Evets

Greetings,
I have a 2002 E430 (base model) with a broken clip that needs replacing. My initial search effort has turned up zip, zilch, and nada, so I'm hoping the knowledge base of the group can offer some guidance. The clips that hold the molding to the door are readily available, but the smaller clips that hold the chrome inset strip to the molding itself are what I need to find. Thanks.
-Steve

The smaller clip just below the large clip shows one half of the piece I need to reattach the chrome insert strip.

Here is the other side of that clip. The backside of the clip -- shown in the previous photo -- is broken.

raymond g-

tip:

google "mercedes door molding clip"

click IMAGES

find match p/n - 0079887178

(oops, I failed reading comprehension! doggone the small phone screen. let me keep digging)

do you see anything in the PDF diagrams ? i hope it isn't a part that is only sold with the molding strip

in the diagrams, you see the larger clip shown in your photo (0079887178) but there isn't anything
adjacent that I can see which is a partner to that same fastener.

Evets

Thanks for the reply, Raymond. Unfortunately, I found the same thing you did: The smaller clip is not listed in the exploded parts diagram. At this point I'm hoping someone has found a substitute clip that will work. Mercedes Benz seems to want me to buy the entire molding piece. Thanks again.

khomer2

Evets,
I presume these smaller fasteners you show need a 1/4 turn/twisted (on the backside) to remove them off the chrome strip/piece on the front side of the door moulding strip?
And then the chrome strip can be release?


EDIT: similar, getting closer. maybe these can be used if trimmed down?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Pieces-P...-/302344092203

Evets

Yes, that is correct. Thanks for the reply.

Steve

vinceC

Look at a recycling yard for a used molding from any 210 or 202.

Evets

That's now the plan. Thanks.

khomer2

After scanning the net for more info (out of curiosity), I'm 99% sure the part in post #4 is the correct (replacement part).
MB may have (as they have done in past replaced parts with newer parts?). Although it doesnt show up on their WIS EPS sometimes, it doesnt mean the part doesn't exist.
The way I look at this is, IF the part is a separate piece/component, then it has to be available somewhere for someone (possibly not for for the public to access, in some cases)

Good example is the w163 hissing brake booster issue (at the onset of this problem) where many members could not obtain the replacement seal because it was simply not available and had to resort to replacing the entire brake booster at considerable cost.
AND then fast forward into the future, a MB owner/member finds the correct part to fix this issue, of all places, a component for another make of car.

Anyways here is one of many ebay links that shows what vehicles this MB part is compatible with.
I recall another seller stated that this fastener/ clip is used to secure the chrome thin chrome trim onto the side door moulding and is NOT the larger clip that holds the side moulding onto the side of the car.
It looks to be the correct size too for a proper fit onto the chrome trim - 18mm x5mm.
Can go wrong, imo, on the pricing looking for a replacement fastener/clips. Lots of online shops including MB that have this part it seems.

vinceC

The clips suggested in post #8 will not work. I stripped a used molding of the clips in the attached photos. The correct clips are inserted through the molding from the back, then are twisted 90 degrees to retain the trim piece. These are black, so a bit hard to photograph. As shown in the original post white was also used..

khomer2

vinceC,
Have you already tried using the one I posted on #4?
These are used in w124s on the chrome piece.
And with some minor rework, it should be doable.

I do realize the fastener has to be installed from the backside of the side moulding and twisted to lock/hold the chrome strip in place onto the larger side moulding piece.

Innovative... you have a part # for your black piece?
Would like to see the original part in better photo.
It looks like you had to perform some minor surgery? on this black fastener to allow it to fit and stay flush on the back side so the moulding will still install correctly onto the body of the car.

raymond g-

be aware also that the EPC (or russian parts diagrams) have pages solely related to fasteners, connectors, plugs, etc which can be otherwise overlooked with other regular, larger car parts. you'll need to scroll through the pages to locate them. i started to bookmark some but it's a slow process since i'm doing it page-by-page.

example: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ur1prhznke...0E320.pdf?dl=0

i'm almost tempted to pull the molding off mine just to see it as the photos above aren't clear enough for my eyes

khomer2

raymond g-,
I just took a glance thru your example and cross-referenced 'covering and lining' to what I access.
I had also sent the info to my contact at MB to see what he could find on this 'needle in the haystack' fastener. He's been a good source in past, but he was stumped by this one also. Even searching for it in the wee hours after hours.... (Bless his heart )
Some MB suppliers will tell you it's not available and that it is only sold as a complete part (in this case, the entire side moulding piece and chrome strip in place, less the larger moulding clip)

vinceC

I did not do any surgery on the black part. As I stated, they were removed from a used side molding to keep as spares in case I ever needed them. They are exactly the same part as shown in the photo from the OP. Since the way the clip works is completely different than the 124 part I cannot see any modification that would work. Why not just buy a used molding off a wreck and salvage the correct clips?

There is no part number. The side moldings were delivered to M-B from a supplier. This was a trend started in the late 80's, early 90's. Unless the part is critical the suppliers often do not provide spares. It has become an issue with many parts from M-B now, just as it is with most other manufactures worldwide. Now we most often have to buy assemblies, not small parts.

khomer2

Dont need it personally myself, but it's always good inf to know for down the down.
Folks south of the 49th parallel have a good source of 'pick n pull' salvage yards. (That's where I get most of my components via my colleagues).
Yes, I agree, the local shops rarely stock these items you describe and order them from 'back east central or germany' (here on the west coast).
Most fasteners are readily available now thru other online sellers including fleabay (can get $$$) or aliepxress for $.
Personally, if I can't find the actual fastener, there's always a way to re-purpose a similar one and modify it to work.
That's why we all have tools for our rides