SL/R231: New dash install
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,156
Likes: 4,381
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Swapping out a dash is major surgery and dealers absolutely hate even talking about it. The potential for “side effects,” such as squeaks & rattles is substantial and they would just prefer to do other, much simpler projects. I actually believe that unless it was going to be a warranty replacement, that a dealer couldn’t talk themselves out of, one would be hard pressed to find a dealer willing to tackle the job, for any sort of a price that would not cause an owner potential health issues upon hearing the number.
I believe that if you could find a truly exceptional indy shop, where they do restorations, etc., where the owner takes pride in their work and stands behind it, you would probably be better off. Anyway, it’s an interesting project and if you do embark on it, please let us know how it went and please take lots of photos showing the actual work being done. Good luck to you!
I believe that if you could find a truly exceptional indy shop, where they do restorations, etc., where the owner takes pride in their work and stands behind it, you would probably be better off. Anyway, it’s an interesting project and if you do embark on it, please let us know how it went and please take lots of photos showing the actual work being done. Good luck to you!
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 100
From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
I had a Lexus 460LS before I replaced it with an S560. I loved Lexus until the dash began disintegrating. It wasn't just the dash, it was also all 4 door panels. At first, it was just a small fleck of material falling off but soon the same was happening to the door panels. When I brought the Lexus in for scheduled service I asked my advisor to take a look at the dash to see if they could repair it. He checked a few things on his computer and told me Lexus would cover the entire job under warranty; mind you the Lexus was over 2 years out of warranty. I asked the advisor how much it would have been for me to pay for it. $23,000 (in 2016 dollars). They needed the car for a week. Did a beautiful job on the re-install.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,156
Likes: 4,381
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I had a Lexus 460LS before I replaced it with an S560. I loved Lexus until the dash began disintegrating. It wasn't just the dash, it was also all 4 door panels. At first, it was just a small fleck of material falling off but soon the same was happening to the door panels. When I brought the Lexus in for scheduled service I asked my advisor to take a look at the dash to see if they could repair it. He checked a few things on his computer and told me Lexus would cover the entire job under warranty; mind you the Lexus was over 2 years out of warranty. I asked the advisor how much it would have been for me to pay for it. $23,000 (in 2016 dollars). They needed the car for a week. Did a beautiful job on the re-install.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 100
From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
That's a great story. I had eight, new LS sedans in a row, between 1997 and 2011. Just loved all of them and the service was fabulous. However, when Lexus lost their collective minds with their “spindle” grill design language, I moved on to the MB S Class for my daily drivers. I cringe when I see the design of most all current Lexus models. I wonder if the service is still world-class.
My 2018 S560 is an amazing vehicle and an absolute pleasure to drive. My Mercedes service experience has been spotty. I've serviced at 2 Mercedes dealerships for the first 3 years that were mediocre on their best days. Very recently I serviced the S560 at a 3rd MB dealer and that experience was very close to the Lexus. Close enough that I am now totally pleased with the MB cars and their service.
Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 169
Likes: 106
2013 SL550
I purchased a used Lexus SUV for my wife several years ago. It was in perfect condition except for a long tear in the dash. Looked like someone had slashed it with a knife. It had been poorly repaired, reminded me of a scar, but we lived with it because we enjoyed everything else about the vehicle. We eventually sold it and the buyer later told me that he got a letter from Lexus stating they'd replace the dash at no charge even though it was over 10 years out of warranty! I saw the car later with the new dash and it looked great...pretty impressive. Contrast that with my Land Rover experience. Took my vehicle to the dealer a week before the warranty expired about an engine issue. They scheduled me for service two weeks out then tried to charge me because the vehicle was now out of warranty even though they had the paperwork of when I brought the car to them. I had to get corporate involved and in the end did not have to pay but it was very, very frustrating and the exchanges with the dealership were tense, to say the least.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 522
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
I purchased a used Lexus SUV for my wife several years ago. It was in perfect condition except for a long tear in the dash. Looked like someone had slashed it with a knife. It had been poorly repaired, reminded me of a scar, but we lived with it because we enjoyed everything else about the vehicle. We eventually sold it and the buyer later told me that he got a letter from Lexus stating they'd replace the dash at no charge even though it was over 10 years out of warranty! I saw the car later with the new dash and it looked great...pretty impressive. Contrast that with my Land Rover experience. Took my vehicle to the dealer a week before the warranty expired about an engine issue. They scheduled me for service two weeks out then tried to charge me because the vehicle was now out of warranty even though they had the paperwork of when I brought the car to them. I had to get corporate involved and in the end did not have to pay but it was very, very frustrating and the exchanges with the dealership were tense, to say the least.
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Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 169
Likes: 106
2013 SL550
I like the LC as well...they look great in person. Have not talked with anyone who owns one and I have not driven one myself. Looks to be an easy car to live with.
