centre console

[gf]

I have a 116 with a blue interior, theres a few things letting its interior down main one being a discoloured/ sunbleached centre console. Has anyone encountered and successfully remedied this? also mine i think is relatively low spec. no wood trim on the centre console section. Can this be retrofitted? if so where can you source this stuff? I live in australia any comments would be appreciated! ps this site is awsome!

[s class]

The centre console was made with a different vinyl to the other trim parts, and discoloration is standard on the blue, green and brown interiors.  Even Carl Jones' low-miles pristine 280SE had this problem.  The vinyl can be re-dyed.  Search Carl's postings - he described the remedial process with photos. 

[gf]

Ah that makes me feel better! im not alone! thanks ill look up the re-dying. next step is trying to find an original windshield rubber. hope the mercedes workshop can source one!

[flutes]

GF I've picked up a Zebrano wood console (air cond surround, ash tray and gear surround) for my 405 to replace the vinyl - looks fab (even though I still haven't fitted the piece around the gear lever).  Old post now (I need to take some new photos) but this gives you an idea: Link

They come up on eBay occasionally and I'd highly recommend you keep an eye out - it makes such a difference to the interior, it really lifts it.

What type of w116 d you have?

[gf]

I have a 1976 280 se in metalic blue with blue interior. got it from an old man who hasnt been able to drive it for over 10 years and didnt want to sell it to anyone for fear of it being abused. so its in good cond and 168000km done! shes getting the muffler and headlights, and handbreak serviced, and a windshield replaced. once thats done the fun starts!I hope to keep this car indefinately. cool thanks for the link. yes it looks so much better with wood! Ill keep an eye out for them!

[Martin 280s]

GF, If I were you I'd go for the wood trim. I retro-fitted it to my car and it really does make the interior look better.

[Luke1]

How do you search a posting on a particlar subjsect?  I have not yet been able to do this.  I would like to know the procedures to re-dying.

[flutes]

Luke up the top in the main navigation bar there's a search button.  It does a free text search, you can narrow it by topic (eg Interiors, Mechanicals etc) and by user - S-class is referring to Carl Jones.

[carl888]

No, bad memories, not the blue centre console!!!!

Read from here:

http://forum.w116.org/interiors-and-exteriors/280-se-interior-makeover/

Regards,

Carl.

[gf]

The improvements from the photos are impressive! ill keep an eye out for the wood bits!