GLC arrived, linden wood scratched, airbag cover falling off...
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GLC
GLC arrived, linden wood scratched, airbag cover falling off...
Hey guys and gals,
First post here. After a long wait, my wife's GLC arrived at the dealer this week and we went to take delivery today. While the concierge was giving us a tour of the electronics, my wife noticed that there were a bunch of little scratches on the linden wood finish covering the center console. Then to make matters worse, when she got out of the car, the airbag cover on the bottom left side of the driver's seat fell off!
The service department was closed and nobody could figure out how to reassemble the airbag cover. It looked like it had been falling off all the way from Germany and people were trying to jam it back on. The plastic on the back side of the cover was beat up and some of the latches were bent. With respect to the scratches on the linden wood, the manager gave us the old "they all do that" excuse. He had another GLC on the lot with linden wood, and sure enough it had the same scratching.
This is our first Mercedes, so I'm scratching my head a little bit about what we should do. I wasn't going to pay for the car with the airbag cover disassembled, so they are going to have the service department look at it on Monday and let us know. I'm also curious if the linden wood being scratched up is normal. They offered to order us another one, but that would be another 2-3 month wait. Uhg!
First post here. After a long wait, my wife's GLC arrived at the dealer this week and we went to take delivery today. While the concierge was giving us a tour of the electronics, my wife noticed that there were a bunch of little scratches on the linden wood finish covering the center console. Then to make matters worse, when she got out of the car, the airbag cover on the bottom left side of the driver's seat fell off!
The service department was closed and nobody could figure out how to reassemble the airbag cover. It looked like it had been falling off all the way from Germany and people were trying to jam it back on. The plastic on the back side of the cover was beat up and some of the latches were bent. With respect to the scratches on the linden wood, the manager gave us the old "they all do that" excuse. He had another GLC on the lot with linden wood, and sure enough it had the same scratching.
This is our first Mercedes, so I'm scratching my head a little bit about what we should do. I wasn't going to pay for the car with the airbag cover disassembled, so they are going to have the service department look at it on Monday and let us know. I'm also curious if the linden wood being scratched up is normal. They offered to order us another one, but that would be another 2-3 month wait. Uhg!
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Joined: Jul 2009
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350 sd
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 3
From: St. Paul, MN
2016 GLC 300; 2019 E53 Sedan
Hey guys and gals,
First post here. After a long wait, my wife's GLC arrived at the dealer this week and we went to take delivery today. While the concierge was giving us a tour of the electronics, my wife noticed that there were a bunch of little scratches on the linden wood finish covering the center console. Then to make matters worse, when she got out of the car, the airbag cover on the bottom left side of the driver's seat fell off!
The service department was closed and nobody could figure out how to reassemble the airbag cover. It looked like it had been falling off all the way from Germany and people were trying to jam it back on. The plastic on the back side of the cover was beat up and some of the latches were bent. With respect to the scratches on the linden wood, the manager gave us the old "they all do that" excuse. He had another GLC on the lot with linden wood, and sure enough it had the same scratching.
This is our first Mercedes, so I'm scratching my head a little bit about what we should do. I wasn't going to pay for the car with the airbag cover disassembled, so they are going to have the service department look at it on Monday and let us know. I'm also curious if the linden wood being scratched up is normal. They offered to order us another one, but that would be another 2-3 month wait. Uhg!
First post here. After a long wait, my wife's GLC arrived at the dealer this week and we went to take delivery today. While the concierge was giving us a tour of the electronics, my wife noticed that there were a bunch of little scratches on the linden wood finish covering the center console. Then to make matters worse, when she got out of the car, the airbag cover on the bottom left side of the driver's seat fell off!
The service department was closed and nobody could figure out how to reassemble the airbag cover. It looked like it had been falling off all the way from Germany and people were trying to jam it back on. The plastic on the back side of the cover was beat up and some of the latches were bent. With respect to the scratches on the linden wood, the manager gave us the old "they all do that" excuse. He had another GLC on the lot with linden wood, and sure enough it had the same scratching.
This is our first Mercedes, so I'm scratching my head a little bit about what we should do. I wasn't going to pay for the car with the airbag cover disassembled, so they are going to have the service department look at it on Monday and let us know. I'm also curious if the linden wood being scratched up is normal. They offered to order us another one, but that would be another 2-3 month wait. Uhg!
As to other cars on the lot, I suggest you look at other cars just delivered ... do they have scratched wood? I doubt it. I think the car should be delivered with close to perfect wood
As to the airbag problem ... sheesh ... does it look like simply a failed latch that kept getting worse or does it look like someone was working in the area behind it? I think we don't know enough yet, but if its a symptom of a larger issue they should do something for you at the regional office level like getting you a car to drive while you are waiting or doing a national search and trying to get you a car pulled from another dealer very quickly.
