[david55838]

Has anyone one with a 2014 (not sure of 2010-2013) noticed the exposed metal seams running up either side of the engine bay - from about halfway back to the hood hinge? Looks pretty unfinished for a Mercedes, so I got two lengths of fuel line hose, split them up the middle and fitted them over the exposed seams so it somewhat matches the rubber pieces on the sections closer to the front of the car.

Then I started wondering if there were actually MB supplied pieces that were supposed to be there, but somehow got removed prior to my purchase...

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
David

 

[Josh]

Can you throw up some photos? I've not had a chance to take a close look at a 2014 under the hood so I couldn't tell you from personal knowledge.

 

[mike_747]

All I know is the plastic shroud over the oil filter is lethal. The edge seam is like a knife and I've gotten some "paper cuts" every time I've touched it. This is how MB keeps owners from messing with their cars

This is in a new 2014 E350. I'll either file the edge or remember to wear gloves.

 

[david55838]

The first is a shot of the whole engine bay. You can see the seam showing towards the rear of the engine bay on the left (pass side) near the shock tower.



This is a closeup (also on the passenger side) showing the seam partially exposed, and the hose I used to cover it up. My question is: Is this normal on all 2014s?

 

[mike_747]

You're right, it looks like a missing seal. I'll have to look at mine.

 

[mike_747]

My car is the same. From an designer's point of view (Design Engineer from a small plane company you may have heard of- Boeing) I wouldn't mess with it. If you put that rubber tubing there the roller for the hood at the very back will bind up and could affect the hood rigging and alignment. Hood might close but might not open again. They (MB) know what they are doing.

 

[david55838]

Thanks for checking, Mike. I have the hose stopping short of the hinge roller, so there should be no interference. I've re-opened the hood several times. Just didn't like the way it looked bare like that...

 

[Josh]

Thanks for checking, Mike. I have the hose stopping short of the hinge roller, so there should be no interference. I've re-opened the hood several times. Just didn't like the way it looked bare like that...

Looks like a normal seam to me; I guess aesthetically it isn't perfect, but I see no harm done in leaving it the way it is.

 

[PeterUbers]

also if that hose gets on something and heats up ... wouldn't want that to void your warranty

 

[david55838]

also if that hose gets on something and heats up ... wouldn't want that to void your warranty

It's pretty secure. I don't think it's going anywhere...