Does anyone know how easy or difficult it is to remove the D- Pillar covers on a ML320. One side has some nasty scratches on it and I would like to replace it.

Thanks!:

Kevin:
It's not a bad job at all. Hardest part is getting the big "Christmas tree" fastener removed. Be sure to order a new one with the trim panel, it'll probably get wrecked pulling it out. Just use a door panel trim tool to remove it, it'll be quite a pull. The trim panel over the hatch will need to come off, there is a screw underneath it for the D pillar trim. Just pull straight down by hand on the hatch trim, it'll pop off there nice. After removal of the fastener and the screw, it will just pivot towards the middle. There is one fastener that will break if you're not careful, the one closest to the 1/4 glass, but since your replacing the trim anyways, it won't be a concern, it's part of the pillar trim.
Gilly

The plastic thing on my right d-pillar is cracked into two pieces, so now, i have to bring it back to the dealership to be replaced. Wonder why MB decided to have a plastic piece over there.

GPVS and Kevin:
Oh, wait a second. I though we were talking about the INDIDE D-pillar trim. I kind of get the impression know that we are on the topis of the outside trim, the black plastic corner piece.
We get them put on by an auto glass company, uses the same adhesive as they use for windshields.
Reason why? Price, weight, aerodynamics (hmmm, maybe not), price, safety (?), price, looks, they get to sell a few of them once in awhile, lets see, did I mention price? Oh, they won't rust, either.
Gilly

Thanks, Dan.

Are they pretty much easy to replace? I was going to bring it in for the dealer to replace since the vehicle is still under warranty. Although I don't like to take it in just for that.

GPVS:
It looks like it just glues on, but again we have an autoglass company do it as they have the adhesive that needs to be used. It's some special stuff, guess we don't want to bother stocking it, there is a shelf-life involved, I believe, after the tube is opened. We don't need to do that many of them. Maybe you can wait and get it done at the next service?
Gilly

Gilly,

Thanks. I'll probably just have the shop do it then.

BTW, while cleaning the vehicle, i found one rust spot on the roof. Don't know how i got it but what do you recommend in terms of treating it?

TIA
Glenn

Glenn:
Rusting is pretty rare on these. Can you identify any cause for this, such as a scratch or nick in the paint? If not, maybe it can be fixed under warranty. I'd ask the dealer when you take it in to have the cover/s replaced what they think.
Gilly

Gilly,

I don't see any sign of scratches. I have not installed any kind of roof attachments yet so i don't see how it will be scratched. It's garaged everynight, the only time it sits outside is on our office parking lot but that's a pretty open space, no trees whatsoever. I use the same type of cloth to wipe the vehicle, it's by Griot's garage, and i'm always particular about using a clean side of the cloth on wiping. Do you think it could be some kind of salt from winter that got up there that was not immediately cleaned off? But i doubt that scenario.

This past weekend, i saw one seems like a little pimple on the otherside of the roof, near the back of the vehicle about six inches from the GPS antenna. So, it seems that it's might pop open like the rust i saw on the other part of the roof.

Thanks.