Mercedes labels them "mud flaps," when actually, the "flaps" are what's on those big trucks - one can tell because they actually "flap" in the wind, opposed to guards which are fixed, stationary units as what can be actually ordered for Mercedes, despite their mislabeling.

Anyhow, summary aside, I'm trying to order mudguards for our new '05 E-500. The dealership is telling me that the parts department is saying that these are "not available for the '05 E-Class," as they are "not applicable" to the '03 and '04 E-Class models which could be ordered with mudguards.

My question is, just how can this be when in truth, there are no cosmetic changes between these model years and the current '05? I believe this is just another MB oversight, so I should be able to simply order the guards for the '04 model and have them installed. These guards are applied with clips - so predrilled holes should not play a role. Perhaps the '05 E-500 borrowed AMG rear quarters or something...? I still think its likely an oversight, or the factory just did not make them available as a new part number for '05 E-500 (because someone in another MB forum states they have mudguards on their '05 E-320).

However, the dealership is saying they cannot (and thus will not) be responsible for an "inapplicable installation" of parts if I attempted this through them. Guess I could try to have these ordered then installed elsewhere (while this could affect my leasing terms), or just go aftermarket.

What a real shame of a situation for a matter that defies logic. There is really no good reason as to why these parts should not be the exact same parts between model years - the cars are virtually identical!

Might anyone have any real insight on this?

Thanks.

 

See if Steve could get you a Euro version

 

Actually the "Mudguards" do use a couple of the pre-drilled holes. There are a couple of the plastic rivets that are removed and those holes are used in the installation. However, I think you are correct in thinking that if they fit a non-appearance, non-AMG, '03 E320 they should also fit an '05 E500 with the same panels. If I remember correctly the set cost me about $85 (with MBCA discount). If your dealer would order them for you and not charge you for them if they don't fit, you could hold them up to the fenders to check the fit.

 

Any part #s?

 

Jangy,

It has been about 1 1/2 years since I bought the mudflaps and I didn't keep the receipt with the part numbers.

 

I have the part (or "Loc," and "Doc,") numbers on boxes shipped to dealership on both front and rear guards (or "flaps"), and have the boxes with me. (I have front mudguards themselves.) (There are also other undefined numbers on box - just going by shipping label.)

The "Loc" is probably the part number...?

Front (04 E500)

Loc: B6366D2
Doc: 8000283838

Rear (04 E500)

Loc: B1658D1
Doc: 8000283838

We ordered 04 E500 mudguards and the rear ones fit, while the fronts extended down too far under the panel and looked funny. Thus, I only have rear ones so far.

They're going to keep trying other options. I think they should try 05 E320 or E350, or maybe 05 E55. (I was once told that 05 E500 shares 05 E55 panel styling, but not with 05 E320/E350 - but is this true?)

In another MB forum, member states he has 05 E320 with the mudguards. Panels must be different between 05 E500, or its just the 04 E500 guards they tried on mine that won't fit because of panel styling...?

Would really like to get all four on car - wish dealership and MBUSA could coordinate these things better. MBUSA website no longer even lists mudguards as an accessory for 05 E-Class (as they did for 03 and 04 E-Classes).

 

MB had fronts, no rears.

Thanks to MBWORLD someone replied a Euro part # that fit 98% and with a pocketknife, file, and 20 minutes of grief I massaged them to 100%

KB