Hi everyone,

I am a newby, and wondered if any of you are experiencing brittle plastics in your cars. I live in TX, and it may just be a problem with the summer heat down here, So far the following has given up the ghost:
Button on center armrest
Both vents on the driver side (center and the one between the door and the instrument cluster).
Park brake release handle
Both visors' mirror covers as well as the over that shields the mounting hardware of the sun visors
Both seat back covers,
The mirror switch on the center console.

My car is a grey market car, (1993 280 SL AMG) which may also be part of the problem, but I would think that the "mother company" would put the same quality interior in all the cars....?

 

when new plastic can almost be indestructible, but as it ages it will fall apart. where I've not had problems will the vents yet. I have had to replace the brake release and the turn-signal switch. the visor problem is very common. treat all your plastics, leather, especially all your rubber seals frequently with a good UV protectant conditioner.ounce of prevention.

 

I have the same problem here in Dubai with my SL500, plus the leather on the steering wheel has given up the ghost. It can happen to any car in extreme heat conditions. Still love the car though and am slowly replacing parts toget it back to new again. If anybody knows of a plastic/interior trim supplier that is cheaper than mercedes I would love to know about them

 

To protect the plastic trim, vinyl, leather, etc., in our cars, I've been using 303 Protectant here in FL and really like it. Excellent UV protection and leaves a matte finish that's non dust attracting. FYI-

http://www.303products.com/

Bob

 

Thanks All for the replies. I'll give the 303 a shot on the new plastics after I install them.
And Oh yeah, I DO love my car, but with the plastics falling appart,it's like watching someone getting sick..... you just hope you can get a cure for it before it is too late.. [X(]