Art-by-Art

I just finished one of the easiest and yet most rewarding enhancements to the appearance of my CLS yet. I removed those darned plastic film rock guards located in front of the rear wheels. I got so sick of the white lines around the edges, I just couldn't take it any more and ripped them off. I had one too many a person say "Wow, where did you get that big scratch on your car." Removal was very easy. I just pried up one of the upper corners with my fingernail and gently pulled each one off. The plastic is fairly thick and very strong. Each one (there are four pieces in all) easily came off in one piece. I just used a little auto paint polish to smooth out the edges and remove any remaining glue (which there was none to speak of). Then put on a little wax to match the sheen of the surrounding area...And voila. I'm really not afraid of any rocks hitting that area. I only drive on paved roads and I've never gotten a rock scratch in that area on any car I've ever owned. I've heard others recommend heating the film with a hair dryer first or waiting for a very hot day. The temperature was about 70 °F when I removed mine and I had no problems. Oh and my car is 3 years old and there were no issues with paint match or fading. Sorry the pictures make the paint finish look so different. They were at different places. The paint in the picture to the right looks like sand because it is reflecting the pavement surface.

slk55er

I'm glad that I had similar film on my dark blue SLK55. The lines are less visible on silver or white and I've added the film on the entire front bumper and front section of the hood of my silver CLS550 and red GLK350. Unfortunately, I'm predicting that people will now say "Wow, too bad about all those stone chips" on your black CLS.

Here's the link to my "Do-It-Yourself" headlight film application: https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...ed-photos.html

and hood/bumper application: https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...ed-photos.html

Hunley

Art -

Great idea - my 2010 CLS is Diamond White and I have the opposite problem - I get this dirty black line - looks horrible; I have dirt deposits behind the clear (I think from my over-zealous detail guy putting too much tire shine stuff on the tires).

Think I'll take mine off, too, as I have never had an issue with stone damage in that area on any of my previous cars...

Roupin

They are covered under warranty for fading or discoloring. I can't count all the rock chips on mine already...if I didn't have them the paint would be in terrible shape by now.

The black line of junk at the leading edge can be cleaned in just a few seconds. I do mine everytime I wash the car.

Good luck to those who remove them. Just don't be too thrilled later on when you need to repaint your rear doors.

3FIFTY

That's what i was thinking, they're there for a reason. They look like crap because of all abuse they've gotten since the car has been on the road, i can just imagine what the door and fender will look like after some time without them.

jaedee

After reading your posts, i went out and looked at my car. As for the door, where the stone guard is, there is no indication of any damage or dings. (my car is now 4 yrs old) However, below the stone guard, where the rocker panel flares out at the back wheel, I have lots of little marks from road debris, rocks, etc. It would have been nice if they would have continued them down to the rocker panel. I'm taking mine off. If I havent had damage in 4 years, I fail to see how I will have any without them on.

3FIFTY

Thats strange, cause mine has the guard on the rocker panel too. I guess it depends on where you live and what kind of driving conditions the cars going to be exposed to that will make the difference in whether you'll get chips or weat to the paint. I live in Toronto and we get snow, salt, dirt, everything. If i didnt have those guards on, my door and rocker panel would have been toast cause the guards that are on there are, they're so bad that i have to use an interior detail spray to mask the fading and chips in the guards after every car wash.

konigstiger

You can replace protective film: left wheelhouse part #2196980778, rear door 2196980978; right 2196980878, 2196981078 (dealer list approx. $16 each). If interested, I can forward bulletin replacement instructions, PM email address.

Hunley

Removed them this morning - just peeled right off. Gives the car a much cleaner, flowing look. Looked very "after-market" as they were. No indication of any damage to the cheap, plasticy film (held each piece up to check for scuffs/cuts/pitting and saw zero damage).

Will keep an eye on those areas to see if I pickup any damage and will keep you all posted.

Just looks so much nicer - a more complete and finished look...

3FIFTY

yes please! playboiii@hotmail.com

Thanks!

mtownfinest

looks good i mite take mines off too im kinda afraid lol but im tired off ppl thinkn its a scratch i tought it was at first too