ML500 5.0L V-8

Hi guys, recently both of my rear glass pillars between the rear quarter panels and the back window have been peeling like crazy. I thought they sealed the pillar in glass tint then glass from the factory?
Next question, should I get it re tinted or purchase the glass from Benz dealer to keep the stock look?

Thanks a lot

ML500 5.0L V-8

Mr Cheeks

you can go to a stealer or if you have a spare weekend you can diy

heres how
DIY Repair of D Pillars

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There have been many threads started about peeling of the D pillar. Some have bought new ones and others have paid to have them repaired, both of which cost in excess of $200. The only thing that has happened is that the clear coat has deteriorated. Anyone with a little time and patients can perform the repair on a DIY basis, with a cost of approx. $25.

Here is what you will need:

1. Two small plastic buckets
2. Dishwashing liquid soap
3. Roll of 2" 3M blue painter's tape
4. Light gauge wrapping paper or newspaper
5. 2 sheets of 1,500 wet/dry sandpaper
6. Autobody work squeegee (soft rubber 2"x3" black or orange)
7. 1 aerosol can of SEM black primer
8. 1 aerosol can of SEM Flat black paint
9. 1 aerosol can of SEM Clear coat

Go to a store that sells auto body products and purchase items 5-9. Now you can purchase whatever you feel like but please take it from me that SEM products are the best out there. The spray nozzles on their cans are the best made. The paint comes out in a fanning pattern, which is what you want.

The sun is your friend, do the work with it facing the back of the truck. Mask off a 4" area around each pillar with the 3M. Get 1 bucket half filled with water and put 2 or 3 squirts of dishwashing liquid and mix until foamy. This will aid the sandpaper to glide across the plastic pillar. The second bucket is to be filled with clean water.

1. Cut a piece of sand paper the size of your hand, dip it in the soap water and gently start sanding the pillar from north to south with the palm of your hand The entire area of the pillar must be covered equally. DO NOT consentrate on one area alone. Every 10 strokes or so redip in the soapy water.

2. Throw some clean water on the pillar and then squeegee the entire pillar and it will reveal how much of the old clear coat is still on the pillar. The object here is to remove only the clear coat. If any still remains, resand again and then squeegee again. So the process goes, sand, squeegee and look. Once all the clear coat is removed, STOP and go on to the other pillar. It will be quite apparent by the look of the pillar that the clear coat has been removed. Remember not to use finger pressure on one particular area, palm pressure only and sand the pillar equally.

3. Remove the tape, wash down with clean water only and let dry.

4. Re-tape the same areas again. Then apply wrapping paper with tape to a wide area covering the roof, back glass, quarter panels.

5. Now you are ready to apply a thin coat of FLAT black primer. The first coat, which is called a "scratch coat", should be very thin. Let dry and apply a second coat. Always spray in a north to south fashion. Once you press the nozzle do not stop it in the middle of the pillar. Stop spraying only when the paint is coming off the end of the pillar. Do not over apply. If you think you missed one area, do not just spay that area, the entire pillar should be sprayed.

6. Let dry in the sun. No sanding is required between coats or between different cans.

7. The next step is to apply the FLAT black paint. Use the same process for the primer. One thin coat and then one final coat. Let dry in the sun.

8. The next step is to apply the CLEAR. It's the same process, but again do not over apply. The CLEAR must have plenty of drying time between coats. If it is windy out, pick another day, but you must have sun. It will shorten drying time considerably.

9. After the clear has dried, remove the tape and paper.

There will be skeptic's out there but this is a fairly easy task and the actual working time, less drying time, shouldn't take more than an hour. If you don't trust yourself with a spray can, get a piece of plastic or smooth wood and practice first, but really, it is quite easy. And don't worry you won't hurt your baby


courtesy of 43sqd

ML500 5.0L V-8

Thanks a lot, might give it a try myself.

Gullwing

Buy two new D pilar trim pieces, and two or three tubes of MB sealer.
Use heat gun to sofen the sealer and pry off, with wedge or screw driver don't hit the glass. Use razor blade to cut off rest of the sealer.
Apply new sealant and attach new D pilar, hold in place with blue tape, let sit for a few hours/day.

Marshall_K

great post, thx