The dash in my 89 420 sel is in exel. cond. how can i keep it from cracking and in good condition?

I think the reason the dash cracks is because exposure to the sun (heat). Going from hot to cold would also cause the material to expand and contract in some way. To prevent against this, I use come sort of vinyl conditioner to keep the material from drying out. I assume that moisture allows it to expand and contract without cracking. Most leather conditioners are ok to use on vinyl. You could go further and put a windshield shade up when you are parked in the sun, or even get a dash pad. They are a bit ugly though.

Is your dash blue?

Mike

No. My dash is black.I will start using a good vinyl cond. If you know of one please let me know. THANKS

303 Protectant. See here:http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=protectant

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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)

There are many products out there that will tickle your choices. If you look into the Search , Amourall is a little controversial.

However, at the end of the day, keeping your car parked at safe spots (i.e. shaded) is the best that you can ever do for the dash and yourself.

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

I know it sounds silly....but here goes; lemon pledge! I have used this for 15 years on everything I've owned without a problem. Not too shiney, easy to clean-up between treatments, and smells good. Don't use too much, just spray it on a rag and spread evenly.

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1992 500SEL 25K
1995 E320 40K
1995 SL600 120K
2002 JX8 Sport 43K
2005 Volvo S40 95K
2006 Isuzu NPR 304K (Frankencamper)
2007 Crown Victoria 150K
2014 Smart Electric 20K

Never have cracking problems with the dash on any of my vehicles. The oldest is a 76 TRANS AM bought new. I think its mostly from putting on the Sun Shade most of the time when parked in the Sun for a long period. Also I do not park in the Sun if possible. It works for me. All 4 vehicles have a Sun Shade, and yes, the Wife is well trained on car care.............

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Rich

1990 300CE
71 Chevelle SS 454

It may be sacreligious to say this, but Mercedes dashes seem to crack a lot more than other makes. I've heard theories that it has to do with the thickness (or lack of it) in the dash padding under the vinyl. Never really had a problem with the GM, Ford, BL, or Honda dashes.

Try Lexol Vinylex, sunshade and never leave the car in the sun with all window close or sunroof

I've had excellent results in keeping a dash like new for years, mainly, by keeping it OUT OF THE SUN and using a vinyl conditioner like Lexol or similar quality product. None of my cars, past or present have a cracked dash or any part of the interior cracked or faded, even after 25 years. Use a car cover when parked outside in the sun for hours and a sunshade for short periods of time when you can't find a shady spot.

IMHO, the silver roll up sunshades, as used in light aircraft, biz jets, are the hot ticket, or in this case the cool ticket, at least in Texas. I have been using one on my truck for 140k miles of the 240k that it has, and not only is the dash in great shape, but it really seems to have helped the seats, carpet, etc along. Not to mention, if you don't park the car into the sun, with a sunshade, and at least one window cracked, your asking for trouble in Texas.

Iwould get the Mercedes Benz Interior cleaner/protectant spay (its made by meguires) and in addition to the cleansers it has quite a few oils and moisturizers to keep the material from cracking. As was mentioned also try to keep it out of the sun for most most of the summer (park indoors or facing away from the sun when possible.)

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Jason Priest
1999 E430
1995 E420 - retired
1986 420SEL - retired

Several people have suggested the 303 Protectant for preventing the dash for cracking. Has anyone ever heard of plain old "Baby Oil" ?? Please let me know what is the best item/product to use to preserve the new dash I recently installed in my 1977 300D ? Thanks.......Pete in Virginia Beach

I have to agree with most of the group saying cover car, crack a window, and use 303 product or other of choice. Thats what I do and have never had a dash crack on any of my cars..Living 10 feet above car hell in Las vegas Nevada

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1997 E420 White

The reason I prefer 303 is that it has actual UV ray protection of SP 40. Six years ago, I bought a vinyl bed cover for my truck. It came with instructions to use 303 and to AVOID Armorall. I did, and the bed cover is still in great shape.

Thanks,
Richard