vettdvr

My center pillar driver side low by the driver seat is showing a hold due to the seat belt striking the pillar when the belt retracts. Does anyone else have this and if so how can it be repaired? New Fabric? PUll pillar apart? glue..

Thanks vettdvr 117,000 miles 2003 E500 and still going.

Blue Echo

solved this by going down to the local fabric store and getting matching (more durable) fabric which was then installed by the friendly local upholstery guy... hope this helps things are a bit different in Jamaica

willy_manilly

I got mine recovered a few years back with Black Leather, still looks new

vettdvr

It's apparent that you have a better fabric support where you live. Here there are NO upholstry shops.

DubVBenz

Just noticed mine has the beginnings of this as well, just a very small scuff. Would be interested in doing something to prevent it from wearing further before I have to replace it.

bernard farquar

I had a dirty spot on the pillar, so I sprayed it with some fabric cleaner, scrubbed a little with the included brush, and now I have a big torn area!

I found the part in the epc.net, but havent priced it. getting it recovered with more durable fabric might be good, like matching color leather.

vettdvr

How difficult is it to remove the part to recover?

willy_manilly

I'm not to sure how hard it is to remove, i don't think its that hard as the shop i took my car to had no experience with MB, and they still managed to remove it and install it no worries.

phelicia

I have the exact same problem. I have now worn down 3 layers of fabric. My last try was moleskin (the Dr Scholl felt stuff with very sticky backing that drug stores sell for the feet. The color kind of matches my interior, but that didn't last too long; didn't look too bad. I would think that removing the pillar and recovering it would be done at a body shop and be kind of expensive, and may not be a permanent fix. Leather or vinyl maybe. Any thoughts? Possibly wrapping the seat belt with some soft stuff might work. I'll stay tuned.

willy_manilly

I think its caused by the back of your pants rubbing when you get in and out of the car.

However i may be wrong.

Just get black MBtex leather or something durable, fabric won't do!

vettdvr

I found my wear was from the seat belt buckle hitting the post when it retracted.

Gunnar

What price range is this repair at a fabric shop? I know it varies by many factors but what would you guess.

Mine is worn by my seat under the seat belt where I get in and out.

desired_speeds

get it covered in alcantara.

CynCarvin32

that whole trim piece is about 110 at cost from your stealership. No reason to go through the whole mess of getting it re-covered.

If you can do the installation your self its no big deal.

I have seen them wear on many cars but I always thought it was from getting in and out of the car and rubbing that section with your back side.

Gersh320

I've been keeping an eye on that area as well. My solution... I don't wear my seat belt . I'm also careful to not just let myself lazily 'fall' into the car. I'm a bit when it comes to upkeep on my car though.

phelicia

From all I've read in this forum, it is apparent that late model E350's have a design flaw. I have looked at several other luxury cars and their center pillars are mainly covered in durable vinyl and look good and don't wear. I've been wondering if MB has or would acknowledge that they built the cars with a design flaw and if there is any recourse such as a recall. Fat chance, huh?
Anyone out there have a suggestion. Mine get worse each I enter or exit.

desired_speeds

I'm the same way. I do some crazy gymnastics getting in and out of my car so I don't rub the bolsters of the seat or the the center pillar.

phelicia

Is there any chance that MB would acknowledge that the car is poorly designed in this area and would offer a solution similar to a recall. The car was obviously made with wrong material. My '06 E350 uses cloth upholstery on the pillar (not designed for rubbing against it with each entry and exit). Does anyone know if the later models are different?

Gersh320

My cousin owns a 2007 BMW E60 and has the very same issues. My X5 is hard plastic on that lower half of that pillar and cloth on the upper half, no issues there.

phelicia

black plastic or any matching color would make sense. mercedes did not do their testing in this matter. When it comes to fabrics, they rank low. Even their floor mats don't endure.

Gersh320

I don't agree with that last statement. My W211 will turn 10 in September, interior is nearly new. approaching 120k too. Daily driver

phelicia

The cause of my problem is the seat is set way back due to my long legs and my clothing rubbed on it each time I enter the car which is in over 1,000 times in the 7 years I own the car. I found a great upholstery shop that recovered it with vinyl to match the trim (did both sides) and the car is like new.

vettdvr

I don't have an upholstrey shop stuck with hole in pillar.

DubStep

you know you could always just not throw your seatbelt back when you take it off, it wont wear if you let it slack itself through your hand, tons of MBs have cloth pillars, and never seen one worn.

vettdvr

I'll show you mine.

It is the wife's car,, perhaps you might like to tell her don't throw the seat belt back.