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I was detailing my 2014 E350 and wife's 2015 ML350 and noticed the center caps on both vehicles were bubbled around the edges. As far as I know- harsh chemicals have not been used to clean the wheels and, other than this, the wheels are in immaculate condition. I had a 2008 C300 and 2013 C250 and don't recall having issues. I also had the Black Laurel Wreath on another vehicle and don't recall having issues with those caps. I know it's not a major issue, the vehicles are almost 4 years old and nobody would probably notice...except me.
I was detailing my 2014 E350 and wife's 2015 ML350 and noticed the center caps on both vehicles were bubbled around the edges. As far as I know- harsh chemicals have not been used to clean the wheels and, other than this, the wheels are in immaculate condition. I had a 2008 C300 and 2013 C250 and don't recall having issues. I also had the Black Laurel Wreath on another vehicle and don't recall having issues with those caps. I know it's not a major issue, the vehicles are almost 4 years old and nobody would probably notice...except me.
I'd say just pass it off as a fluke, go on ebay and buy replacement caps, they aren't very expensive
Yeah, this happens a lot.
IIRC, it has to do with the different materials in the wheel vs. the center cap setting up some kind of electrolysis effect.
I've had to replace my center caps, and will likely have to do it in the future.
Ditto to above. My blue wreath caps started looking a bit faded, two had also started to discolor as well, so a quick trip on Ebay got me the black wreath versions that I liked more on my refurbished rims. If these fade out in a couple years I'll just get another set, but so far so good.
Just wondering if you have a picture of said issue. Sounds weird. Defective? Can always ask the parts department. I have several sets as I used to change wheels a lot when I had an E class. Other members have mentioned they're not expensive......but man! It's those little things that always bug you, you know?
I actually had a couple blue wreath caps replaced under warranty for the same issue. The dealership claimed that the discoloration was due to running the car through a car wash. However, I only use hand wash services. Since the car is now out of warranty, I'll do as has been suggested, just buy new from ebay.
It's common - seems they last about 7-8 years. My departed '09 C300 had two of the clear covers (that also have the blue laurel) came completely off and one was threatening to come off, basically just leaves behind a sliver/chromed surface that you can see the star slightly embossed in it. My '11 E350 you can see the bubbling and fading but none have fallen off.
Look at other 2012 or earlier MB in parking lots - you will see where the caps are starting to de-laminate.
You can buy whichever caps you prefer of course, but this may be of interest....
The aftermarket is on the left, oem on the right. I liked that the aftermarket version had the reinforcement ring in place, makes it very secure in the wheel and also less stress on the tabs I think when removing for balancing.
I will go oem on all critical parts, but unless MB has a special plastic it seems that the aftermarket version for a small piece like this is fine. I used the duct tape method to remove the old oem caps, but these would need to be pushed out from the back of the wheel, they hold in place well. So far they have remained perfect in appearance, using the dealer carwash.
You can buy whichever caps you prefer of course, but this may be of interest....
The aftermarket is on the left, oem on the right. I liked that the aftermarket version had the reinforcement ring in place, makes it very secure in the wheel and also less stress on the tabs I think when removing for balancing.
I will go oem on all critical parts, but unless MB has a special plastic it seems that the aftermarket version for a small piece like this is fine. I used the duct tape method to remove the old oem caps, but these would need to be pushed out from the back of the wheel, they hold in place well. So far they have remained perfect in appearance, using the dealer carwash.
Huh, I have to get some pics, but I think all my OEM ones have that support ring
I have a set of the Black Laurels I bought from ebay and they do not fit. The metal sits on the outside of the base and prevents them from being completely flush. I had the OEM Black Laurels on my 203 C250 AMG Sport-Plus and loved them. I guess I'll need to order the OEM to match the Black Laurel Hood Badge I installed.
No one posted an image of the issue, so here you go. It's hard to see in the pic, but look around the edges and you'll see the problem.
I replaced mine with aftermarket center caps that I like better, and if they don't last, they were cheap enough.
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