Center pillar fabric wear?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Center pillar fabric wear?
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.
Thanks vettdvr 117,000 miles 2003 E500 and still going.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
E320 CDI
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 253
From: Virginia
W212 M276 DELA 30 ; W211 M113k, W126 M117, W126 OM617, W211 OM642 ; R107 M117 X2, Sierra 1500 LZ0
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.
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 219
Likes: 26
2011 E350, 1998 ML320
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.
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.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 250
Likes: 1
From: Earth
2012 W212 | 2016 W205
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.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: fla
e350
Center pillar fabric wear?
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.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 250
Likes: 1
From: Earth
2012 W212 | 2016 W205
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!
However i may be wrong.
Just get black MBtex leather or something durable, fabric won't do!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 3
Mercedes Benz
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.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 341
Likes: 4
From: Columbia, MO
E320 & X166
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.
. 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.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: fla
e350
center pillar fabric wear
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.
Anyone out there have a suggestion. Mine get worse each I enter or exit.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,396
Likes: 38
From: Bay Area, CA
2007 SL55 AMG
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: fla
e350
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?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 341
Likes: 4
From: Columbia, MO
E320 & X166
I don't agree with that last statement. My W211 will turn 10 in September, interior is nearly new. approaching 120k too. Daily driver
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: fla
e350
center post fabric wear
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.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: SOFLA
2003 E320
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.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
It is the wife's car,, perhaps you might like to tell her
don't throw the seat belt back.
