Hi, folks. Is Vinylex really safe to use on MB trim? I use it on the interior of my 420 SEL. It always seemed to work great but today I noticed that the black plastic trim that fits under the base of the instrument cluster (the warning indicator lamps are under this trim piece) had a rough and sticky consistency in the section near the clock adjustment knob. I tried cleaning it but it is gummy. Tough to remove and leaves a sticky black residue on the rag. Anybody ever experience this problem? It almost seems like the plastic is breaking down. Any thoughts?

I don't think Vinylex is to blame. I've had that happen too to the black base of the instrument cluster surround, without using the stuff. Not sure what the cause is, although household cleaners (Windex?) is what I suspected. I also wonder whether heat from sitting out in the sun may have contributed. Anyway, the plastic is no longer completely smooth, but slightly "rumpled". Every once in a while, if it's particularly humid, the plastic feels gummy, just as you described. My solution was to replace the instrument cluster frame (surround).

__________________
1988 California version 260E (W124)
Anthracite Grey/Palomino
Owned since new and still going strong and smooth
MBCA member

Past Mercedes-Benz:
1986 190E Baby Benz
1967 230 Inherited from mom when she downsized
1959 220S Introduced me to the joys of keepin' 'em goin'

There are only 10 kinds of people in the world--those who understand binary and those who don't

As stated in previous reply.

Attached Thumbnails

   

__________________
'84 300SD sold
124.128

Cal, I don't use Windex anywhere on the instrument cluster so it must be the heat. My car doesn't spend anytime in the sunlight but during warm months it is in a hot garage. It must be plastic degradation - just getting old. Thanks for the response.

I dont think its the Vinylex either. I have used that for years without issue. Just plastic getting old. Ferrari has a problem with this on the 355 center control panel.


Its a popular topic on the forum
1-http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=235160
2-http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=224655&highlight=Interior+Parts

The rubber coating on the sunroof knob on my Audi started coming off too. I just sanded it and gave it a nice matte finish. You'd never know..

__________________
88 300E
03 911 C4S
2008 Triumph Speed Triple

My pics --> www.BrettAdamsDesign.com