Hi, new here but I have two ML's, a 1999 320 and a 2003 350. The rear quarter mouldings on my 2003 have the clearcoat peeling, much so I am thinking of having the entire ML painted. But I was wondering if this piece comes off easy, enough to replace with a new one(unless I can paint the old ones)? The ones on my 1999 320 are in great condition but not so with the 350. Also, is this the replacement piece I need if I can do the replacement myself? Thanks, Jim
https://www.oemvehicleparts.com/oem-...FQtXDQodYWcMcA

 

I have a 1999 ML430 and the peeling seems to be a common issue on this part of the vehicle. Both on mine were peeling when I bought it used. I read on some forums at the time that people were refinishing them and getting good results. Before I could do that one just disappeared off the car after I drove it on a long trip (from what I've heard also not unusual for these vehicles). There were 3 black adhesive blobs left behind. I just went to the dealer and bought a replacement, got some strong black adhesive and replaced it. You would never know it wasn't the original (other than it wasn't peeling like me after a week in Hawaii ). Before I could do anything to refinish the other side, IT disappeared as well after driving it so I just replaced it as well the same way. Super easy. Just apply adhesive between the old blobs (they seemed pretty tough to remove but I will admit I didn't spend much time trying), position it and use some painters tape or whatever to hold it there until it sets. Can't see the adhesive behind the panel when I was done but I would stick with a dark adhesive. No idea if a lighter color adhesive would show thru.

I suspect you could probably just pop off the ones you have with a little elbow grease and replace them or look at the refinishing in place option if you like. Don't think repainting the entire vehicle is needed if that is the only real issue. Given mine came off on their own I don't know how tough they are to remove but clearly it can't take that much if I was just driving and they fell off. They came off intact (nothing left behind but the adhesive) but I guess it is possible that if you pull them off they could crack or break so refinishing on the vehicle is probably wiser.

I'm assuming the 2003 ML350 isn't significantly different on this than the 320/430 but have no experience with that model/year.

Best of luck!

XM

 

thanks....so when you put the new ones on there were no tabs or such, they were just glued in place??

 

Correct. Nothing but adhesive holding them on. Again maybe something was different in other model years but in my experience on the 1999 they just had 3 blobs of adhesive holding them in place.

XM

 

Yes they are glued on, but they are not easy to remove. Damage to the body will occur and you will have to repair the damage. And each panel costs $115.

Go to a body shop and they will sand and clear the existing panels.