I have a 1989 300te...the dash, right now is perfect...How do I prevent, if that's possible, dash cracking???

There are several vinyl protectants on the Market that contain UV protection. Using them once every 6 weeks will keep your dash new and crack free for years. If the car sits outside regularly you might consider a windsheild visor.

The protectants I'd recommend in order:
Mercedes Interior Protectant
Meguiars Natural Shine Vinyl/Rubber Protectant
303 Aerospace

The MB stuff can be found at the dealer, smells great and leaves a beautiful natural finish. Also very easy to use.

Meguiars stuff can be found at Pep Boys, smell is ok, requires some buffing and leaves a slightly shiny appearance

303 can be found online or at Marine Stores. I've never used it but it's highly recommended by many enthusiasts.

IMO the MB stuff is awesome, if you haven't tried it you owe it to yourself to do so. Worth the extra expense, just like our cars.

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

Stay away from armourall. They have silicones or something and over time will cause cracks. Use meguiars vinyl cleaner/conditioner.

All MB cleaning stuff is made by Meguairs, it even says so on the labels. So enough yourself some money, don't buy the MB stuff, just get Meguairs. Personally I use Vinylex, it cleans as well as protects and is not all silicone like Armour-All. Also if your dash is black, you don't anything to worry about, it's the blue dashes that crack. Actually if your dash is still it would of already cracked by now. My '87's blue dash is cracked as is the blue dash in my '83 TD

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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

Sorry rick but "black dashes dont' crack." My 82 300TD black dash is cracked, so is the 86 300SDL black dash. So was every older Mercedes dash that I have owned.

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

Rick,

True the MB stuff is made by Meguiars but MB has their own formula and yes it is different. How do I know you ask? Because I have a friend that works there and we discussed this very topic. Give it a try, I think you might be surprised.

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

How much does MB charge for a bottle of their vinyl protectant? I kow it may vary from dealer to dealer, but generally speaking. I am just hesitant to buy something that may be nothing more than a repackaged product or one with a different scent to it. However, if you say there is noticeable difference, then I might give it a try.

__________________
1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

Rick I promise you it's a completely different product with its own qualities. Honestly I can't tell you how much it costs, my friend gives me the products to try and I give him my opinion on it. The MB product isn't nearly as shiny as the Meguiars Natural Shine and it smells far better IMHO. It also doesn't require the buffing Natural Shine Requires.

I've also tried the MB wheel cleaner, and I have a bottle of the MB detailing spray which I haven't used yet. The wheel cleaner works well but then again most wheel cleaners I've used work well. Hopefully next time I'll get a few more bottles to try.

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

I went online to MBUSA and they want $12 for a bottle of their "Interior care", which is their vinyl protectant.

__________________
1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

How about a sunshade! MB makes custom shades for the front windows of many models. They do a fantastic job of blocking UV and reducing heat gain inside the car.

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Dean Albrecht
"Lead, follow, or better yet, get out of the way!"E500 owners motto

Have you thought of buying a dash mat for your car? I get one for every car I buy. Dash mats also seem to hold down glare.

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'87 190E 2.3-16
Heated Seats, Graphite Dash,
Delsing shift bushings

What brand of dash mat and where to get?
Thanks!

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J.H.
'86 300E

I simply park facing north whenever possible... less UV light hitting the dashboard.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K

Here are a couple of links. I picked up a dash mat at a P/U Truck accessory store on a special order.

Dash Covers - JCWhitney

Have fun shopping.

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'87 190E 2.3-16
Heated Seats, Graphite Dash,
Delsing shift bushings

I have heard of many suggested products to maintain the dash on my 300D. My mechanic says just plain baby oil. Has anyone compared this to the highly recommended 303 Protectorant ?? by 303 Products? help ! Pete in Va. Beach!!