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I have recently discovered cracks on the wooden trim (black open pore ash wood).
I have to admit the temperatures in Dubai (where I live) frequently cross 48C (118F) and while the car is not always parked in the sun, it sometimes is but in such cases I always put the windscreen sunshade (I have no tints on the car).
I would think that Middle East speced cars would carry a general robustness in the interior because of harsh weather conditions here (more than Europe or North America for example) but seems not to be the case.
I have claimed it under warranty but I am waiting for a response from the dealership, let’s see what they say.
What I wanted to check here was whether any of you “treat” the trim? After all, it is real wood and I would under normal circumstances always treat wood which is exposed to the elements.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by alizansari
Hello all,
I own a MY2021 E200 with less than 40K km.
I have recently discovered cracks on the wooden trim (black open pore ash wood).
I have to admit the temperatures in Dubai (where I live) frequently cross 48C (118F) and while the car is not always parked in the sun, it sometimes is but in such cases I always put the windscreen sunshade (I have no tints on the car).
I would think that Middle East speced cars would carry a general robustness in the interior because of harsh weather conditions here (more than Europe or North America for example) but seems not to be the case.
I have claimed it under warranty but I am waiting for a response from the dealership, let’s see what they say.
What I wanted to check here was whether any of you “treat” the trim? After all, it is real wood and I would under normal circumstances always treat wood which is exposed to the elements.
Any thoughts? Some images attached for reference.
There are other threads on this problem. It seems to occur with open wood. Those of us who have the polished finish do not seem to have this problem.
Thanks for posting about the wood trim cracking. I have a ‘19 A220 that has the natural grain brown walnut wood and it is “checking”. First time I’ve had a M-B with “open grain” wood trim. Your pics look similar to what I see, except they are more numerous in my car. The car is under warranty for another 6 weeks, so will get it looked at.
I hope you succeed your warranty claim, I am still struggling with mine (they claim that the trim is only under a 2 year limited warranty which for me expired 4 months ago). I think it’s not fair, especially given the climate that we are in.
Let’s see what they say, I am still insisting on it being a warranty case.
Its not just the heat that might cause the wood to crack, its the moisture as well. With any open grain unsealed wood, I always try not to get it wet in the rain or dry it immediately if it does. I do not use cleaning fluids or any type of conditioner on it, do not let liquid seep inside the grain, Just a dry wipe and some spot cleaning if necessary.
I have the open pore black ash wood, no cracks. That said, I park in a garage at home and at work. Had the car for five years. I suspect sun damage (I also have window tint).
Lightly rubbing some black ink or shoe polish on your finger, you maybe able to fade out the crack in the 1st pic. Test for colour somewhere else since this is a highly visible area.
The passenger side wood trim looks like its crack, the center console is a scratch. Mercedes used to cover wood trim piece even with CPO warranty. I must say, the Mercedes dealers around here recently have not tried very hard when it comes to warranty claims. Mercedes’s dealer experience overall , like most other brands, is on the decline. I cannot even get a loaner E class these days when in for service.
Owner's wife has too many sharp, metal bangles dangling from the key chain on her purse.
Not a scratch - it is definitely cracking - in some places now it is more evident of the wood simply "splitting". Mercedes is looking into it and is considering a replacement as these "cracks" have appeared on other parts of the trim as well.
Personally I think it is heat related damage as I have been very careful with not letting the trim get wet or for the car to become humid to the point condensation starts.
According to the dealer (we only have one exclusive for Dubai), the warranty for interior trims are for 2 years where the rest of the car has it for 5 years. But they are supporting me in appealing the declined claim.
The passenger side wood trim looks like its crack, the center console is a scratch. Mercedes used to cover wood trim piece even with CPO warranty. I must say, the Mercedes dealers around here recently have not tried very hard when it comes to warranty claims. Mercedes’s dealer experience overall , like most other brands, is on the decline. I cannot even get a loaner E class these days when in for service.
Do they at least offer you a C or it has to be an A?
Not a scratch - it is definitely cracking - in some places now it is more evident of the wood simply "splitting". Mercedes is looking into it and is considering a replacement as these "cracks" have appeared on other parts of the trim as well.
