Problem with CL500 Body
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Joined: Aug 2003
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Problem with CL500 Body
I just picked up my April 2003 build CL500 Sport from my dealer. I just noticed today the plastic pillar is flush where it meets hood on the drivers side, but on the passenger side there is a noticable gap (not flush). When I press on the pillar, it makes a creaking sound, does anyone else have this? This is the outside pillar. Do I have a lemon? 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
Both my pillars have about the same gap as one another. Both my pillars have a slight gap, definetly not as tight as your drivers side pillar. My passanger side gap at the front inner flange is a little tighter than the drivers side however.
No creaking sounds what so ever though.
How does the gap between the front quarter panels and the front bumper look on both sides ?
No creaking sounds what so ever though.
How does the gap between the front quarter panels and the front bumper look on both sides ?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,340
Likes: 22
From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
All the gaps/tolerances look good. I think the pillars are the only thing slightly out of whack and this may be totally normal. If it is not causing a problem (noises, binding, etc), DON'T worry about it. All the dealer could possibly do is make it worse.
By the way, that pillar is not plastic. It is steel.
By the way, that pillar is not plastic. It is steel.
Thread Starter
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I went to the dealer today, they said the pillar was incorrectly installed at the factory. They will reinstall it correctly. Also the molding was underneath the pillar which should be outside it. When I go over bumps, or make turns I do hear a creaking sound from the pillar, the same noise I hear when I press against the pillar outside. Coming from a 745Li which was buyed back from BMW becasue of its numerous problems, I hope this is the last of my troubles. I appreciate your help.
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Update on fix
The fix went great, there are no creaking noises when pressed upon the pillar and it doesnt seem to be loose like before (good fit), they put on some sound dampening material on mounting holes. They reinstalled the pillar so now its slightly closer to the quarter panel. The rattling when going over bumps was from a loose window regulator which is fixed. Benzel Busch in North NJ was very helpful and they even waxed my car becasue they felt bad, great service.
