How do I replace The Chrome Rear Bumper Molding On A 2006 CLK350?

[jamiller11]

I just bought a 2006 CLK350 Convertible and I have a damaged piece of the plastic chrome molding around the rear bumper. I bought the replacement piece from MB and already have it. The rear bumper chrome molding consists of three pieces. The Center and a right and left piece. I need to know if anyone has removed the left piece before or if you know how. There are little tabs with wings that look like they either snap into a hole or slide into a channel. Don't want to damage the track or slots removing it. I have included a picture of the piece on the car that I need to remove. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Mark Cummins]

See if you can push the tabs through the bumper from the inside..Under the car

otherwise the bumper must be removed to change the inserts

[jamiller11]

Seems like it could be carfully pryed off with a nylon tool? I don't care of I break the old pieces tabs since the new piece has built in tabs. MB says it feeds in? Whatever that means -

[jamiller11]

Well, I got brave and gently pried the end of the strip up with a nylon pry tool and the tab at the end popped out. I was then able to slide the chrome strip back and completely out. The new one snapped back in to place in about 10 seconds. Problem solved!

[unitfreebie]

Thanks... job well done.. now I know how to do it if someone damages my bumper strip!

[keyhole]

Not quite the same - but a sleazebag actually stole my driver's door trim while my CLK was parked in the street overnight in London. Must have been a guy in the trade, as he knew just which end to pry off.

Replacement is a 2 minute job. Here's a pic of the door without the strip...