When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
COVID had gave me infinity amount of time at home so I can finally start my long await project of replacing the faded trim.
First piece 80% done, a lot of high and low spot soo still need a good surface correction, polish and UV resistant coating, but I'm starting to get an idea on how it will looks at the end.
If anyone want to do the same, put in mind that it's extremely time consuming if done right, it's not for the faint of heart.
You need to budget about 5-6 hours each piece. (post facelift W212 has 11 wood trim, pre-facelift has 18!!!)
I'm not talking about "apply epoxy, wait 4 hours" something like that, I'm talking about 6 hours of constant labor, and 5-7 days total time form start to finish for each trim piece.
Total cost of material is around $400, tools around $50-70, if you're getting a full set of trim from scrap yard that's another $250-400.
I'm hopping to post the full finish interior when everything is said and done. Stay turn.
COVID had gave me infinity amount of time at home so I can finally start my long await project of replacing the faded trim.
First piece 80% done, a lot of high and low spot soo still need a good surface correction, polish and UV resistant coating, but I'm starting to get an idea on how it will looks at the end.
If anyone want to do the same, put in mind that it's extremely time consuming if done right, it's not for the faint of heart.
You need to budget about 5-6 hours each piece. (post facelift W212 has 11 wood trim, pre-facelift has 18!!!)
I'm not talking about "apply epoxy, wait 4 hours" something like that, I'm talking about 6 hours of constant labor, and 5-7 days total time form start to finish for each trim piece.
Total cost of material is around $400, tools around $50-70, if you're getting a full set of trim from scrap yard that's another $250-400.
I'm hopping to post the full finish interior when everything is said and done. Stay turn.
I applaud your tenacity, hope it comes out well, I also like your choice of material and would like to some day do this as well!
I believed 99% of the factory CF trim out there are just CF skinned on plastic part, they don't cost that much but won't give you any benefit neither,
long ago Motor Trend actually did a research and find that the whole set CF trim on Audi S8 is actually 1.3lb heavier than the base aluminum trim.
the one on the roof like the AMG GT or M3 is entirely different story, they worth every single penny.
if you don't have time to waste like me and money is not concerned there are vendors out there that will do real CF trim if you send in yours
W212 M276 DELA 30 ; W211 M113k, W126 M117, W126 OM617, W211 OM642 ; R107 M117 X2, Sierra 1500 LZ0
Just out of curiosity.. I'm trying to envision the missing 7 pieces of wood trim on the facelift (11) vs the pre-facelift (18). Can you provide a brief summary of the differences?
Just out of curiosity.. I'm trying to envision the missing 7 pieces of wood trim on the facelift (11) vs the pre-facelift (18). Can you provide a brief summary of the differences?
the U shape piece under the instrument cluster, the two side trims on the center console, and the lower trim on all four doors,
switch from wood to just plastic after the facelift.
the U shape piece under the instrument cluster, the two side trims on the center console, and the lower trim on all four doors,
switch from wood to just plastic after the facelift.
Just another example of the facelift "Upgrades" LOL. And a reminder how different these cars are through the model run. Interestingly when I bought my '13 the first '14's were hitting the lot, I was most distressed about the rear fenders losing the flares!
Last edited by pierrejoliat; Mar 4, 2021 at 09:18 AM.
W212 M276 DELA 30 ; W211 M113k, W126 M117, W126 OM617, W211 OM642 ; R107 M117 X2, Sierra 1500 LZ0
Originally Posted by pierrejoliat
Just another example of the facelift "Upgrades" LOL. And a reminder how different these cars are through the model run. Interestingly when I bought my '13 the first '14's were hitting the lot, I was most distressed about the rear fenders losing the flares!
I don't think anyone will argue that the facelift interior was classed up, even if it is missing some wood bits (I just counted mine and 4 of those pieces are now aluminum) . People might have different opinions on the facelift exterior, but I think it's much more appealing and will age better (hence why I purchased mine).
I don't think anyone will argue that the facelift interior was classed up, even if it is missing some wood bits (I just counted mine and 4 of those pieces are now aluminum) . People might have different opinions on the facelift exterior, but I think it's much more appealing and will age better (hence why I purchased mine).
I believe I just did! I'm glad you like your facelift "better" . I chose which one I liked better.
Just another example of the facelift "Upgrades" LOL. And a reminder how different these cars are through the model run. Interestingly when I bought my '13 the first '14's were hitting the lot, I was most distressed about the rear fenders losing the flares!
Same with the W213, I really hate that they took out the clock, the passenger seat control, and the steering wheel has way more shiny black plastic than the pre-facelift model.
Same with the W213, I really hate that they took out the clock, the passenger seat control, and the steering wheel has way more shiny black plastic than the pre-facelift model.
True enough, but the outside looks a little better, I dislike the 213, interior and exterior, any improvement helps! I will be skipping the 213 and will look forward to seeing the 214 in 2025? Unless the IS500 F Sport lures me away! LOL.
I don't think anyone will argue that the facelift interior was classed up, even if it is missing some wood bits (I just counted mine and 4 of those pieces are now aluminum) . People might have different opinions on the facelift exterior, but I think it's much more appealing and will age better (hence why I purchased mine).
The less wood the better.. in this sense, anyway
With CarPlay and the automatic emergency braking from CPA+ that came on the last of the W212s, I can't think of a new car I'd even want at any reasonable price. My car seems as current as most new cars in terms of tech.
the U shape piece under the instrument cluster, the two side trims on the center console, and the lower trim on all four doors,
switch from wood to just plastic after the facelift.
pre-facelift's is just plastic as well, there is no REAL wood in there. If anything, it's a single piece of veneer under plastic. It's all crap, plain and simple...
It looks like real wood veneer under the plastic to me. The fading is indicative of stained wood - there's a high end guitar mfr with some instruments that do the same thing. The stain used for the veneer is not UV stable IMO.
I think an aftermarket mfr would turn a good business making reasonably priced replacement trim pieces. I would think 3 basic colors is all that would be needed: a black to match the dark wood interiors, a brown to match the brown wood interiors, and carbon fiber for a more sporty look.
I've had occassion to remove parts of the wood trim from the consoles in both of my MBs. The trim is in fact, real wood veneer over 4-5 mm of wood composite. The only plastic is the shiny finish, which has proven worthless under sun exposure.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
