SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Interior Trim Sources?

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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 02:26 PM
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Interior Trim Sources?

I'm looking to replace the burl walnut trim pieces in my car for the aluminum trim instead. The dealer wants $2000 for the parts ($300 for each door trim piece and $1400 for the center console). WOW and I thought BMW prices were high!

Anyone know a source that might have these parts for less? Any help approeciated...thanks!
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Old Sep 5, 2003 | 11:58 PM
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Worth doing though, I've currently got the centre console of my old SL in pieces (to fit a hands-free phone as using a hand-held here will soon be illegal) which really highlights that Mercedes do not do wood well. Seeing a cross section drives the message home - plywood with the thinnest layer of veneer glued on top then layer upon layer of high scratchable lacquer.

"It's wood, Jim, but not as we know it."

That layer of wood could be plastic for all the difference it makes. If you take a look at a Bentley, for example, the quality of the wood is exquisite and I'm pleased that my new SL is a wood-free zone.
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Old Sep 6, 2003 | 12:22 PM
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So this is why I don't like Mercedes wood - far from being a solid piece of real wood, you can see the how it's made. Starting from the top, the clear lacquer, the first extremely thin and barely visible dark band is the wood veneer (walnut in my case) all on a base of plywood. Total thickness of this arboreal sandwich: 6mm, 1/4 inch
Attached Thumbnails Interior Trim Sources?-wood-veneer.jpg  

Last edited by blueSL; Sep 6, 2003 at 12:29 PM.
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Old Sep 6, 2003 | 01:13 PM
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In the end, does it really matter if MB choose to use a solid 1/4" peice of wood? Your eye will only be looking at the surface anyway. I think it is wasteful to use these kinds of materials in areas where they will never be seen.

I have been in Bentleys before and yes, the wood grain between the two cars is uncomparable. However, I wouldn't be surprised if Bentley was doing somewhat of the same thing.
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Old Sep 6, 2003 | 01:13 PM
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Re: Interior Trim Sources?

Originally posted by pj1
Anyone know a source that might have these parts for less? Any help approeciated...thanks!
When it comes to interior appointments, the AMG Owners Club recommends the company Mattes, who is doing all the interior work for many reputable tuners (Ruf, TechArt, Rinspeed, Carlsson and even for AMG Unique Manufacturing): www.mattes-interieur.de

They ship worldwide.

Ronald
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Old Sep 6, 2003 | 01:25 PM
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Originally posted by internet_mafia
In the end, does it really matter if MB choose to use a solid 1/4" peice of wood? Your eye will only be looking at the surface anyway. I think it is wasteful to use these kinds of materials in areas where they will never be seen.

I have been in Bentleys before and yes, the wood grain between the two cars is uncomparable. However, I wouldn't be surprised if Bentley was doing somewhat of the same thing.
Depends what you want from a car of course, but I would prefer to touch, feel and see real wood, with its natural variations and imperfections, just like a piece of fine furniture. To me, the aluminium trim looks great and pj1's desire to change to it makes perfect sense.
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Old Sep 6, 2003 | 06:00 PM
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Thanks for the replies ... I really do think it comes down to personal taste...I'm just more of a metallic guy. As much as I like the Mattes stuff recommended by Ronald, I think I'm going to go with the stock aluminum trim--the dealer agreed to give a big $100 off--woohoo! Better than nothing I guess...
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Old Sep 6, 2003 | 10:38 PM
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BlueSL, the "layered"wood is used by ALL auto manufacturers. It is for safety - to keep the wood from splintering during a colision.
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Old Sep 7, 2003 | 01:35 AM
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No argument with the use of a sandwich, it's the fact that the veneer is so thin they have to protect it with the lacquer I don't like. I would find it much more attractive to be able to touch the real wood - as you can in a Rolls-Royce or Bentley instead of what they give us.

The "wood" is currently out of my 129 for me to fit a hands-free phone in the centre console, and while out, I cleaned/polished it with zymol instead of beeswax... it just isn't real. Came up well though, looks even more like plastic...
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Old Sep 7, 2003 | 10:41 PM
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aluminum trim

ph1.. i may be able to get you the aluminum trim much cheaper if you didnt get it yet. when my car arrived it had the aluminum by mistake and the dealer replaced it for me. i think i can get the aluminum back. i can ask if you want.

canuk
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Old Sep 8, 2003 | 12:07 AM
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You dont need to spend Bentley money to get a car with real wood in an interior....BMW puts it in as an option in at least the 745, maybe others as well.

T
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Old Sep 8, 2003 | 12:54 AM
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Canuk, You bet I'm interested! I was just going to order from the dealer tomorrow, but I will hold off if you can find out anything...and thanks for the offer!! --peter
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