nsbenzfan

I noticed that the running boards are becoming discolored, spotted and rust spots are developing. Anyone else have similar issues and what has been done about them? Thinking about going to the dealer and getting them replaced after the winter is over.

patsy1099

WOW! That certainly shouldn't happen. How old is your vehicle? I wouldn't think it would even be possible to be old enough to have rust set in. We haven't even had a completed winter yet on the 550 (road salt, etc.).

Let's us know what the dealer says.

Stumblefoot

That is incredible nsbenzfan and frighteningly similar to my early experience.

We've had some really good snow the past couple of weeks in the mountains. Long story short, I didn't wash my GL for almost 2 weeks. After washing this weekend, I noticed what appeared to be rust spots and discoloration on virtually all of the chromed trim pieces on my 550. My grill is an absolute mess and the mid-level trim along the doors was really bad too. I didn't notice any on the running boards though.

I had to leave town, so didn't have time to really go to work on the chrome pieces, but I was shocked to say the least and have never experienced this on other vehicles in the past. I was planning to ask a question on the forum if a particular cleaning agent needed to be used on chrome? Otherwise, I was going to use some extra elbow grease this weekend. However, I know that won't be a long-term solution, because I'm not interested in washing my GL every time we get snow.

StevethePilot

Holy sheep dip, Batman, that sounds horrible! I've left my car unwashed after some rain, but clearly haven't had a snow experience (yet). I'm now very concerned that the chrome would be that delicate on a German vehicle.

STP

LEOSOPHIE

I thought they were stainless steel.

StevethePilot

You know, I don't know what's chrome, what's stainless and what's plastichrome for sure (other than my aftermarket chrome fin covers). You make an excellent point on that.

bkdewitte

I ll guess someone in the office in Germany decided to mount some low quality stuff on a 85K car and make some profit and run....
Same thing what MB did in early 2000 thinking Benz customers would take everything from them no matter what quality...
Time for a call to the MB office guys...
Looks like they might be facing some heavy after-sales service costs. Time to sell my Daimler shares I guess.

oooh man... this would ruin my day as well guys...

Bart

Stumblefoot

Another trip to the mountains today has left me with a filthy GL again. After I clean it up this weekend, I'll do my best NJ impersonation and try to get some goods pics so you can see what I'm talking about on the spots.

FCO... are you experiencing any chrome discoloration/spotting during your trips in the snow this winter?

dsunnym1

I have noticed some white discoloring also!! no rust though.....

Excellent job Mercedes!!!

orn

nsbenzfan, did you take this up with your dealer ? I'm seeing those rust spots and stains on my PE running board also now. I'm taking it to the dealer tomorrow

Thanks.

Orn

Nevada Jack

I would not hesitate to contact your dealers and see what they do or say about the spots and rusts. Snow and salt should not effect a new vehicle's chrome...with a good wash the chrome should look as good as new.

I have not had any snow driving but did go across country and the car got pretty dirty a few times. I did notice some spotting (like water marks) on the running boards after some commercial washes but it has since disappeared. My chrome is perfect. Going on 7 months with just about 10,000 miles.

LETO

i had some of the little black rubber things come off. Dealer replaced the whole board under warranty. Cant see why they wont do the same for you

frogger42

My local dealer, Park Place Mercedes (Dallas), has advised me the discoloration is NOT covered under warranty. Has anyone else heard this?

frogger42

Anyone?

LEOSOPHIE

I use a stainless steel cleaner and wax designed for kitchen appliances. The boards look new but have never been in the snow.

DJE55

I have a really low mileage 08 and so far the running boards look fine. I have noticed a problem with my roof rails. My passenger side rail have several pit marks. I would say I have 1 to 2 dozen pit marks in the chrome. Not real sure how this could happen to only 1 rail unless it's a defect.

Frogger42! If a part is defective the dealer should replace it. If they are fighting you about it I would ask the dealer to put you in touch with their regional rep. I would make the factory guys tell me they will not cover it. I had a Mustang with a paint problem (discoloration). It's was more spotting in the paint and it wasn't that noticeable until up on the car. Ford paid to repaint the entire car and it didn't take that much persuading to make it happen. I would have a hard time believing that MB wouldn't replace a part of theirs that looked bad.

reddog

Quote:
"I noticed what appeared to be rust spots and discoloration on virtually all of the chromed trim pieces on my 550. My grill is an absolute mess and the mid-level trim along the doors was really bad too"

For year-round protection I had the local MB dealer apply the "clear bra" material to the horizontal pieces in the grill on my '07 GL450. To clean the other chrome or stainless pieces you may want to try Mercedes "Chrome Care,"part #A 000 986 43 74 12. For winter protection, after cleaning the pieces, apply 2 or 3 coats of any carnuba wax, letting each coat dry between applications. Don't wipe the wax off between applications. Leave the pieces looking dull.The wax will prevent the road salts from damaging the finish of the pieces.