bradshaw46

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!

Jake94526

Possibly it would be covered under warranty, I dont think the finish should be damaged by something like that. Just my 2 cents worth.

ImInPA

If you read the wrapper for those air fresheners there is a warning about not leting them com in contact with surfaces. I had one hanging around the Gear selector on the column. It marred up part of the steering column. No big deal, but it was not deemed a warranty issue. After reading the warning on the air freshener, I hate to say it, but, it was my fault. You will likely need to replace the front panel, containing the radio buttons. Next time, just cut the bottom of the cellophone the air freshener comes in, leave it wrapped. It works great and is safe.

dfordham

Those things are full of scented oils that can be harmful to interior finishes. Some claim that even without physical contact with the device, the oil that gets out of them into the air has harmed finishes.

Call me paranoid, but since I heard that, I won't even allow the ones that the carwash sticks on the floor under the seat.

Regards,
Don

konigstiger

Unfortunately, warranty does not cover this unless dealer is willing to eat cost – unlikely. Replacement part # 2129069000 (MSRP $4000 to comparison shop, parts.com $2940), Automotix (no affiliation/experience) may be able to locate used part @ substantial discount http://www.automotix.net/usedautopar...b5a&seq_num=23

mnje350

Don't know because I have never tried but perhaps this may be covered by your comprehensive insurance coverage. Wouldn't cost you anything to try.

BenzV12

This looks horrible , I think buying a new unit should be a pernament fix , otherwise scourge ebay for this unit .

K-A

Ouch, that sucks. Not that I would put one of those in my car anyway, to now see and hear about how harmful the chemicals in them are to materials, I wouldn't let one sit anywhere in my car.

hyperion667

WTF??

is that the paper residue or the actual plastic
from the buttons????
damn that sux!!

hope you get it worked out main

BM2BZ

it looks horrible but the replacement price is even worse ! i agree w/mnje350, try the insurance route for big ticket item like this. good luck !

RobertG

He feels bad enough and these kinds of posts are not helping him.

K-A

It'll help the next person, and O/P's next car/head unit.

RobertG

What is going to help?
your condenscending remark or
Op experience with air freshners near plastic buttons.

K-A

What is your post helping?

Obviously I feel bad for O/P's mistake. I've done plenty of stupid/unklowledgebable things to my car. However, I'd urge people to not put those things anywhere near their cars, which is what my post was pointing out in the first person.

RobertG

hey KA he said that already and your post ?

RobertG

K-A

Oh no! Somebody on a Message Board said something that was already said! Maybe you can ask Mods to put a button under every post that says "I Concur" so we don't have to reiterate anything in our own way.

RobertG

You just can't let it go can you?
too bad the off topic is dead maybe you can pad your post count there

K-A

You started it.

....Post don't count as Post Counts in O/T anyway.

hyperion667

LOL..............be the bigger man KA

RobertG

BREAKING NEWS IT DOES COUNT HURRY, HURRY!

tjkaz

Man, that is horrible. Thanks for posting as I'm sure most (including me) never would have thought a friggin car air freshener could have done such damage.
Anyway, here's what I would do in your situation.
1. Try to see what your dealer would do for you. All they can say is no to warranteeing it. If they do, then see if they will work with you some how.
2. If you don't get anywhere with item 1, then check with some local body shops and get their thoughts. You may also be able to pick up some of the parts from a wrecked W212. This might take some time, but should save you some $.
3. Check to see if there are any parts on ebay. This is going to be hit or miss, but you never know and might find some of what you need.
4. There's probably some other options, but lastly I'd see what the dealer would charge you for the repair. Perhaps if you told them you're interested they might try a little harder to see if there's a low-cost solution.

Good luck!

Arrie

Are you sure the buttons don't just clean off? It looks like there is something flaking off of the surface and I have a bit hard time to believe it is the plastic itself.

Could it be that this harmful freshner oil dried on the surface and is flaking off?

alloutmk23

loll

BenzMan369

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.

My latest experience was a few months ago. Bought a new high end home theater receiver. When I opened the box, the manufacturer had placed a huge (4x6" approx) "Features" sticker smack on the front door of the unit. Even though it appeared to be one of those easily peeled types, it had the most tenacious glue backing I have ever seen.

After struggling with it with all sorts of scraping materials while praying I didn't damage the black plastic door, I got the sticker itself off, but all of the glue remained and seemed impossible to get off. Then I remembered I had a bottle of GooGone (the liquid form of it). Rubbed it on, let it soak in for a few minutes, and the glue easily wiped off with little effort, no fuss or hassle. Absolutely no damage to the plastic door whatsoever.

If your damage is not just surface, but intrinsic to the buttons themselves, my sincere wishes for you to find an effective resolution with as little pain as possible. And thanks for posting this. It's a lesson for me, for sure!