The black area on the 'S' badge on the back of my car has become discolored with a white, spotty residue that will not come off.

If I try to clean it with a quick detailer (Griots Speed Shine), it disappears when it's wet but comes back when it dries. It looks like the residue has moved around though. If I try to use elbow grease to get it off, it looks like I just move it around more but nothing comes off. Clay bar did nothing (just got clay stuck under the edge of the badge). And 3 different polish/cleaners didn't do a thing.

Just wondering if anyone else has had this issue.

 

Pictures may help here

 

I have this issue as well. Was thinking of getting the badges wrapped/dipped, but would love to find a solution.

 

This is a quick pic of the badge.

I'm doing this from my phone, so apologies for the pic being big/offcenter/etc, plus my car is blocked in the garage right now so the lighting isn't great.

 

Ok so i'm guessing it's a matte finish from factory. That's why you get the streaking and discoloration when you try to clean it...

I don't know off hand what to use on that but you need a cleaner that won't leave anything, like glass cleaner.

I've had success with turtle wax "Ice" products, which is like a liquid wax, to not stain black plastics like a conventional wax but I don't know if that's what you need in this application.

Try a good quality glass cleaner, or maybe a quick detailer spray? Might have to search for one designed to be used on matte finishes.

 

Already tried quickly detailer, and it just moved the residue around and didn't remove anything.

I'm getting desperate and thinking of using Go-B-Gone. Don't want to ruin the badge though.

I'm wondering what's causing it. I have never applied anything to it other than soap while washing it (Wolfgang car wash). I've never applied anything else to the badge.

 

If it's a non-glossy finish, lots of chemicals will streak it.

Try asking a detailer at the MB dealer, I imagine they have to clean the cars all the time and know of something that works. I'll run it by a friend of mine and see if he's encountered that specific issue on those cars, but I don't know if he's done any of the late model ones.

 

I've been detailing cars for as long as I can remember, and I have almost every type of cleaner/polish/wax you can think of. Nothing in the arsenal has so far taken care of this. I'm sure though I'll figure something out to take it off.

Right now I'm more concerned with what's causing it and how to prevent it.

 

You're prob still under warranty. Take it to the dealer. It's something minor, they'll prob just replace it.

 

Just take in. They'll try and fix it and if can't will probably replace. Don't experiment and if you do tape the paint surface around it.

 

As I said earlier, I'm not as concerned with how to clean it up as I am with figuring out what is causing it.

Yes, I could get it replaced, but if I don't know what's causing it I'll just be replacing it again 6 months from now.

 

I know; just trying to help.
Ok let's see;
Changing would eliminate a poorly made badge possibility.
I tried looking for an old thread about white spots on black paint that would come and go but I couldn't find it. It was either in c63 204 or in gtrlife.com. Very similar to your issue but on the actual paint. If I remember it was due to moisture getting between clear coat and paint but I can't remember as I didn't follow the discussion.
Good luck.

 

https://mbworld.org/forums/w212-amg/...000-miles.html

 

I've had good success with this.




JUST KIDDING. DO....NOT.....USE......IT!

 

If this doesn't work get a DNA swab, send to Forensic Files.

Ha ha no, take the car to the stealer as much as you hate that

 

Try chemical guys meticulous matte detail/spray, may help clear it up.

 

It's actually a problem under the black paint...

The replacement fake S is $5.00 on eBay

Looks identical

 

I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but from everything I've read so far about the 205 platform, the car is a bit of a joke, quality wise.

Forget the dashboard rattles, creaks, wind noise, loose rocker panel issues, etc.

Seriously MB? You can't even get a BADGE right?

*facepalm*

 

They didn't get it right on 2014-2016 e63S too

 

I had no idea! That's even worse - this problem existed back in 2014, and they haven't resolved it yet?