SL/R231: dash bubble
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 6
From: Southwest FL
13 SL63, 07 SL550, 16 Escalade, 11 C70
Nice Job 👍
Besides being cheaper, the “standard” MBTex dash seems to hold up better in the humid climates.
As we know, the climates subject to high humidity and heat seem to wreak havoc on those leather dash pads. Unfortunately, it’s not just MB, it’s pretty much every manufacturer that uses real leather.
I tend to use a sun shade when I park my car outside, amazing how hot it gets (I can barely hold on to it). For kicks, I measured it once with an IR Temp gun. It was 160°!
Besides being cheaper, the “standard” MBTex dash seems to hold up better in the humid climates.
As we know, the climates subject to high humidity and heat seem to wreak havoc on those leather dash pads. Unfortunately, it’s not just MB, it’s pretty much every manufacturer that uses real leather.
I tend to use a sun shade when I park my car outside, amazing how hot it gets (I can barely hold on to it). For kicks, I measured it once with an IR Temp gun. It was 160°!
It probably took me closer to 12 hours to do the whole install but I took my time. I put the fasteners in plastic bags and labeled them to make it easier to reassemble. I pretty much followed the Star manual which was most useful identifing attachement point of the componnets. I had trouble removing the air bag cover so I skipped removing the steering wheel and in the end had enough room to wiggle the old pad out and the new one in. I didn't take any pictures along the way. I am generally not very fond of working on interiors because of how they are put together but taking my time and a few deep breaths along the way made it doable.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,163
Likes: 4,383
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Yes, the MBTex durability was also a plus to changing the dash pad. I can see the difference in the leather where the dash pad meets the top of the door panel but it isn't very obvious so most people won't notice it. I also have a 3LT C8 that supposidly suffer from the bubbles but knock on wood no sign of them after 2 years.
It probably took me closer to 12 hours to do the whole install but I took my time. I put the fasteners in plastic bags and labeled them to make it easier to reassemble. I pretty much followed the Star manual which was most useful identifing attachement point of the componnets. I had trouble removing the air bag cover so I skipped removing the steering wheel and in the end had enough room to wiggle the old pad out and the new one in. I didn't take any pictures along the way. I am generally not very fond of working on interiors because of how they are put together but taking my time and a few deep breaths along the way made it doable.
It probably took me closer to 12 hours to do the whole install but I took my time. I put the fasteners in plastic bags and labeled them to make it easier to reassemble. I pretty much followed the Star manual which was most useful identifing attachement point of the componnets. I had trouble removing the air bag cover so I skipped removing the steering wheel and in the end had enough room to wiggle the old pad out and the new one in. I didn't take any pictures along the way. I am generally not very fond of working on interiors because of how they are put together but taking my time and a few deep breaths along the way made it doable.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
sl 550
How much did the labor cost? I plan on buying a panel off eBay and am curious about labor.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,163
Likes: 4,383
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
sl 550
