Yes, thanks for this info. Regarding the aluminum trim on either side of the center console, do you know whether the pre- and post-facelift pieces are interchangeable there?

 

The profiles of the pre- and post trims look similar, but there's no way to see how the trim pieces are attached to the console without removing them. Presumably there are clips, but who knows whether the pre- and post- ones are the same ? I would suggest that you consult your MB dealer's W212 parts catalogue.

 

Just to clarify, (and perhaps you were already implying this) but early 2014 builds had the wood with the facelifted instrument cluster. Late 2014 builds and beyond are missing the wood under the instrument cluster.

 

Right, so just to clarify further, late 2014+ builds are missing at least two wood trim pieces that were on early 2014 builds, and the facelift added aluminum trim under the armrests and along the center console, where the pre-facelift cars had wood trim.

So, it sounds like to replace the decontented dash pieces, you'd need a VIN from an early build car with matching trim. And to change out the aluminum for the wood, you'd need the VIN from a pre-facelift car with matching wood trim, plus fingers crossed that the mounting clips, etc. would be compatible.

And just because I like threads with pictures (and because I should have included this with my earlier set of photos to round it out)...

 

Well at least I know that if I'm for whatever reason ever looking for a facelifted used E Class at some point, it'd have to be an early 2014 build. Unreal they'd remove the little wood under the gauges as well. It's actually insulting as they'd assume those looking for a premium car don't actually pay close enough attention to what makes them premium (attention to detail above all else)? It's as if they try to culture a more dumbed down approach. I for one could care less about aluminum pedals especially in a car that isn't the least bit sporty. The E is all about luxury in the most classical sense, so all those details and wood trims go a long way on it.

 

Could someone post a VIN off a 2014 which has those pieces still intact? I'd like to order those pieces before my car is delivered so I can have the dealer get everything ready before I pick it up.

 

MY14 (part #s differ for MY13)
WDDHF5KB7EA780809
- Wheel cover 2126805908 (EPC 68-193-740)
- AC unit 2126807393 (68-260-120)
- Console left 2126907982, right 8082 (68-260-470)

MY13
WDDHF5KB2DA682625
- Door left 2127200922, right 1022 (72-200-160)

 

Those are for the burl trim. How does one get the part number for the black ash climate control surround wood trim?

 

These retrofitted wood trims for the console and under the armrests would not come cheap ! Suggest you get a firm quote before you decide to order !

I also think that the wood trim piece, installed in front of the steering wheel on or before early 2014 production, would not be compatible with a late 2014 or 2015 build. This piece would not fit properly with the wood trim panels on the dash.

 

Interesting - it is hard to tell from photos I've saved of early facelift cars how the wood trim below the gauge cluster connects with the wood trim on either side. If anyone with non-decontented trim would get a chance to post a photo or two, that could be very helpful.

Edit:
It looks like the steering wheel wood trim for the facelift is different from the pre-facelift and may integrate with the adjoining wood panels differently. In the videos below (not a substitute for eyes on or actual expertise, neither of which I have), it looks like the facelift has a seam where the part behind the steering wheel (with no chrome border) joins the adjoining dash pieces which are trimmed in chrome. In the pre-facelift, the steering wheel wood appears to be continuous with the dash pieces as it rounds the corner to meet the vents.

I've ordered the steering wheel and dash trim, but my car (and probably the trim pieces) won't be here until March so if anyone tries to re-content these pieces before that please let us know how it goes!

Facelift:



Pre-Facelift:


Source for facelift screenshots: Source for pre-facelift screenshots: Edit again: sorry, I cannot figure out how to paste just the urls without the videos automatically embedding.

 

It's easy to get part numbers. Just play around with EPC a little bit with some VIN#s that you find through cars.com for cars with different levels of equipment. Part numbers generally remain the same and only the last part changes to signify which trim (color code) that part is.

From what I've seen in person, it looks like the under speedo trim is the same between FL/non FL cars and it is a separate piece from the other pieces of wood to the left and right of it on the dash. We also would need to order the black trim around the speedo (to have a void for the trim)- I am unsure if it's all one piece or two when adding the wood back in.

For common wood trims such as Burlwood and to an extent the Black Ash- you can easily find a whole set of wood on eBay (from a pre facelift car) for a couple hundred dollars.

For uncommon wood trims such as designo ones, you'll more than likely have to order from the dealer and this will take quite a few months. I ordered 7 designo trim in July and only one has shown up so far. designo stuff takes forever to arrive. Note- if ordering your parts from a dealer, give them the VIN# of a car with the trim that you want as a reference. This is especially useful if ordering designo parts because MB corporate can be iffy about selling designo parts to someone with a car that shouldn't have it. I actually have a really good dealer working on this for me with competitive prices so if anyone else would like that contact I'd be more than happy to share with you. Just send me a PM.

Prices for my designo ranged anywhere from $130-270 for each piece.

All mounting points **should** be the same. Of course I will report in a build thread when I start this project. My car is probably going to arrive in March.

 

Interesting mention about speedo void indeed EPC confirms no trim above steering wheel and different part # for MY15 IC molding WDDHF0EB1FB085526, MY14 part is 21268013899116 (68-193-130).

 

To all concerned I think your best bet is to wait until this project is completed.

 

I just noticed that the windshield wipers are different on both cars (8-13) vs(4-14) Build so anyone know which are better (performance, etc...). I will post pics tomorrow.

 

Anyone have wood trim part numbers for those?

 

To add to the confusion... Does anyone know what changes were made to the car from January 2014 onwards? I've seen a few small pieces of info which point to structural changes made to car to improve crashworthiness.

 

As it happens we have 3 14' e350s in the family. So having fun spotting the differences between the build dates. One is an interesting combo, has the metal pedals, is missing the wood around the climate controls and instrument panel, but has a gloss black material instead of aluminum on the door panels. Not sure if it's because the. car has the black ash wood, but is more of a solid high gloss black than the black ash on the dash.

 

Black ash cars come with that black trim under the armrests. From your description it sounds like those pieces are "piano black" rather than "black ash" under the armrest. Piano black is fancy marketing for black plastic.

 

Is the black ash model the pre face lift version?

 

Piano black is fancy marketing for black plastic.[/QUOTE]


Is the silver trim around the air vents plastic as well?

 

Is the silver trim around the air vents plastic as well?[/QUOTE]

No, the trims around the air vents are aluminum.

For anyone who wishes to order a wood trim piece for under the main instrument binnacle, the left and right dash pieces would also be required so that the connection points match up.

 

I have included the pics of the windshield wiper blades from both cars, and model & build, diff production dates.

 

I wonder if the wipers are sourced from a different maker - I had constant problems with jerky Valeo wipers, before I did the Arrie retrofit and installed Bosch blades in the Valeo frames. I kept those when I changed cars, as my earlier build 14 has the older style.

 

I have the black ash under my armrests and prefer the silver trim. Maybe I can trade with another member here. Im in CA.

 

I'm pretty lame to only gain aluminum pedals and power folding mirrors but lose bits and pieces of trim that don't really cost anything to manufacture.