RSAGLK

Sorry to highjack someone else's pic, but my parents just got a new 2014 E350 with the sport front end and after seeing it for the first time in person, I have to say that I feel like the new lower side sills are begging for a chrome strip accent similar to the way the front lower valence has. I don't have a pic of their car, but here is another member's car that shows the chrome front strip and the "place" for the side sill chrome. I've done some online searches but can't find anyone selling one (yet). Any thoughts?

K-A

I agree. They're trying to IMO awkwardly morph the E body into something that the original inherent design intent didn't have in mind, one of which is being the type of car that is designed with a chrome strip on the lower side panels. They want to go more "sporty" with less chrome, which doesn't make sense as they added more chrome to the rear and front, making the side beg for some still.

I believe some models still come with it, but they positioned it flat at the bottom of the doors, instead of following the wedge of the lower door lines. You can easily buy your own and put it in either of those positions if you wish.

AC E350

The Luxury model comes with the chrome molding above the lower sills.
You can easily add them to your Sports model for $308 + tax.
212-690-33-62 $26 (Rt Fender)
212-690-34-62 $26 (Lt Fender)
212-690-25-62 $64 (Rt Front Door)
212-690-26-62 $64 (Lt Front Door)
212-690-29-62 $64 (Rt Rear Door)
212-690-30-62 $64 (Lt Rear Door)

PeterUbers

You think it's just that heavy duty 3M foam double sided tape that holds it on? As much as I'm sure it's pretty easy to get on, I'd probably pay a body shop some $$ to just put it on with their expertise, $300 ain't bad -- is that the price just from any parts dept at any dealership, or is that a discounted online price?

kinda sad I'm having to do this on a car at this price level --

thanks

AC E350

It is a simple installation with 3M double sided tape. I really don't think you need to pay a body shop to do the install. Just clean off the area of application and peel the tape and stick it on. If you look at the Luxury model you will see that molding lines up with the bottom of the doors, so the alignment is very straight forward.
The price is MBUSA MSRP, not a discounted online price. But I am sure you get it online for 5-10 off. But since this is a long skinny "fragile" part, I will avoid the UPS shipment and buy from the local dealer to avoid potential shipping damage.
You are right, at this price level a lot of the "extras" should be included; e.g. these chrome side moldings, the stupid plastic door locking pins should be the metal ones that they sell at $40 EACH!!

PeterUbers

that's a wise thought on getting it locally and paying a bit more but making sure no scratches, etc -- will visit my benz stealership this week.

PeterUbers

Just visited the dealership and talked to someone in parts, also viewed some 2k13 E sport models on the lot:

on the 2k13, there is a chrome strip, but it follows the angle/bevel of the fender, front and rear doors, and the strip is in the bottom 1/3rd of the doors -- unlike the strip seen on the mbusa.com website.

There is no 2k14 part number for the chrome strip for US model E-class sport models, and according to the parts guy, the 2k14 luxury model chrome strip will not fit right on the 2k14 sport models.

Go figure

AC E350

The 2014 Luxury model front fender, driver door and passenger door chrome molding will fit the Sports model. They simply follow the line above the rocker panels or at the bottom edges of the front fender and doors. As for the Luxury model rear bumper side chrome molding, it fits into the bevel of the bumper which is different than the Sports model bumper. But based on the length of that piece, it could be installed on the Sports model without any issues.
Go visit your local MB dealers and look at the 2 different models and you will see the Luxury model chrome moldings can be installed on the Sports model without any issues.

PeterUbers

AC E350: do you think it would look good? Or if it were you, would you not even bother adding the chrome strips?

mike_747

After reading this post I kind of agree that is looks unfinished.
I'll wait till I get my car and reassess at that time. Seems a trim piece that mimic's the spear like triangular shape of the door sill would look nice. Then again that geometry might over power the profile/side view of the car.

I've asked my salesman to ask the service dept. if they will fit and if they can install them. This way if any issues pop up later I can always go back to them for a fix.

AC E350

Well, this all depends on if you like how the chrome molding looks on the Luxury model. To me it looks OK, the chrome molding is quite thin and it only pops out against certain color. So I am still debating if I will put it on. But what I actually will like to add is the chrome moldings on the rocker panels like the White E Coupe on the MBWorld logo photo at the top.

AC E350

I just noticed that the 2014 E63 and the E350 Sports have the same rocker panels and the E63 comes with the chrome moldings on it. I just need to find the part numbers from my dealer. I think this will give the E350 Sports a more "complete look".

T.H.Carrera

Let us know what you find out!

PeterUbers

is it a "chrome" molding on the rocker panel - or carbon fiber? I was told by someone on this forum it's carbon fiber .. don't know if I would be down for that.

Again, this is silly that we have to be having this discussion, this should have been offered as chrome from the factory for the sport models, 350 and 550

mike_747

I don't think these are chrome at all, but rather brushed stainless steel.
chrome pits and looks bad after 10 or so years. Cars in this price range haven't used chrome in decades.

Tjdehya

Its metalic as standard, I dont know what it is but it is not chrome.
Carbon Fiber finish optional (Carbon Package)
Black Finish optional (Night Package)

PeterUbers

Would Love to buy the e63 rockers if they will fit....thanks for looking into this

hyperion667

I may be the oddball, but I like it with no strip, looks nice.......I took mine off last year

AC E350

You may be correct that it is carbon fiber. There is no E63 at my dealer for me to confirm. I did a Google search for pictures of 2014 E63, it is kind of hard to tell, but I think the molding is "blackish" and does not have a "chrome" look. I will visit the parts department this weekend to confirm and get the part number and price.

SolidGranite

Pretty good images for reference. I imagine you could barely see this strip on darker paint selections.

AC E350

From these 2 photos, you can definitely see the moldings are made of carbon fiber. My guess is these parts will not be cheap.

mike_747

As my car will be Palladium Silver these carbon trims would disappear. I'll leave well enough alone.

PeterUbers

same here... agreed. For those who venture a guess, I'd put $1200 for both pieces on the table as possible cost of the E63 rocker panels....

SolidGranite

My buddy has carbon on the exterior of his Black Series C63 and it's stupid expensive. Additionally, in my opinion carbon doesn't belong on a car of this stature. It makes sense on the ultra sporty but for E350s and 550s it just doesn't fit.

hyperion667

I kind of agree, my cls on the other hand has almost 8 K underneath it
of carbon fiber