The front driver's seat's leather cover on the 2002 E320 with 50,000 miles is starting to deteriorate. I just eclipsed my warranty just over a month ago and the colour (which is sprayed onto the leather) is starting to peel.

Anybody have such a problem? I called the parts deparment and they tell me to replace the seat, the leather cover itself with two pieces (one for the back rest and one for the seat) has a substantial cost (not counting installation).

Anybody successfully resolved a problem not covered under warranty with Mercedes-Benz corporate?

 

Wearable parts is not going to be cover by MB.

Go to yellow page and find local automotive upholstery.
They can color match and replace exact area or entire seat for much less. ( I seriously don't think "spray" is long term solution)

Better yet, if you want AMG two color style, they can do that also.

 

Patrick, how severe is the condition? Pictures?

I've seen good results with the spray-on dyes. I guess it's only as good as the technician doing it.

Leatherique is a HD product line:

http://www.leatherique.com/products.htm << They offer restoration products and maintenance products.

Most large metropolitan areas (see Yellow Pgs) will have leather restoration businesses; they should be able to help.

 

I dont know what color are your seats ?

a while ago I had an S420 with black leather seats and the color was fading at the same places as yours.

so I bought KIWI SHOE COLOR , it came with a cleaner conditioner .you had to clean the area first and then you apply with an applicator supplied in the box.

it was very easy to do and it looked like new. I am not sure if they still have it.

 

Try Talking to the Service Manager at your Local MB Dealer...ask to set up a meeting with the MB DSM rep..re the seats

The Leatherique dye and conditioner WORKS!! I Use the product and its great!

 

I have used this company you can do it yourself but a local shop did my seat bottoms for a $100 each on my SEL. I provided the material..
http://www.gahh.com/

 

The condition isn't too bad, however, there is a specific area where the "Oyster" colour has come off and thus exposing a white leather surface.

To no_clue:
I think they actually do cover wear and tear products if you can show that through normal use, there is excessive wear. I already have had the steering wheel replaced because the leather was deforming.

To uberwgn:
I'm sorry, I tried to take some pictures but the camera under a variety of settings with/without flash was unable to reproduce what I can see with my naked eye. The leather seat wear isn't too bad, but it's noticeable to the person who owns the car.

To Yoram611:
I'm not sure I want to use the KIWI shoe polish because I'm afraid that it will later give off colouring onto my clothes. Shoe polish is very difficult and greasy to clean off clothes. Additionally, I think the S420 seats are a bit better on the leather quality, the colour for the leather on those seats are rolled in instead of simply being dipped and sprayed on. When you spend more money on a bigger car, apparently you get better quality leather as well.

To Mark Cummins:
Who is the "DSM" rep? What does DSM stand for? This sounds like a good idea, making sure that Mercedes-Benz knows the problem.

Peter Guenther:
Thank you for the tip, I'm currently comparing the products between the Gahh website and the Leatherique website.

Additionally; the driver's door is squeaking whenever it's being moved. I've looked in the Approved Service product book and I have not been able to find any specific type of grease to oil the door hinges. I'm not sure if I want to use WD-40 right away either. Does anybody else have this problem? If so, how did you rectify it? I'll mention this door squeaking problem to my service manager the next time I see him.

 

hi Patrick Y,

you did not read my message carefully,

I wrote KIWI SHOE COLOR not polish , this is a dye not a shoe polish and it never came off on clothes.

but still I am not sure Kiwi still makes it.

 

Ohhh. Yes, I noticed that, but I thought they were the same thing.

Okay, I'll keep an extra eye out. Thanks!

 

Patrick, wear and tear are one thing, but peeling of larger areas is another and the factory warranty should provide some coverage. You might want to post a picture or two and maybe somebody here can make a suggestion.

 

Maybe I'm overreacting or perhaps too detail oriented. Unfortunately, because the car's interior is so light to begin with, the camera cannot take a good picture with the flash and even without the flash. I've tried a number of ambient lighting conditions and haven't been able to find a good picture.

Basically, the colour has come off in little pieces off the leather, thus, the colour of the leather goes from "Oyster" to white at intervals. Each interval is of a small size. However, if you notice it, you may think of a zebra.

I wouldn't call it large pieces, but since Mercedes has been catering to exceptional clients, I should hope that they pay some slight attention to the matter.