When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I noticed the black glass on either side of the rear window has, for lack of a better term, paint flakes coming off. Anyone ever replaced these? Trying to see if it's worth the time, expense and effort. Thanks!
Part is inexpensive but I would not try to replace it by myself, had that on my pervious R230, dealer replaced it ( in fact I think they send it to a body shop to do it ) it is the same procedure ar a new windshield...
It’s definitely not as involved as R&R of a new windshield!
There’s one ”catch” (tab) that hold the C pillar paneling in place. It’s actually not too bad. Of course, only YOU can make the call if you’re comfortable doing this repair.
Attached are the same procedures from the WIS for the R230 and also the R231. It’s actually easier on the R231 (you don’t need to put the top in service position)
If you decide to tackle the repair, I recommend waiting for the new part to arrive so you can pinpoint the exact location of the “catch”.
It’s definitely not as involved as R&R of a new windshield!
There’s one ”catch” (tab) that hold the C pillar paneling in place. It’s actually not too bad. Of course, only YOU can make the call if you’re comfortable doing this repair.
Attached are the same procedures from the WIS for the R230 and also the R231. It’s actually easier on the R231 (you don’t need to put the top in service position)
If you decide to tackle the repair, I recommend waiting for the new part to arrive so you can pinpoint the exact location of the “catch”.
Could you do a gloss black wrap on it? Just curious. Maybe that would be more $$$ but less hassle...
Thanks to crconsulting it looks as if replacing them in the r231 vs the r230 is night and day. The panels are about $50 apiece and pop in and out. Looks simple compared with adding Apple Carplay. I had to take apart a good bit of the interior of my car for that and I was a nervous wreck.
i replaced and ceramic coated mine about 2 years ago, it seems like the new ones are starting to show fading around the edges lately.
so i am going to wrap them this time. however glossy wraps have an orange peel effect,will have to find a wrap with no orange peel
Thanks to crconsulting it looks as if replacing them in the r231 vs the r230 is night and day. The panels are about $50 apiece and pop in and out. Looks simple compared with adding Apple Carplay. I had to take apart a good bit of the interior of my car for that and I was a nervous wreck.
Yeah, just remember not to get too aggressive when lifting the bottom "catch" area of that panel. As it mentions in the WIS, you don't want to break that lower catch/tab.
Main emphasis is to push the panel in a parallel downward direction towards trunk while lifting just enough to get it off the catch/tab.
I would probably use a QUALITY industrial suction cup on the bottom (along with a small wedge per WIS) to get a good grip on that panel. (see below link as an EXAMPLE)
It will give you the ability to lift (gently) and push the panel downward towards the trunk at the same time....
Just replaced mine. Took about 10 minutes. One side was more difficult than the other for some reason. Used a soft plastic pry tool on the bottom then slid down and they came right off. Had a little trouble getting the right hand side aligned properly but all is well and it sure looks good.
This is a relatively easy DIY project. Parts with shipping were $155. Thanks to all who weighed in.
08-28-2022, 10:00 AM
