Jacked-up radio buttons!!
#26
Senior Member
One other route is to go to the manufacturer of the actual unit. I am not sure who makes the current ones (maybe Alpine?) but the ones on W211 were made by Becker. I was able to get a brand new fascia complete with buttons directly from Becker for less than $100. Does anyone know who actually makes head unit for our W212s?
#27
I apparently made the mistake of hanging one of those 'tree' air fresheners near my radio buttons, and it must have gotten wet from the humidity in the air after a rain yesterday (I didn't even have the roof or windows open!!). Anyway, the freshener must have wet the radio buttons, and now they're all screwed up (see attached pic). Does anyone have any idea how I can fix this? New button decals? Do I have to try and pillage a new head unit?
Pretty annoyed at myself for having the brain fart in the first place, but just trying to find a solution at this point. Heck - I'd settle for an *improvement*.... thanks!
Pretty annoyed at myself for having the brain fart in the first place, but just trying to find a solution at this point. Heck - I'd settle for an *improvement*.... thanks!
If it comes off I would try to remove it mechanically before resorting to any chemicals.
If it's superficial it's not a big deal.
Before I would pay for a new panel it would be worth trying to find a restoration company. There are companies that perform fire, flood etc restorations for insurance companies. Not necessarily an automobile restorer.
Good luck. Let us know.
#28
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
The coating is irreparably damaged and the only solution is replacement. The buttons themselves are probably not damaged but they look horrible.
It isn't residue nor can it be restored.
While in this case it was caused by an awful smelling air freshener, similar damage - on a smaller scale - comes from makeup, bug repellent or body lotion - basically any oily substance. Minor damage - one button peeling for example - is sometimes covered under goodwill by the dealer but here it is obvious that something dripped on the buttons and is virtually identical to the damage referenced in the TSB.
This might be covered under the comp portion of your insurance.
Too bad that the buttons can't be swapped out. Good luck and please keep us posted.
As far as air fresheners are concerned a "fridge box" of baking soda under the seat works well.
It isn't residue nor can it be restored.
While in this case it was caused by an awful smelling air freshener, similar damage - on a smaller scale - comes from makeup, bug repellent or body lotion - basically any oily substance. Minor damage - one button peeling for example - is sometimes covered under goodwill by the dealer but here it is obvious that something dripped on the buttons and is virtually identical to the damage referenced in the TSB.
This might be covered under the comp portion of your insurance.
Too bad that the buttons can't be swapped out. Good luck and please keep us posted.
As far as air fresheners are concerned a "fridge box" of baking soda under the seat works well.
Last edited by CEB; 04-29-2012 at 07:13 PM.
#31
I hadn't thought of putting that in the car too, but I will Definitely have it done.
#33
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2010 E350 4Matic, 2012 ML350 4Matic
I feel for you man. That is just a terrible shame.
Echoing Arrie's comments, is there a chance it's just dried residue from the air freshener or perhaps even melted plastic protective wrap that came on the car originally?
If so, you may want to try a product called "GooGone" before you spring for $3-4K to repair the damage. Of course, I can't say it won't make things worse in your specific application, but I can vouch for the effectiveness of this product in removing sticky stuff from plastic and a whole lot more. If you try it, read the label first, so you know what to do.
Echoing Arrie's comments, is there a chance it's just dried residue from the air freshener or perhaps even melted plastic protective wrap that came on the car originally?
If so, you may want to try a product called "GooGone" before you spring for $3-4K to repair the damage. Of course, I can't say it won't make things worse in your specific application, but I can vouch for the effectiveness of this product in removing sticky stuff from plastic and a whole lot more. If you try it, read the label first, so you know what to do.
Unfortunately, it's not residue - its the actual buttons themselves that are screwed up, as one of the posters said. I checked for new head units as well - $4k retail, $3270 online, and havent yet found one on eBay since I checked there too. I'm inclined to go the insurance route and see if I can work with a dealer to get the unit replaced. The other idea someone mentioned, going back to the unit manufacturer, might get a shot from me as well.
*Still* kicking myself every time I look at it, but I'll live -there's worse things that could have happened. I'll keep everyone posted on how this turns out.
#35
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2012 E350
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2010-11-12-M...ca21fe&vxp=mtr
Will that work for you? Only $785! (I'm not the seller)
Will that work for you? Only $785! (I'm not the seller)
#36
MBWorld Fanatic!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2010-11-12-M...ca21fe&vxp=mtr
Will that work for you? Only $785! (I'm not the seller)
Will that work for you? Only $785! (I'm not the seller)
#37
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2012 E350
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-E-W...item4ab6df54bf
The unit is from Latvia, not sure if it's compatible, and it doesn't have a button for rear window shade...
#38
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Yeah, you're right..I found another one on ebay that might work for Op
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-E-W...item4ab6df54bf
The unit is from Latvia, not sure if it's compatible, and it doesn't have a button for rear window shade...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-E-W...item4ab6df54bf
The unit is from Latvia, not sure if it's compatible, and it doesn't have a button for rear window shade...
#39
I'm having the same problem. The "laminate" is peeling on the 7 and 8 keys to expose the white button underneath. I've seen kits online that tell me to completely remove the flaking laminate cover and replace with a new decal. Anyone ever heard of them being an improvement to a crappy looking dash?
Update- talked to Don in West Texas who makes decals. He is the owner. Seems like a nice guy. He doesn't have a kit for the w212 yet, but he is working on it. He knows there is a market for it.
www.controlbuttonrenu.com
Email sales@controlbuttonrenu.com and hopefully there will be a fix late spring 2014 at a price point around $60.
Update- talked to Don in West Texas who makes decals. He is the owner. Seems like a nice guy. He doesn't have a kit for the w212 yet, but he is working on it. He knows there is a market for it.
www.controlbuttonrenu.com
Email sales@controlbuttonrenu.com and hopefully there will be a fix late spring 2014 at a price point around $60.
Last edited by soylives; 02-13-2014 at 07:29 AM.
#40
Hi guys am from the UK and I have been looking for something that will repair the scratch i have on one of my buttons (fast forward button) I obviously don't have any warranty as that's long gone expired. I tried controlbuttonrenu but the guy refunded my money as he doesn't sell outside of the US
Can any one help or be able to tell me where to look or what to do
does anyone know what paint the button is? i could by maybe paint over it and try and do the repair myself
Please Guys HELP!
Can any one help or be able to tell me where to look or what to do
does anyone know what paint the button is? i could by maybe paint over it and try and do the repair myself
Please Guys HELP!