The most damming thing is that they tried to deliver the car that way. The service department is likely to be able to get that cover back on properly quickly, so you may want to ask the dealer to hold off until you have a chance to take a close look behind the panel and have a honest conversation with the service manager.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 812
Likes: 86
From: Springboro, OH
16 GLC 19 Volvo XC40 06Corvette Z06
I'm with everyone else concerning easily scratched console wood. Way too fragile.
I learned too late, but knowing what I know now, would recommend nothing but a micro fiber towel when wiping the console wood. And be very very gentle.
At delivery my wood was perfect. So its current condition is my fault, even though I've been very carful not to mar it. If, like mine, the scratches are very fine, would insist the dealer polish them out. Otherwise replace it. Trust me, he will whine if it comes to this. You may have to assert who the alpha dog is. The long term issue is keeping it pristine. I'm not sure that's doable.
Absolutely no excuse for delivering a vehicle in the condition described by pistol. Prior to delivery to the client the vehicle undergoes pdi. This inspection is required to ensure the very discrepancies discovered by pistol are caught and corrected.
Time to meet the dealer principle.
I learned too late, but knowing what I know now, would recommend nothing but a micro fiber towel when wiping the console wood. And be very very gentle.
At delivery my wood was perfect. So its current condition is my fault, even though I've been very carful not to mar it. If, like mine, the scratches are very fine, would insist the dealer polish them out. Otherwise replace it. Trust me, he will whine if it comes to this. You may have to assert who the alpha dog is. The long term issue is keeping it pristine. I'm not sure that's doable.
Absolutely no excuse for delivering a vehicle in the condition described by pistol. Prior to delivery to the client the vehicle undergoes pdi. This inspection is required to ensure the very discrepancies discovered by pistol are caught and corrected.
Time to meet the dealer principle.
Last edited by larrypmyers; Apr 10, 2016 at 10:02 AM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 138
Likes: 4
350 sd
I'm with everyone else concerning easily scratched console wood. Way too fragile.
I learned too late, but knowing what I know now, would recommend nothing but a micro fiber towel when wiping the console wood. And be very very gentle.
At delivery my wood was perfect. So its current condition is my fault, even though I've been very carful not to mar it. If, like mine, the scratches are very fine, would insist the dealer polish them out. Otherwise replace it. Trust me, he will whine if it comes to this. You may have to assert who the alpha dog is. The long term issue is keeping it pristine. I'm not sure that's doable.
Absolutely no excuse for delivering a vehicle in the condition described by pistol. Prior to delivery to the client the vehicle undergoes pdi. This inspection is required to ensure the very discrepancies discovered by pistol are caught and corrected.
Time to meet the dealer principle.
I learned too late, but knowing what I know now, would recommend nothing but a micro fiber towel when wiping the console wood. And be very very gentle.
At delivery my wood was perfect. So its current condition is my fault, even though I've been very carful not to mar it. If, like mine, the scratches are very fine, would insist the dealer polish them out. Otherwise replace it. Trust me, he will whine if it comes to this. You may have to assert who the alpha dog is. The long term issue is keeping it pristine. I'm not sure that's doable.
Absolutely no excuse for delivering a vehicle in the condition described by pistol. Prior to delivery to the client the vehicle undergoes pdi. This inspection is required to ensure the very discrepancies discovered by pistol are caught and corrected.
Time to meet the dealer principle.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 812
Likes: 86
From: Springboro, OH
16 GLC 19 Volvo XC40 06Corvette Z06
Holy cow jm, it seems that wood is even more fragile than I thought.
In my defense the micro fiber cloth that I used was long nap. However, cannot say if it did or did not contribute to further scratches as my wood was already scratched. Will examine the console closely in an attempt to ascertain if there are additional scratches. If there is an upside to all of this its that the scratches are very fine and not readily obvious. Unless the light is just right.
What product did you use to eliminate some of the damage?
In my defense the micro fiber cloth that I used was long nap. However, cannot say if it did or did not contribute to further scratches as my wood was already scratched. Will examine the console closely in an attempt to ascertain if there are additional scratches. If there is an upside to all of this its that the scratches are very fine and not readily obvious. Unless the light is just right.
What product did you use to eliminate some of the damage?
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Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 182
Likes: 34
From: Peoria, AZ
2016 GLC 300
That high gloss finish is a booger. I wish we had the option of the matte brown ash wood like they do in Europe. Not a fan of the matte black with the beige leather interior.
They should order you a new air bag panel at the least instead of trying to get that damaged one back on, that's just lame. Good Luck.
They should order you a new air bag panel at the least instead of trying to get that damaged one back on, that's just lame. Good Luck.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2016
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GLC
As to the airbag problem ... sheesh ... does it look like simply a failed latch that kept getting worse or does it look like someone was working in the area behind it? I think we don't know enough yet, but if its a symptom of a larger issue they should do something for you at the regional office level like getting you a car to drive while you are waiting or doing a national search and trying to get you a car pulled from another dealer very quickly.
The most damming thing is that they tried to deliver the car that way. The service department is likely to be able to get that cover back on properly quickly, so you may want to ask the dealer to hold off until you have a chance to take a close look behind the panel and have a honest conversation with the service manager.
