Faded Burl Wood Trim on "new" E350
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
2014 E250 BlueTec
I was all set to buy a 2011 E350 with less than 8000 miles on it. The car was garaged, only exposed to the elements long enough to drive 8000 miles. The wood was terrible. It was a CPO car and the dealers are NOT allowed to replace them until the cars are sold and customer asks for a replacement. I was told there was a nationwide shortage on the wood kits. 1500 or more I was told. Wait time? They couldn't tell me.
Initially this problem was specific to few cars in 2010-2011 range. It appears it is more wide spread than first acknowledged. There are no guarantees when they would get a kit, so we passed on the car. It was that bad.
Now driving a brand new E250.
Initially this problem was specific to few cars in 2010-2011 range. It appears it is more wide spread than first acknowledged. There are no guarantees when they would get a kit, so we passed on the car. It was that bad.
Now driving a brand new E250.
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 138
Likes: 16
2010 E350 Luxury 4Matic
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
From: Miramar, FL
2012 E350 Sport, P1, AMG Wheels, Multi-contour seats
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
From: British Columbia
2011 E350 4 Matic
The car that I am getting shipped will have the Burl wood as well and the VIN falls in the bulletins range, I wonder whether anybody has been able to switch from one wood color to another at NC? If I get an option I would like to switch it to the ASH Burl....
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Edina, MN
E550, ML350
Need a second opinion
Thanks to this forum, I got all new wood in my 2011 E550 without any issue from my dealer. They were great and the results are terrific, with one minor "issue" and that is where I need a reality check.
My question is this: The sliding cover over the cup holders does not match the rest of the surrounding wood in pattern or color. It is tighter grained (not as burled) and noticeably darker. I realize a perfect match is not possible, but I noticed it right away.
So...do I accept that they replaced all the wood without question and be happy about it, or do I mention it to the dealer at the risk of damaging a good relationship (been with them and the same service advisor for 10 years) and thought of as being petty?
While a micro minor issue in the world order, the opinions of the group are valuable here as I a really on the fence about this one. I'll try to post a photo later...
Thanks,
Jace
FYI...the parts were ordered and installed within 3 days from the date I brought it in along with new air springs and other repairs.
My question is this: The sliding cover over the cup holders does not match the rest of the surrounding wood in pattern or color. It is tighter grained (not as burled) and noticeably darker. I realize a perfect match is not possible, but I noticed it right away.
So...do I accept that they replaced all the wood without question and be happy about it, or do I mention it to the dealer at the risk of damaging a good relationship (been with them and the same service advisor for 10 years) and thought of as being petty?
While a micro minor issue in the world order, the opinions of the group are valuable here as I a really on the fence about this one. I'll try to post a photo later...
Thanks,
Jace
FYI...the parts were ordered and installed within 3 days from the date I brought it in along with new air springs and other repairs.
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Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: FAIRFAX VA
12' ML350 4M & 10' E350 4M
Okay so I had a question about this. When I bought my car I also noticed the faded trim, after looking around on mbworld I found that it's a common problem and mb covers it under warranty. I requested them to change the trim towards the end of November. Now it's mid way into January and I keep getting the same BS that there on back order......? It's not a big deal but I feel like they don't want to do it? Thanks everyone.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 325
Likes: 3
From: Boston
2010 E550
Okay so I had a question about this. When I bought my car I also noticed the faded trim, after looking around on mbworld I found that it's a common problem and mb covers it under warranty. I requested them to change the trim towards the end of November. Now it's mid way into January and I keep getting the same BS that there on back order......? It's not a big deal but I feel like they don't want to do it? Thanks everyone.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 379
Likes: 38
From: middle o' ma
15 AMG S63 4-matic coupe
Okay so I had a question about this. When I bought my car I also noticed the faded trim, after looking around on mbworld I found that it's a common problem and mb covers it under warranty. I requested them to change the trim towards the end of November. Now it's mid way into January and I keep getting the same BS that there on back order......? It's not a big deal but I feel like they don't want to do it? Thanks everyone.
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
From: OH
w212
I talked with MB corporate support yesterday and they told me the same thing. They did confirm that my request was in the system, and it would be covered even if my car went out of warranty before the parts became available.
Been waiting since Sept 1 and this was after having the car for a while since my first dealership wouldn't do it. Thankfully the sun hasn't been out much in Ohio lately, so I don't notice the fading as much.
