I have a 2021 GLE 350 with misaligned chrome trim on the passenger side. I've been trying to resolve this issue with our local MB dealer twice, but the replacement parts they get each time are as crooked as the original. Now, after about three months, the dealership has acknowledged, that they actually have a number of customers with the same problem and that they are waiting for Mercedes USA to produce/obtain a better fitting part. In the meantime, I have started to look at other GLE's and have found that quite a few of them have the same misalignment.

Could I ask you to check your passenger side for me and tell me what yours looks like? I am looking for comparative examples of the top chrome pieces on top of the B-pillar, where the rear chrome trim piece is "bent" upwards along the last couple of inches towards the B-pillar. Here is mine and a random GLE 350 that I took a photo of today:

 

Ours (2022 GLE 450) is perfectly aligned. That was the first thing I looked at the SUV when we first went to look at it at delivery time. This issue of door and trunk misalignment are also common on the E sedans. You would think that someone at the production line or the dealer at pre-delivery inspection would notice it. But, they don't. Good luck with your issue.

 

Our early '20 450 has a very slight misalignment in the same spot, probably only 1/16". I frankly hadn't noticed it and it doesn't bother me, but yours is much worse.

 

I would not have noticed yours as well. That's why I was asking for other people to have a look.

Trade ya'?

 

I was curious so I just went to the garage and checked it. The driver’s side is just about perfect, the passenger side is a fraction off , however not as bad as yours. I may not have noticed your door misalignment if not brought to my attention. Hey, let’s face it, it’s a Mercedes, it’s not like we bought a Lexus.

 

My July 21 build is fairly good....

Also gas cap door is flush and equal gaps around which was an issue earlier in production.

Passenger side

 

My July 21 build is fairly good....

Also gas cap door is flush and equal gaps around which was an issue earlier in production.

Passenger side

 

A common problem on all new cars (I've seen this on all makes). Today's manufacturing tolerances are much better, but they are not perfect -- tooling wears. Look at the rest of the door (back edge of the front door), where it meets the front edge of the back door. Is everything aligned, or is it off sightly like at the top? It may not be the trim piece, the front door may need adjusting (or rear, or both). If it can't be adjusted, the dealer can shim the where the hinges bolt into the frame to make it align better. Make the dealer fix it if it's something that is really bothering you -- tell them to realign the doors. It will probably have to be done at their body shop.

 

My alignment is perfect. Love your phone case by the way!

 

It’s been a while but I purchased a 2021 GLE a few months back, wonderful vehicle. I never noticed the mis-aligned window trim as I have the black trim package but when I looked closely, the passenger side was quite off. As some of you may know, I work at the Cambridge Toyota plant in Cambridge and spent 10 years in QC. I spent most of my time with a rubber mallet banging in door trims, aligning doors and adjusting plastic pieces.. most costumers would be appalled at the abuse we have to straighten items out, so my point is this, I grabbed my rubber mallet and luckily the bent trim piece is covered on top with rubber stripping, I banged on the top about 10-15 times carefully and precisely and bent the piece back.

 

‘Nice to know…I assumed that these were glued on like a lot of other trim.
By the way all my trim is perfectly aligned but I did have a front fender moulding flapping in the breeze. It was replaced but it took 4 weeks to get it. My rear hatch strut stops about half open and still waiting on a replacement piece after 2 months. The Supply Chain is still a mess.

 

OK, quick update: After a total of three visits to my local MB Dealership, they determined that the misalignment was within specs. That means they could not fix it, got tired of it, and decided to stop trying.

One visit to the Miami Dealership solved the issue. The Service Advisor could not believe that I was told to accept this as within tolerances. Look for yourself:

Before:



After:

 

Late 2021 MY21build. That must have driven you crazy. Keep an eye on your trim if it starts to produce rainbow effects on it and get them replaced as soon as possible. I believe the trims only have 2 years warranty on them. The black trims are notorious for having black rainbow effect overtime. On my ML the only fix was using fine steel wool + mothers mag & alum polish.

 

Thanks for the tip - I'll keep an eye on the trim.

And, yes, once you've seen it, you cannot unsee it, and it did bother me.

 

I think he was pulling your leg.
Don't let a rainbow reflection ruin the enjoyment of your car!

 

Thanks. I didn't catch that.

So what do I do with all the steel wool and Mother's Aluminum Polish I purchased now?
Also, anybody have an idea how to remove fine steel wool scratches from aluminum trim?

All I wanted was empathy, all I got was satire. Tough crowd...

 

If you want replacement chrome trim, I have it. I replaced mine with black.

 

I am dead serious about the rainbow haze on the aluminum trims. Ask ANY MB owner who have owned their cars for more than 4 years. BMW has the same problem too. I went bonkers trying to find a solution on my ML before as the dealer won't replace them even after it is still under the new car warranty as it happened after 2 years. A detailer told me about it as they have been fixing the same issue on their customers and it is the only solution unless you will replace them which will happen again. On the black trims forget it as the steel wool+alum polish won't work. Either you paint em or replace em. You need to use a 0000 super fine steel wool and the mag/alum polish. You will have to tape around and do it slowly and it will make it brand new.

I am sure if the rainbow haze happens in your vehicle's alum trim you won't be able to take your eyes on it. If you have not experience it it only means you have not kept your vehicle long enough.

Here you go if you are doubting me...again...I ain't pulling your leg.

 

Once you use steel wool, or any aggressive polish for that matter, you've opened up a Pandora's box because you removed the finish. Don't do it.

I had a detailer polish my black chrome, and yes there it was, rainbows forever.
It was a real shame but I enjoyed the car for another half dozen years. I just averted my gaze.