The most damming thing is that they tried to deliver the car that way. The service department is likely to be able to get that cover back on properly quickly, so you may want to ask the dealer to hold off until you have a chance to take a close look behind the panel and have a honest conversation with the service manager.
Originally Posted by larrypmyers
Absolutely no excuse for delivering a vehicle in the condition described by pistol. Prior to delivery to the client the vehicle undergoes pdi. This inspection is required to ensure the very discrepancies discovered by pistol are caught and corrected.
Time to meet the dealer principle.
Time to meet the dealer principle.
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 138
Likes: 4
350 sd
Holy cow jm, it seems that wood is even more fragile than I thought.
In my defense the micro fiber cloth that I used was long nap. However, cannot say if it did or did not contribute to further scratches as my wood was already scratched. Will examine the console closely in an attempt to ascertain if there are additional scratches. If there is an upside to all of this its that the scratches are very fine and not readily obvious. Unless the light is just right.
What product did you use to eliminate some of the damage?
In my defense the micro fiber cloth that I used was long nap. However, cannot say if it did or did not contribute to further scratches as my wood was already scratched. Will examine the console closely in an attempt to ascertain if there are additional scratches. If there is an upside to all of this its that the scratches are very fine and not readily obvious. Unless the light is just right.
What product did you use to eliminate some of the damage?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 356
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From: San Francisco, CA
'16 GL550, '12 C350
I highly recommend getting a small lambswool duster to wipe dust off the wood trim. You can stow it in the center console or side bin and only takes a minute to dust the wood each day. Get a high quality one - made in the USA or EU. Stay away from the cheap knock offs trying to save a few bucks. You'll never use anything else, ever again and I've been using them for many, many years. They're a blessing and you'll reduce micro-scratches by >95%!!
Last edited by Count Laszlo; Apr 10, 2016 at 11:34 PM.
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A gaggle of MB's
For fine scratches in epoxy coat on interior wood - and/or light scratches in clear coat... etc:
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Pennsylvania
2016 GLC300 4Matic
To each his own, but I prefer the traditional German rayon cloths for interior glossy wood trim. I started using these on my first new M-B, a 1982 240D, after the beautiful wood trim on my used 1971 280S was wrecked by someone. Anyway, just dip it in clear water, wring as dry as possible, and wipe. Don't dry with a dry cloth afterwards.
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MB GLC 300
After reading about Novus Polish #2 on this forum, I ordered a bottle from Amazon. I haven't tried it yet because I'm afraid that I'll make a not-so-bad situation worse. However, I admit that the fine scratches on the center console linden wood are very annoying. Has anyone actually tried this product on the center console?
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From: DFW
2022 E350 Diamond White Metallic, 2016 GLC300 Dakota Brown Metallic
Reply I have the same situation with the fine scratches. They are also present on the walnut in my c class but really show up on the GLC. I ordered Novus but am not sure I want to use it. I also have had on my GL .
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A gaggle of MB's
Yes - I have - and I have it for my final delivery guys for interior/exterior trouble area cleanup. Interior "wood" trim has epoxy coating - often needs cleanup.
If you have a Harley store nearby - $6.95 - used for windshields and faceplates on helmets..
So you know the "abrasive" in Novus 2 is "diatomaceous earth" (fossilized diatoms - freaky - do a web search) - which polish but breakdown as you polish - so they don't add scratches - which is why same polish is used on plexi-windshields, great on quick polish of clear coat - and even used on old-tech LCD screens to remove original degraded lense coatings - kindof a very safe polish once you have used it once/twice.
You place a "large pea" size either on the section to polish - or on a soft-surface microfiber cloth and lightly polish small section - light pressure - you will see with light polishing the #2 will kindof disappear - trick is to put down another pea for the next small area - after polish let sit for 5 minutes or so to bring a light haze - use clean soft microfiber to remove very light haze - all good !
If you have a Harley store nearby - $6.95 - used for windshields and faceplates on helmets..
So you know the "abrasive" in Novus 2 is "diatomaceous earth" (fossilized diatoms - freaky - do a web search) - which polish but breakdown as you polish - so they don't add scratches - which is why same polish is used on plexi-windshields, great on quick polish of clear coat - and even used on old-tech LCD screens to remove original degraded lense coatings - kindof a very safe polish once you have used it once/twice.
You place a "large pea" size either on the section to polish - or on a soft-surface microfiber cloth and lightly polish small section - light pressure - you will see with light polishing the #2 will kindof disappear - trick is to put down another pea for the next small area - after polish let sit for 5 minutes or so to bring a light haze - use clean soft microfiber to remove very light haze - all good !
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Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Ontario, Canada
Mercedes GLC 300 4Matic
Thanks for the great advice! I just custom ordered my GLC 1 month ago. If you all were to repeat the buying experience, would you have chosen a non-gloss open bore option over the standard high-gloss polishes? I'm wondering if I can still call my dealer and request the change after reading all this.
