Chrome peeling away on cupholders? Here's what I did (DIY)
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Hoboken, NJ
2006 CLS 500, 2001 CLK 320, 1984 300D
Chrome peeling away on cupholders? Here's what I did (DIY)
I've only had my beautiful love (06 CLS 500) for a month now and my only complaint this far was the peeling chrome trim on the cupholders. So, I decided to do something about it.
First I started off by separating the chrome ring from the cupholder itself. i did this by hand when while just sitting in the car I was fidgeting with it and noticed it could be separated. Mine was able to be pulled apart by hand, but I could see using a utility knife to pry apart. There is no adhesive, it just forced in there. There is a grey rubber gasket between the chrome and the rest of the cupholder. Be careful, there are little fins protruding from the bottom of the chrome ring that fit into the rest of the unit. Don't break them.
After I had it separated, it was pretty easy. I used 60 grit (thats what I had handy, 80 might work fine too) and sanded off all the chrome. This took a little elbow grease, and you have to be careful not to alter the shape of the plastic underneath the chrome plate by sanding too much off. Repeat with 400 & 600 wet sandpaper.
From here, 2 coats of plastic primer (white) then 3 coats of flat black followed by 3 coats of Matte Clear Coat. All paints are Rustoleum.
Let dry, line up fins and carefully push back into place.
Total cost was about $20, and took total hour of labor (not accounting for paint drying time) - beats the hell out of the $80 the stealership charges for the full unit which will most likely just peel again.
Any questions feel free to ask!
First I started off by separating the chrome ring from the cupholder itself. i did this by hand when while just sitting in the car I was fidgeting with it and noticed it could be separated. Mine was able to be pulled apart by hand, but I could see using a utility knife to pry apart. There is no adhesive, it just forced in there. There is a grey rubber gasket between the chrome and the rest of the cupholder. Be careful, there are little fins protruding from the bottom of the chrome ring that fit into the rest of the unit. Don't break them.
After I had it separated, it was pretty easy. I used 60 grit (thats what I had handy, 80 might work fine too) and sanded off all the chrome. This took a little elbow grease, and you have to be careful not to alter the shape of the plastic underneath the chrome plate by sanding too much off. Repeat with 400 & 600 wet sandpaper.
From here, 2 coats of plastic primer (white) then 3 coats of flat black followed by 3 coats of Matte Clear Coat. All paints are Rustoleum.
Let dry, line up fins and carefully push back into place.
Total cost was about $20, and took total hour of labor (not accounting for paint drying time) - beats the hell out of the $80 the stealership charges for the full unit which will most likely just peel again.
Any questions feel free to ask!
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
CLS, Grand Cherokee, Range Rover HSE, 70 cuda 440+6
It's so funny that you posted that. I just got my 08 CLS 550 and the one thing that bothers me is the cup holders. Chrome is peeling on mine also. Good job. How much to do mine ? Hahaha
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area, CA
2007 CLS550, 2008 BMW 335, 2007 Harley Davidson Fat Boy
Had my peeling cupholders and inside doorhandle replaced under warranty. For such an expensive car, it seems like poor attention to detail on MBs part.
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3
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From: SE England
Mercedes-benz CLS 350 CGI
Chrome peeling away on cupholders? Here's what I did (DIY). I did it too!
Hi
Big thanks to jtoma878 for his post back in 2011 on this subject and his fix. I had the same problem on my CLS 350 CGI and here is the result of the fix. Mine seem to have slightly more lustre even though I have used the recommended Rostolium products, but excellent result so thankls again.
Big thanks to jtoma878 for his post back in 2011 on this subject and his fix. I had the same problem on my CLS 350 CGI and here is the result of the fix. Mine seem to have slightly more lustre even though I have used the recommended Rostolium products, but excellent result so thankls again.
Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 95
Likes: 2
'06 CLS 500
Does anyone have instructions on how to remove the entire cup holder assembly?
I'm going to paint the rings along with the coin discs at the bottom of the cup holder which have started bubbling and peeling.
I'm going to paint the rings along with the coin discs at the bottom of the cup holder which have started bubbling and peeling.
Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 95
Likes: 2
'06 CLS 500
Nm, I should've read other threads before jumping the gun ... https://mbworld.org/forums/cls-coupe...ml#post5800290
Last edited by benbac; Jun 22, 2016 at 03:01 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 511
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Silver CLS550, Blk M45, Lexus GX470 & an endless fleet of Avis Premium Rental Cars
