flw4ever

I've got a Brown 1988 300 CE with a broken back glass. My local MB dealer says the outside trim (3 pieces) must be replaced in order to fix the glass. They say the trim only comes in black. My car has bronze trim. I purchased the car new and know the trim color is original and was never black, but MB says it is only available in black. My color brochure that came with the car shows the car with bronze trim. If you move the clip on the existing trim the color below appears black.

Where can I get the bronze trim? Can the existing trim be saved and reused? All information and ideas are welcome.

linh

I think the trim color is black but year after year it turn bronze like my friend Mercede. I guess you have no choice but to install the black trim eventaully it will turn bronze.

mbtech208

I think he's right. The trim does start off as black and eventually turns bronze. I've noticed this on the B-pillar trim of 140-body S-classes that have been around for a while ('92, '93).

flw4ever

I appreciate your reply but the trim was never black. I bought the car new and today it looks just as it did new.....bronze.

flw4ever

If I can't find the bronze trim does anyone know of a process to fade the black trim to bronze?

vinceC

I think you answered your own question when you state: "If you move the clip on the existing trim the color below appears black." The color under the clip is the color of your original finish. The trim is anodized with a hematite finish. It is a black/bronze color when new. This finish ages to a lighter bronze color over time. How much time varies. Cars with a lot of exposure seem to age more rapidly. Your options are to order the new and let it age or perhaps you may be able to find used parts of approximately the correct shade at a "recycler." Potomac German Auto in Frederick, MD might have some ideas. I wouldn't try any chemical or mechanical aging process. Anodizing is a chemical conversion process that leaves a very thin coating. If you go through it you will see the base aluminum.

flw4ever

Rather than a going to a recycler, can my existing trim be reused? It is in perfect shape and is the correct color. The local MB dealer told me the trim would have to be replaced. Any tricks to getting it on and off without damage?

Thanks

vinceC

According to my Service Manual, Body & Chassis, Series 124, Volume 2, there is no reason to replace the ornamental (metal) trim strips. The job to remove the ornamental trim is #67-220. I can FAX copies of the procedure to you, if you like. If so, send me a E-mail with a FAX number I can use during working hours, E.S.T.