I have had good results by cleaning the goo off using drug store rubbing alcohol (70% strength). Apply with a towel (works best with a well worn towel, not too fuzzy). Keep rubbing until you can no longer feel stickiness. This will not be a permanent fix. It will have to be re-done in about 3 months, maybe less in summertime. Do NOT attempt this using paper towels. That makes a heck of a mess.

I don't think that skin oils or moisturizers have much to do with this problem. This occurs on parts that nobody ever touches. For example, on my 2004 C class, the worst problem occurs on the little cubby hole storage compartment below the radio. That part is seldom touched, but anything stored in there like a pencil or a comb eventually starts to become stuck. That part is about a hundred bucks. I suppose I ought to just replace it.

__________________
Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



TRUMP .......... WHITEHOUSE
HILLARY .........JAILHOUSE
BERNIE .......... NUTHOUSE
0BAMA .......... OUTHOUSE

This. The factory stereo in my 2002 Carrera has rubberized knobs. The volume knob, which I use all the time, is nice and clean, but the tuning knob, which I never touch, has turned disgusting and sticky like it's melting.