Champaign, didn't realize the interior was different on the coupe. It also looks like different wood. The sedan has wood on both sides of the forward part of the console by the cupholder cover, and around the base of the comand control and c/s button.
Jace, maybe they gave you a leftover kit, I don't get how else they possibly could turn it around in three days. We have people waiting three or four months with MB saying the kits are on backorder. I tell the dealer what I think, so I would let them know that you noticed it, but do you want to wait x number of months to get a new kit?
Been waiting since Sept 1 and this was after having the car for a while since my first dealership wouldn't do it. Thankfully the sun hasn't been out much in Ohio lately, so I don't notice the fading as much.
Champaign, didn't realize the interior was different on the coupe. It also looks like different wood. The sedan has wood on both sides of the forward part of the console by the cupholder cover, and around the base of the comand control and c/s button.
Jace, maybe they gave you a leftover kit, I don't get how else they possibly could turn it around in three days. We have people waiting three or four months with MB saying the kits are on backorder. I tell the dealer what I think, so I would let them know that you noticed it, but do you want to wait x number of months to get a new kit?
Last edited by aeroconfigs; Jan 16, 2014 at 06:30 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 325
Likes: 3
From: Boston
2010 E550
Thanks to this forum, I got all new wood in my 2011 E550 without any issue from my dealer. They were great and the results are terrific, with one minor "issue" and that is where I need a reality check.
My question is this: The sliding cover over the cup holders does not match the rest of the surrounding wood in pattern or color. It is tighter grained (not as burled) and noticeably darker. I realize a perfect match is not possible, but I noticed it right away.
So...do I accept that they replaced all the wood without question and be happy about it, or do I mention it to the dealer at the risk of damaging a good relationship (been with them and the same service advisor for 10 years) and thought of as being petty?
While a micro minor issue in the world order, the opinions of the group are valuable here as I a really on the fence about this one. I'll try to post a photo later...
Thanks,
Jace
FYI...the parts were ordered and installed within 3 days from the date I brought it in along with new air springs and other repairs.
My question is this: The sliding cover over the cup holders does not match the rest of the surrounding wood in pattern or color. It is tighter grained (not as burled) and noticeably darker. I realize a perfect match is not possible, but I noticed it right away.
So...do I accept that they replaced all the wood without question and be happy about it, or do I mention it to the dealer at the risk of damaging a good relationship (been with them and the same service advisor for 10 years) and thought of as being petty?
While a micro minor issue in the world order, the opinions of the group are valuable here as I a really on the fence about this one. I'll try to post a photo later...
Thanks,
Jace
FYI...the parts were ordered and installed within 3 days from the date I brought it in along with new air springs and other repairs.
I hate to say this but you are correct that the wood is much darker. If you have a good relationship with them, then I don't think pointing this out to see what the Service Advisor has to say on it would be a big issue. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 519
Likes: 2
From: Chicago and NorCal
Titleist
Replaced 8/12. Began noticing slight fade in the same area as the first by 7/13 (less than a year). Not yet at pronounced as the first time, but began in the same area, by AC vent.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
"Possibility" they used parts from stock. Have them check the date of manufacture on the rear of each component, trim earlier than clean point August 2011 should be replaced.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Ouch!! That sucks!! I had mine replaced I think about 1.5 years ago. I will keep an eye on it. My dealership was great about it. My service rep actually pointed it out to me when I was in for regular service and they replaced it that day. Thanks. Regards. Ned.
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 519
Likes: 2
From: Chicago and NorCal
Titleist
I spoke with the SA upon noticing the fade start around the vents, and his response was to bring it in for a change out. No push back at all. Service has been fantastic on the three cars purchased from them. Of course, it helps to be armed with the tips Konigstiger provides - quite a service to this forum! Thank you!
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 519
Likes: 2
From: Chicago and NorCal
Titleist
My repeat experience was likely just a fluke. Good luck, though, hope yours stays good.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Great dealer worth it...
Follow-up:
Sent my photo of the new wood to the SA and quick reply came back…unacceptable color difference. "We'll order the parts and together go through them before install to make sure they match up and that you are happy."
Glad I stayed with the MB brand and the dealer on this latest purchase. No BS makes me a happy consumer...
Jace
Sent my photo of the new wood to the SA and quick reply came back…unacceptable color difference. "We'll order the parts and together go through them before install to make sure they match up and that you are happy."
Glad I stayed with the MB brand and the dealer on this latest purchase. No BS makes me a happy consumer...
Jace
