zeke320

Had to remove the license plate frame to install new registration sticker on my license plate. Ran into a problem however when one of the screws became stripped. It appears as though the screw rusted in place and the entire assembly was turning in the hole in the talegate when I turned the screw. I used a hacksaw to remove the screw head and the thread assembly came apart and fell back into the talegate.

Went to dealer for replacement and was provided a screw with a thread assembly. When I attempted to install thread assembly in the designated hole in rear talegate, I could tighten the screw down, but if I pull on the license plate, the entire screw assembly comes out of the hole in the talegate.

Any suggestions, I appear to be missing something here. A search of all forums did not reveal any similar problems. Thanks in advance.

ml320_2001

Have the same problem.
Did see a Screw in the Designated Hole in the back and tried to remove it and it would not come. Took it back to the Car Dealer and the guy instead of trying to get the screw off the hole just ripped it off the Vehicle. And then removed the screw in the Shop and tried to put the assembly back into the vehicle but would do it.
Wanted to know what to do as I am running now on TEMP plates I dont have a problem but after I get my plates in couple Days I am not sure how I can fix it . Also all 8 screws (4 in front) and (4in back) missing.. weird..
Let me know if you find anything please

Thanks

zeke320

Found this on another forum in reference to the screw assembly that inserts into the tailgate, it sounds as though a special tool may be required.

"It is a pop-rivet (theaded insert) sort of thing I would think your local MB body shop could give you some direction. Threaded inserts are normally installed very similar to a pop-rivet, they are threaded on a tool and collapsed leving the theaded portion for the screw. Removing is just drilling the shoulder, while hoding the body, to keep it from spinning"

zeke320

Also read this thread which does not sound like there is an easy fix.

<http://forums.mbnz.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1183614&posts=7&hl=license+screw>

ml320_2001

Thank you
Let me see if the Dealer Can help me out

ml320_2001

Left the Car at the Dealer and he said he will look into it and there might be a cost associated with it.
Will Update once he gives me a price on the Screw fixing

zeke320

Removed the interior panel to reveal the other side of installed screw assemblies and also retrieve the other half of the stripped assembly that I cut off. As per the other posts, it appears to be some type of rivet assembly as the installed screw assemblies appeared to be compressed (shorter) and flanged at the contact point with the interior body metal. I am therefore thinking that a special installation tool is needed to proceed and will be off to the dealer. Will follow-up when I return.

ml320_2001

Wow.. How did you remove the Interior panel? Can you please post.
I would like to hear from the dealer and if it is too expensive I wanted to work around.
I am Still Waiting ........Man these guys are very very late .. What the heck is wrong with these guys they did not even put mine in Shop it is still in the Parking lot after more than 24hours...Jesus..Anyways Dont have an Option has to wait and see what happens..
Thanx

zeke320

The panel removal is easy, start in the corner and gently pull the plastic away from the tailgate. Please note that you are likely to break a few of the plugs which secure the panel to the tailgate and they will need to be replaced when you replace the panel. They cost a few dollars and can be purchased at any dealer. The panel removal is the way to go before drilling out or removing any license plate screws from the outside as you can access the rear of the license plate screw assembly to keep them from turning when you are turning the screw. I should have proceed with this method first as it would have saved me much time and a trip to the dealer. Nonetheless, I'm off to the dealer tomorrow and will follow up on Monday.

ml320_2001

Got A Call from the Dealer ., Can you believe it .... IT is $220 to fix a Screw

zeke320

Did you buy the ML at a mercedes dealer or was the sales person who ripped it out a non-mercedes sales dealer. Either way I would try and get that money back from the individual who ripped out the screw. I would bet that by ripping it out they some how now have to rebuild the hole in which the assembly inserts, maybe by welding additional material around the hole. No way you should drop $220 on a car you just purchased.

ml320_2001

will try ..Bought it from a non mercedes dealer..
Thanks a lot ..

zeke320

$104 to repair single stripped screw at dealer which was all labor. Yes, special tool is required to crimp screw assembly so it is not a do it yourself type job. That annoying rattle from my license plate not being secured in all four points, however, is gone.

ml320_2001

I also have a Single Screw which is ripped off the back of the ML320 and the Dealer quoted $220..Looks like it really depends where you go. Can you tell me where you went ?

Thanks

zeke320

R&H motor cars in Baltimore MD area. Is the hole in which the assembly inserts still intact. Mine was still intact so there was no labor involved to rebuild hole. If your hole needs to be rebuilt there might be additional labor involved.

ml320_2001

Oh ! Ok .. the Hole is not intact for me.. actually instead of removing the screw I think the service person pulled the screw and the whole assembly came out leaving a Hole in the Rear License plate area.

ml320_2001

What if I have a License Plate with 3 screws holding it instead of 4 (Actually I have seen people with only 2 top screws holding the License plates)
:-)

zeke320

Three screws or even two is not a problem, my plate had only three screws for over a month as a tried to figure the situation out however I wanted my plate fixed because it rattled and made noise when I went over bumps or closed the tailgate.

benzboy

An inexpensive alternative might be a short "molly-bolt" arrangement. Slide it into the hole, expand the flange and remove screw. Run the screw through the hole in the plate (with a washer) and you've got it.

ml320_2001

nice idea.. will try it
Thx

zeke320

If you take the rear inside panel off you can probable just use a regular nut and bolt with washer. Good luck.

ml320_2001

I think it is too much pain to take the rear panel out. as you said couple screws will break when you do that and then you have to get those from the Dealer ship and I am worried that I may not be able to fix those properly and might end up in more problems
thx