Personally I think it is heat related damage as I have been very careful with not letting the trim get wet or for the car to become humid to the point condensation starts.
According to the dealer (we only have one exclusive for Dubai), the warranty for interior trims are for 2 years where the rest of the car has it for 5 years. But they are supporting me in appealing the declined claim.
Will keep you guys updated.
Good luck and hopefully something works out, glad to hear your dealership is on your side at least.
Do they at least offer you a C or it has to be an A?
For loaners, I had a choice of an A sedan, B crossover or wait for a C sedan to be clean, I waited. Pre-pandemic, if they dont have an E sedan, they would upgrade me to a S class.
For loaners, I had a choice of an A sedan, B crossover or wait for a C sedan to be clean, I waited. Pre-pandemic, if they dont have an E sedan, they would upgrade me to a S class.
So the local dealership agreed to replace the wood trim under warranty. My car will go next week for the replacement, luckily they had the parts in stock.
However, a question to you guys, it seems that where I’m living, open pore is a bad idea (wish I had known that before buying), but having said that, in the end it is just wood and wood can be treated but considering how finicky it can be, has anyone treated their wood trim? Do we have to / should do?
Hi there from Sydney, Australia! We also have pretty hot summers - in the mid 30s (still 10-15 degrees celsius shy of you)!
I have the same wood trim on my car- I use a soft cotton cloth and some furniture oil (only a tiny amount, just enough so it slightly darkens the wood and adds shine as you apply). I suppose you might also use furniture wax instead for a longer lasting coat.
I always take care to avoid touching the silver trim elements and go over it all with a clean section of the cloth to remove any excess.
By the next day it's usually all soaked in- and leaves a deep finish which is very nice. When it goes flat again, I know its time to reapply (every three to six months).
Picture attached showing how it looks after oiling…
Last edited by joshuapace; Jun 9, 2023 at 06:52 AM.
However, a question to you guys, it seems that where I’m living, open pore is a bad idea (wish I had known that before buying), but having said that, in the end it is just wood and wood can be treated but considering how finicky it can be, has anyone treated their wood trim? Do we have to / should do?
Would be curious to know.
This is an excellent question! I have the same wood in my AT, NOT my first choice.
The problem I see is it's not coated and susceptible to absorbing anything splashed on it. How do we clean it if water is going to cause it to lift?
I usually just wipe the untreated wood trims with a microfiber cloth. For those stubborn stains, I wet a towel, wring out as much water as possible, clean gently and try not to rub the water into the wood, then follow up with a dry towel immediately.
Last edited by The G Man; Jun 9, 2023 at 07:24 AM.
Hi there from Sydney, Australia! We also have pretty hot summers - in the mid 30s (still 10-15 degrees celsius shy of you)!
I have the same wood trim on my car- I use a soft cotton cloth and some furniture oil (only a tiny amount, just enough so it slightly darkens the wood and adds shine as you apply). I suppose you might also use furniture wax instead for a longer lasting coat.
I always take care to avoid touching the silver trim elements and go over it all with a clean section of the cloth to remove any excess.
By the next day it's usually all soaked in- and leaves a deep finish which is very nice. When it goes flat again, I know its time to reapply (every three to six months).
Picture attached showing how it looks after oiling…
Looks very nice in my opinion, I see there is a subtle shine which looks quite nice. I will look for a light furniture wax and try it when I get my car back - I did ask the Mercedes rep and he was clueless as to what to do as there are no "real" care instructions given from Mercedes. Thanks!
I rarely have issues with water, doesn't rain much in Dubai and I have always cleaned the trim with a damp microfibre....even during high humidity it's mostly the AC which is working with not alot of humidity in the car (or condensation).
I think the cracks in my car appeared solely due to direct sunlight, especially while driving.
I’ve never had issues with water or fluids being absorbed. I used to have a 2014 w205 (Bremen built) that had the same style of wood.
I had that car for six years and followed the same care routine, it remained immaculate the entire time.
Here is some more oiled wood p0rn for your viewing pleasure… this was after I had it all cleaned up and for sale.
Looks Great. The same black ash wood as mine. As stated before, if this were brown wood, it would be perfect in my eyes. Black looks drab and funereal to me.
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