almost on a lark - I can say this with confidence - with a bit of effort - and patience - under $20 and a microfiber rag - we "recover" the 90%+ original look of that trim - either Aluminum or Black.
We don't what causes the problem - there is our solution - and with min-effort but with patience it works - and we "think" we might know why it works.
1. Order CarGuys Plastic Restorer from Amazon under $20 - we started using this is our shop 2yrs ago after testing over 20 different products to restore sun-faded black trim . Up to now we use this as the BEST product to restore sun-faded black body trim - and this ONLY tire shine we use for AMG's as high-speed/high-performance cars tend to "spin-off" other tire shine products. For both original tested purposes - you use amazingly little product for good effect without "phony shine" a very original look for body trim and tires. This product does not damage paint,
2. Starting with a microfiber towel - squeeze out a "pea size" portion on the towel and start "rubbing it in" a few inches of trim at a time - this 1st application you want to end up with a relatively even visible coating of this stuff left to sit on the trim overnight (the 1st step of patience process). Overnight lets the material get absorbed a bit into the trim - 2nd night do the same thing - 3rd night if you need to do the same thing -when you finally evenly wipe it off leaving kind of a light clear layer on top - about 90%+ of the "clouds" will be gone. Do NOT use a buffer to apply - you do NOT need to use heavy pressure - think of it as a multiple medium massage where the masseuse leaves the light body oil on.
What we "think" - or best guess this material gets absorbed into the clear coat and fills-in those clouds - the best we can figure.
We haven't found a instant fix - but this gives a excellent recovery with a bit of effort - more on the patience side really..
In almost any instance with CPO vehicles as a cosmetic issue caused by outside factors - Mercedes does not approve "replacement" under CPO - and now replacement is often denied under New Car Warranty if the MB is over 2yrs old.
In my spot - I have seen it quite frequently - because I see a lot of Mercedes like 500-600 a yr - but lack of owner's being candid I can not help identify the "cause".
This can really put a damper on a $70K-$90K CPO upper-line/SUV or upper-line/Sedan - and frankly over 2yrs in coordination with my Service Dept and my Collision Center we tried "everything" just short of grinding down the trim to bare metal - and nothing really worked.
Finally we found a solution - almost on a lark - I can say this with confidence - with a bit of effort - and patience - under $20 and a microfiber rag - we "recover" the 90%+ original look of that trim - either Aluminum or Black.
We don't what causes the problem - there is our solution - and with min-effort but with patience it works - and we "think" we might know why it works.
1. Order CarGuys Plastic Restorer from Amazon under $20 - we started using this is our shop 2yrs ago after testing over 20 different products to restore sun-faded black trim . Up to now we use this as the BEST product to restore sun-faded black body trim - and this ONLY tire shine we use for AMG's as high-speed/high-performance cars tend to "spin-off" other tire shine products. For both original tested purposes - you use amazingly little product for good effect without "phony shine" a very original look for body trim and tires. This product does not damage paint,
2. Starting with a microfiber towel - squeeze out a "pea size" portion on the towel and start "rubbing it in" a few inches of trim at a time - this 1st application you want to end up with a relatively even visible coating of this stuff left to sit on the trim overnight (the 1st step of patience process). Overnight lets the material get absorbed a bit into the trim - 2nd night do the same thing - 3rd night if you need to do the same thing -when you finally evenly wipe it off leaving kind of a light clear layer on top - about 90%+ of the "clouds" will be gone. Do NOT use a buffer to apply - you do NOT need to use heavy pressure - think of it as a multiple medium massage where the masseuse leaves the light body oil on.
What we "think" - or best guess this material gets absorbed into the clear coat and fills-in those clouds - the best we can figure.
We haven't found a instant fix - but this gives a excellent recovery with a bit of effort - more on the patience side really..
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benzw205 (08-10-2022)
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08-26-2021, 03:59 PM
#15
Junior Member
CLICK HERE CAR GUYS PLASTIC RESTORER AMAZON
2. Starting with a microfiber towel - squeeze out a "pea size" portion on the towel and start "rubbing it in" a few inches of trim at a time - this 1st application you want to end up with a relatively even visible coating of this stuff left to sit on the trim overnight (the 1st step of patience process). Overnight lets the material get absorbed a bit into the trim - 2nd night do the same thing - 3rd night if you need to do the same thing -when you finally evenly wipe it off leaving kind of a light clear layer on top - about 90%+ of the "clouds" will be gone. Do NOT use a buffer to apply - you do NOT need to use heavy pressure - think of it as a multiple medium massage where the masseuse leaves the light body oil on.
2. Starting with a microfiber towel - squeeze out a "pea size" portion on the towel and start "rubbing it in" a few inches of trim at a time - this 1st application you want to end up with a relatively even visible coating of this stuff left to sit on the trim overnight (the 1st step of patience process). Overnight lets the material get absorbed a bit into the trim - 2nd night do the same thing - 3rd night if you need to do the same thing -when you finally evenly wipe it off leaving kind of a light clear layer on top - about 90%+ of the "clouds" will be gone. Do NOT use a buffer to apply - you do NOT need to use heavy pressure - think of it as a multiple medium massage where the masseuse leaves the light body oil on.
I have suffered the same clouding on the roof rails and window brightwork on my GL 450 ---
If I am to utilize your method above - will I need to find something to block the sun from hitting the pieces between applications? I do not have covered parking. :/
Thanks very much Fabbrisd!
Window trim
Roof rails
---
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benzw205 (08-10-2022)
08-10-2022, 01:31 PM
#16
white or black window rim ?
Hello, anybody knows if it is possible to change all the chrome window rim for black or white rim ? Thank you for your help.
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benzw205 (08-13-2022)
08-12-2022, 12:41 PM
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
So, this is something else on my long TODO list. My trim is also very cloudy, spotty and basically looks like crap until you're about 20 feet away, lol.
Has anyone else followed this "restore" recommendation? Does anyone have any before and after pics?
Has anyone else followed this "restore" recommendation? Does anyone have any before and after pics?
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benzw205 (08-13-2022)
