SLK/R170: Arm Rest Console Problem
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2
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Arm Rest Console Problem
I just discovered after washing my SLK 320 /2002 and cleaning the interior that the arm rest console between the two seats is bubbling in one area.
It would appear that the extreme heat that we have been experiencing here in Ontario has caused this to occur.
Has anyone els experienced this issue.
Temperatures this week were in the mid 30's celcius.
My dealer is going to have to wait until the inspection rep is in town to verify the claim to replace the console.
Regards,
Disappointed
It would appear that the extreme heat that we have been experiencing here in Ontario has caused this to occur.
Has anyone els experienced this issue.
Temperatures this week were in the mid 30's celcius.
My dealer is going to have to wait until the inspection rep is in town to verify the claim to replace the console.
Regards,
Disappointed
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 569
Likes: 2
From: Chandler, Arizona - USA
'02 SLK32 AMG
Are you talking about the console lid that hinges up or another part. It's pretty common for the coating on the console to chip, peel, bubble, etc, but not the lid, which is vinyl.
BTW, it has nothing to do with heat. I live in Phoenix where the outside temp is over 100 F for one third of the year.
BTW, it has nothing to do with heat. I live in Phoenix where the outside temp is over 100 F for one third of the year.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Arm Console
Brian,
Thank you for your response.
No, it is not the lid that has bubbled, but the top area between the lid and the small slide compartment. There is also some discolouration above the sliding lid. You will notice a slight white line above the sliding tray. See photo below.
You mentioned that this is common, what can cause this type of imperfection?
Do they have a long term solution to this problem? Can it be prevented in the future?
I am concerned that this can happen again as this is only the 2nd summer that I have owned my car.
Your comments are appreciated.
Regards,
Al
Thank you for your response.
No, it is not the lid that has bubbled, but the top area between the lid and the small slide compartment. There is also some discolouration above the sliding lid. You will notice a slight white line above the sliding tray. See photo below.
You mentioned that this is common, what can cause this type of imperfection?
Do they have a long term solution to this problem? Can it be prevented in the future?
I am concerned that this can happen again as this is only the 2nd summer that I have owned my car.
Your comments are appreciated.
Regards,
Al
Last edited by Al B; Aug 20, 2002 at 10:16 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 569
Likes: 2
From: Chandler, Arizona - USA
'02 SLK32 AMG
Honestly, I don't know what the real cause of the problem is, but I suspect it's that the semi-soft coating just doesn't bond properly to the hard plastic underneath.
I have not seen an SLK that was more than 2 years old that didn't have some chipping, peeling, or bubbling in the coating on the console or the door pulls. Usually, there are only tiny chips in the coating, but some people have large spots. It's most noticible on two-tone interiors (except SLK32 AMG) because the plastic underneath is black and the chips don't show as bad on the solid charcoal interior.
If M-B replaces the console, the new pieces will still be prone to chipping, but they will probably be better than what you have now since bubbling like you have is not very common. It's possible that you got a really small chip (the hole in the bubble) and then it got worse after a some kind of cleaner/conditioner/protectant got in the chip and attacked the bond, but that's just a theory.
You can reduce the problem by being very careful with anything sharp inside the car and also avoid using cleaners and protectants on the coating. Use plain tap water to clean the interior if you can.
I have not seen an SLK that was more than 2 years old that didn't have some chipping, peeling, or bubbling in the coating on the console or the door pulls. Usually, there are only tiny chips in the coating, but some people have large spots. It's most noticible on two-tone interiors (except SLK32 AMG) because the plastic underneath is black and the chips don't show as bad on the solid charcoal interior.
If M-B replaces the console, the new pieces will still be prone to chipping, but they will probably be better than what you have now since bubbling like you have is not very common. It's possible that you got a really small chip (the hole in the bubble) and then it got worse after a some kind of cleaner/conditioner/protectant got in the chip and attacked the bond, but that's just a theory.
You can reduce the problem by being very careful with anything sharp inside the car and also avoid using cleaners and protectants on the coating. Use plain tap water to clean the interior if you can.
