Well, a dash crack has developed on my mom's car. It is definitely new, as in within the last 3 days (I drove it Monday and did not see it, I did see it today; Thurs).
So the most important question I have is: Can this crack be stopped - as in "How do I prevent it from splitting further"? A non-glossy compound (obviously) to stop it would be great. What should I use, if anything? What can I use to clean off any glossy compound I might use to keep the local area loose?

Advice is welcome. No, it's not an MB, but it's still a leather dash!

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Back in the saddle - 1972 280SE 4.5

ive heard that drilling a very small hole at the end of the crack, and then filling the crack and hole with superglue will stop it. I haven't personally tried that, though. The idea is by drilling a small clean hole it will make it harder for it to start tearing again.

On a different note, how have your 300M's held up for you?

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

This works on cracks in glass and some other materials like that. I'm not sure it would work on a dashboard crack, though.

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" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

I used a silicone automotive adhesive from Advanced Auto. I put it on with my finger and then wipe off the sides of thecrack with paper towels. The silicone will dry and become less shinny with exposure. This is not a perfect repair but not too bad either. The silicon I used is black which matches my dash so that helps. My crack was approximately one inch and relatively small. I am really picky so use that as a reference.

I use 303 Protectant very regularly to prevent further cracking. It has been a year and no further spreading. Still looks the same as the day I repaired it.

If really bad in appearance, you can always go with a dash cap.

Well, I got the 99 after I already had the '01 for quite some time (had to give it back to my mother, she got tired of driving my Jeep ) I've driven them both quite a bit, there are some differences...
- The '99 has a governor, I don't think the '01 does. I've gone faster than 120 in it, anyway, can't in the '99.
- The '01 has jeweled taillights, which I prefer.
- The '01 has glossy door pillars (nicer than the flat ones on the '99), and chrome around the door trim (nicer). The mirrors are also glossy (I think I prefer the flat)
- The '99 has been de-trimmed (nicer). The side plastic and "Chrysler" lettering just doesn't look sleek.
- The '99 has a worse console stock, I replaced it with a newer one like the '01 has.
- The '01 has much nicer rims (both have 17" rims). Plus the caps on the '99 randomly go missing.

Other than those, they both perform well, start every time and aside from tranny problems on the '01 (which they seem prone to?) I haven't had any major issues. The '99 was a steal and, honestly, I could go to the dealer right now, with all the miles I've put on it since purchase, and trade it in for a fair amount more than I actually paid for it. They handle and respond sharply, and both have helped me avoid several accidents due to the responsive and tight steering. Plus they're quick. Aside from the dash crack on the '01, and the seat wear on its driver's seat (it seems like the leather is "cheaper" in the '01?) both have mint interiors and only the usual wear/tear outside. However, BOTH have had to have their front bumpers repainted (good: they absorb heavy impacts nicely. Bad: About 3-6 months after someone mashes you in a lot is when you actually find out, because your paint peels off in the car wash).

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Back in the saddle - 1972 280SE 4.5

honest answer to your problem, there is no single solution, in due time the crack will just keep on stretching till it hits a curve, there is absolutely no permanent fix to it, best is to just purchase a dash cover to avoid the sore sight of the crack. Other approach like putting on silicone adhesives and the like will work only for a short period of time. (Its physics and chemistry at work) with time lapse, the material use in your dashboard dries and stretches as heat is applied. Sorry about your dash, next time do take good care of your dash by using preventive maintenance solutions.