SL/R230: Quarter panel small flap problem
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 104
Likes: 13
2005 SL500
Quarter panel small flap problem
Hi,
New to this forum. Have a 2005 SL500.
Have problem after the roof is retracted the small flap on the rear quarter panel stays up it has broken away from the main assembly. I have seen similar problems discussed on mbworld.
Here in Australia they want $2500.00 for the quarter panel fitted. In USA they are about $400.00US.
Was reading some post and someone said there was a video on how to change the quarter panel.
If anyone can help thanks
New to this forum. Have a 2005 SL500.
Have problem after the roof is retracted the small flap on the rear quarter panel stays up it has broken away from the main assembly. I have seen similar problems discussed on mbworld.
Here in Australia they want $2500.00 for the quarter panel fitted. In USA they are about $400.00US.
Was reading some post and someone said there was a video on how to change the quarter panel.
If anyone can help thanks
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
This is a common problem because the very small plastic hinges get brittle with age and break. If you lose the little flap you are in trouble, they are hard to find, but here's an option I used.
I've drilled very small holes in the remaining plastic base mount, then secured the flap hinges with very small stainless wire looped around hinge pin. Put one or 2 or 3 in place for long life.
This only works if there is enough of the base hinge pivot (the female part) left to align and secure the hinge pin.
Sorry I don't know where to find the documents you mentioned.
I should take a picture so you can see what I mean.
I've drilled very small holes in the remaining plastic base mount, then secured the flap hinges with very small stainless wire looped around hinge pin. Put one or 2 or 3 in place for long life.
This only works if there is enough of the base hinge pivot (the female part) left to align and secure the hinge pin.
Sorry I don't know where to find the documents you mentioned.
I should take a picture so you can see what I mean.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
Pics...
Notes on picture:
Note the fractured plastic on the flap by the hinge.
Spring return no longer works, but flap flops into position w/o problem.
Wire is looped around hinge pin and through hole drilled in base plastic. Hole is about 1/64"...very fine.
You have 2-3 locations you can loop these wires and drill holes.
Wire size is about half the diameter of the spring wire. It is very fine (0.010"???), and twisted like safety wire.
Don't make the wire too tight or it will bind. You want this to move freely.
I also did this repair on the door glove box top hinges. Holding up well!
Note the fractured plastic on the flap by the hinge.
Spring return no longer works, but flap flops into position w/o problem.
Wire is looped around hinge pin and through hole drilled in base plastic. Hole is about 1/64"...very fine.
You have 2-3 locations you can loop these wires and drill holes.
Wire size is about half the diameter of the spring wire. It is very fine (0.010"???), and twisted like safety wire.
Don't make the wire too tight or it will bind. You want this to move freely.
I also did this repair on the door glove box top hinges. Holding up well!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 104
Likes: 13
2005 SL500
There was someone who said there was a video on how to change the quarter panel component that this little flap sits in. The flap is not the problem it's the larger quarter panel that has worn away.
If you know of this video and can direct mw to it that would be great. Thanks.
If you know of this video and can direct mw to it that would be great. Thanks.
