[hisport]

We've had our '02 E320 wagon for a couple weeks now.

I noticed that the steering wheel push buttons are "sticky" - they stick to your finger, as if they're covered with syrup or something.

Afraid to damage the finish, I cleaned 'em (and the st wheel) with mild soap (Woolite)and warm water. They're still just as sticky - almost as if the finish itself is sticky. Maybe damaged with some idiot goo such as Armorall or something?

I'm anxious not to ruin them with solvent - any ideas?

 

[Peter Guenther]

Does MB know about it, dealers are fully aware. Are they doing any thing NO, they changed mine under "good will". There are some that have scraped with limited sucess, they are easy to change, not cheap, the switches are replaced, on the shelf in most dealerships. It seems they fail "post warranty", and are not safety related, fill in the blanks yourself.

 

[hisport]

Thanks, Peter

Do I gather that the fix is to replace the buttons? Could they be removed and clear coated, or something? I bet replacement with OE switches is $$$$

We bought our car used - so I assume we're on our own. Funny, a couple of the wagons we looked at had worn out looking st wheel buttons, which put us off.

 

[dcwhybrew]

We had the same problem on our 00 E320 Wagon. I had to use Goof Off to get the adhesive residue off. I guess the clear plastic like coating deteriorated when the wheel was cleaned. So liberal use of goof off (Home Depot or Lowes - paint or cleaner section) and several applications should do it.

 

[hisport]

Thanks, DC

Did your '00 wagon buttons clean up with Goof off without it removing the little imprinted icons, etc?

Sure - we have Goof Off. It works great - its a really serious solvent!

 

[dcwhybrew]

It wont remove the icons/lettering. Just completes removing that film that was covering them.

 

[fosmith]

bet replacement with OE switches is $$$$
QUOTE]

I was quoted about $180 at the dealer for a new set of switches. Not terrible but I think you have to remove the air bag to replace them. Let us know if Goof Off removes the sticky film without removing the painted on icons.

Fred

 

[blackduc]

My wagon interior is light grey and I removed some of the dye on the buttons when cleaning off the sticky stuff. Now I get to look at a small white spot on the volume button every time I drive the car.

It just sits there...mocking me...

It's funny how "we" will notice even our smallest errors. It really bugs me and I have tried to think of a way to cover it, but haven't been willing to try for fear of making worse.

Or maybe it's time to switch to decaf...

Point: clean with caution and use something mild and work your way up. For what it's worth...

 

[hisport]

Thanks, all.

Ours is light grey also. And, yes - cleaning off the dye will bug me too. I'll try rubbing alcohol and a qtip and let y'all know.

I plan to order the leathertique kit with tough up dye also - for the interior in general. Maybe the dye would work on the buttons? We'll see.

 

[renault12ts]

Thanks, all.

Ours is light grey also. And, yes - cleaning off the dye will bug me too. I'll try rubbing alcohol and a qtip and let y'all know.

I plan to order the leathertique kit with tough up dye also - for the interior in general. Maybe the dye would work on the buttons? We'll see.

On mine only the volume switch was particularly sticky, presumably because it was used most. The buttons have a "soft feel" coating. I used my finger nails to completely remove the coating. There has been no colour ( UK spelling ) change and the button looks as it did before but now feels much nicer. I don't like these coatings, especially on a second hand car; you're never quite sure who used it previously!!!!