rufmb

Day 3 and the tow hook (I think) cover flew off on the highway...
...shape of things to come? I hope not.
Glad the star survived the car wash yesterday

jvc300

Glad the star survived the car wash yesterday

What kind of car wash do you use? The "soft-touch" pads probably knocked it loose. I never do any car the "touches" the car.

In two years I've never lost anything. That includes cross-country trips for 26K miles.

YYZ-E55

Odd since there's a tether on the tow hook cover that keeps it connected to the bumper even when not snapped in place. Were you going back to the future?

chrisvr6

Lost ours too. Broom fell off a truck and hit us. $30 at Dealer. Painted too.

alanme123

Wow just read your thread about your new cars a few days ago and things are falling apart already?! Might just be the car wash though. I would recommend washing your own car if you have the time, if not give it to a reputable detailer. Try not going through one of those automated car washes because they use very strong chemicals that can damage the factory paint.

BM2BZ

wait a minute, that thing was not there from your other thread and i was thinking your car was not probably prepped by the dealer but you were too eager to take a pic. no?

BenzV12

The pic you uploaded suggests me that should be a very powerful wash to remove that cover . It may also damage your parking sensors so be careful with that

hyperion667

no, not the shape of things to come....
fluke......get the dealer to get you one for free.....has to be their fault somehow....good luck

BPhillyBenz

The exact same thing happened to me two weeks ago. My home security camera showed me leaving for work with it on...when I got back it was gone. Went to MB and they saw there was absolutley no front end bumper damage and they replaced it for free. I have no idea how or exactly when it fell off. Good luck.

rufmb

Thanks, I'll check with the dealer.
The first picture of the car I posted in the other thread shows it missing too. The car had just come off the truck and they said it was removed for transportation. It was put back when I took delivery. Maybe it wasn't attached properly since there is a tether that should prevent it from flying off completely. The cover survived the car-wash for sure, it dropped off probably on a 40mile highway drive yesterday. No biggie $50 I think, just a bit annoying though. And I do plan on taking it thru the regular car-wash just as I did my Audi for 10yrs - paint still looked fresh.

ImInPA

As the story evolves.....I would think you should just get rid of the car before it melts in your driveway. These cars really suck. Not mine, mind you, but, all the others.

rufmb

Dealer said he'd take care off it; that in fixing the missing part that fell off in transportation they may have used the one off the sport model; slight diff between the two; probably did fit well. Will get it in a couple days.

rufmb

I think I'll keep the car thanks; agreed the 2011 e350 blue whatever probably sucks; 18mpg?...enjoy; there may be a kerosene conversion kit available though.

theraven333

Who uses car washes?????? worst thing to damage a cars paintwork and in this case rip of parts!!!! would rather walk on hot coals than go through a car wash!!!!

hyperion667

ImInPA

My overall is about 32.2 mpg for during the first 45k miles. Kerosene is actually more expensive than diesel. Like I said, mine doesnt; suck, and, my blue whatever does not have parts that are flying off. lol lighten up.

Arrie

I use car washes weekly, sometimes twice a week.

My car does not sit on a drive way, it travels on highways 90% of the time and gets dirty very fast especially summer time at night. I could not possibly keep my car clean by hand washing it.

And why not use a car wash? I have learned over the years that your car's paint job has very little to do with your car's re-sell value unless you have scratches etc on it. I have never seen a scratch happen at a car wash.

Of course, if you need a car wash only once monthly you may as well use your time to hand wash it.

rufmb

Agreed Arrie, my silver Audi that I traded in for the Benz with 150K miles looked pristine on the outside after washing once or twice a week for 10years. The Benz will get the same treatment - after 80% highway driving I have absolutely no time to hand wash every week. I am only concerned about the standing star, which seemed to come thru OK after the first wash.

rufmb

This explains a lot. Quite fascinating actually.

Arrie

[quote=rufmb;5492984]
I use a "old fashioned" car wash where car is pulled thru the different stations. It includes hangign strips as well as brushes at all sides.

Only thing that has happened to my car was one time the star was tilted when drove out from the wash. No damage, just had to move it back in center position.

I will take the risk with the star for two reasons. 1) it is a standard part in the car. If it gets damaged at the wash the washer should pay for it. My wash has an attendant at all times when it is in operation so it is easy to fill for the complaint immediately if damage would happen.

2) It is very inexpensive part. I read somewhere less than $100.

rufmb

Thanks Arrie, same type of wash here; good to know that the star is robust and quite inexpensive.

rufmb

Tow hook cover back on! Dealer replaced for free. Luckily all painted as well...many of these spares are delivered just primed. We'll see how long this stays on, half a mind to place a strip of clear packaging tape over it

hyperion667

good for you brethren! lol about the tape....you should be good to go
enjoy that car!

BenzV12

Good to hear that and well done to your dealer
Nothing beats a front end of that beauty , enjoy