center arm rest delaminating

spoke · 07-16-2009, 03:00 PM

A big bubble has developed on the center console arm rest on the right half.
Is it possible to repair this or does it require a new part?
I can not figure out how to take it apart, if I could I could most likely glue it back down with contact cement. Has anyone done this? Is there pictures on how to get it apart?
E500 2004

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vettdvr · 07-17-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoke

A big bubble has developed on the center console arm rest on the right half.
Is it possible to repair this or does it require a new part?
I can not figure out how to take it apart, if I could I could most likely glue it back down with contact cement. Has anyone done this? Is there pictures on how to get it apart?
E500 2004

I am beginning to think this problem is more common than I origionally thought. I will eventually fix mine but you are correct the best method would be remove the current cover and use something like 3 M spray cement.

But more to come.

spoke · 07-19-2009, 09:24 AM

Do you have the same problem?
If I could take it apart without breaking it I am sure I could glue it.

dlav06 · 07-19-2009, 09:46 AM

I have the same issue in my '04... I am somewhat happy to hear that I'm alone in this issue, but not necessarily happy to know that it'll require some tear-down (probably) to fix the problem. Please let me know if you guys find a "simple" way to correct this...

vettdvr · 07-19-2009, 10:05 AM

I have a very small hypo needle. I am considering using "model airplane" very thin "water consistency" super glue injected into the armrest. The down side is it gets hard and might not flex, then cause the cover to crack. Removal and spray of 3M contact cement will allow flex and not crack.

spoke · 07-19-2009, 11:26 AM

There must be a safe way to remove the leather. The key to this is to know how it was assembled.

spoke · 07-19-2009, 11:34 AM

I thought about the needel approach but the leather is streched and would wrinkel when you tried to glue it down. Also there will be a hole. The best way is to re strech the whole piece.

vettdvr · 07-19-2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoke

I thought about the needel approach but the leather is streched and would wrinkel when you tried to glue it down. Also there will be a hole. The best way is to re strech the whole piece.

You are correct which is why I am still looking for a method. I agree I have covered many aircraft wings with fabric and doing the entire piece where it can be stretched even is the best way.

gaazmon · 07-19-2009, 04:42 PM

+1

I have the same problem. Dealer wouldn't fix under Starmark.

bronto60 · 07-21-2009, 01:54 AM

I saw this a couple of years ago on this or a similar forum. Take a heat gun and carefully heat up the area. The intent is to shrink the leather. After the area is hot, take an ice cube and rub around the area. Have a towel handy to wipe up the water from the melting ice. Sometimes after sitting in the hot sun for a while, the bubble appears again. Then just try the ice cube alone.

spoke · 07-21-2009, 08:35 AM

Ok I will try it.

vettdvr · 07-21-2009, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoke

Ok I will try it.

Let me know how it works out.

gkoj4golf · 07-21-2009, 11:55 AM

Ugh...I have an 2003 e500 and have the same problem. It's about the size of a quarter right now but getting bigger. It looks like an air bubble. I'm looking into local upholstery guys to see what they can do.

Also, started feeling my car stuttering around the 1500 rpm mark. Scared it is the glycol issue...

spoke · 07-21-2009, 08:39 PM

What is the glycol issue? My E500 stutters at idle some times.

fortlaudsummer · 07-21-2009, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoke

What is the glycol issue? My E500 stutters at idle some times.

Just do a search, you'll find tons of information, but here is a thread to get you started:
Glycol Contamination symptoms?

But let's not get off topic....

vettdvr · 07-21-2009, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoke

What is the glycol issue? My E500 stutters at idle some times.

Internal radiator leakage allows transmission fluid to cross flow resulting in contamination of the transmission. There are test and bulletins on this. You can also do a search.

gkoj4golf · 07-22-2009, 01:18 AM

Sorry...didn't mean to stir the conversation. I thought about taking the armrest apart but the bubble looks like there is some play and needs to be stretched out when glued back down.

spoke · 08-17-2009, 03:36 PM

I am going to have to some how disassemble the cover to re glue the leather back into position. Ill let you know how it goes.

vettdvr · 08-17-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoke

I am going to have to some how disassemble the cover to re glue the leather back into position. Ill let you know how it goes.

Our E500 is in the MB body shop bumper off being repaired from the rearender we had 2 weeks ago. If you figure it out be sure to have pics to help the rest of us.

SEL126 · 08-18-2009, 12:09 AM

Have the same problem in my 04 E500, bubble in the center console right side arm rest. Hope someone comes up with a solution. I was thinking about taking it to an upholstery shop.

Dzul · 09-03-2009, 11:39 PM

So, anyone yet successfully rectified the bubble issue?

If you've fixed it, what did you do?

gkoj4golf · 09-04-2009, 05:00 AM

Just spoke to an MB service manager today that said it is a very common problem. So common they use a 3rd party mobile repair shop that frequents the dealer for that problem. I'm going to get a quote to see how much he'll charge to fix the bubble.

vettdvr · 09-04-2009, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dzul

So, anyone yet successfully rectified the bubble issue?

If you've fixed it, what did you do?

No! I just got mine out of the body shop due to the nice gentleman

that decided to push me through a stop light. So nice of him to volunteer to repaint the rear of the car

.

cmarshack · 09-27-2009, 02:00 AM

Any DIY fix for this yet? I just bought an 04 E55 and it has bubbles in both sides of the armrests.

Barry45RPM · 09-27-2009, 10:21 AM

Anyone with interior problems in the L.I. area might want to check this very busy (as seen on TV) place out: http://www.autointeriors.biz/

07-19-2009, 09:46 AM	#4
dlav06 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 494 Drives: Mercedes E55 AMG, Audi A4 Quattro, Infiniti FX45, '66 Chevelle Malibu	I have the same issue in my '04... I am somewhat happy to hear that I'm alone in this issue, but not necessarily happy to know that it'll require some tear-down (probably) to fix the problem. Please let me know if you guys find a "simple" way to correct this... __________________ *2004 E55 KLEEMANN* K2** Kleemann pulley, headers, ECU tune Brilliant Silver / Charcoal

07-19-2009, 04:42 PM	#9
gaazmon MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,335 Drives: 2004 E320 Granite Grey Metallic, Ash Interior, Pano Roof	+1 I have the same problem. Dealer wouldn't fix under Starmark. __________________ 2004 E320 - Granite Grey Metallic, Ash Interior - Comfort Package, Entertainment Package, Appearance Package, Panorama Sunroof, Black Birdseye Maple Wood Steering Wheel, Depo Clear Side Markers, Cobra ESD9200 Radar And Laser Detector, DriveRight CarChip E/X

07-21-2009, 01:54 AM	#10
bronto60 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 3 Drives: 2004 E500	Fix I saw this a couple of years ago on this or a similar forum. Take a heat gun and carefully heat up the area. The intent is to shrink the leather. After the area is hot, take an ice cube and rub around the area. Have a towel handy to wipe up the water from the melting ice. Sometimes after sitting in the hot sun for a while, the bubble appears again. Then just try the ice cube alone.

08-17-2009, 03:36 PM	#18
spoke Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Naples Florida HOT HUMID BORING Posts: 17 Drives: 2004 E500	Bubble trouble I am going to have to some how disassemble the cover to re glue the leather back into position. Ill let you know how it goes.

09-03-2009, 11:39 PM	#21
Dzul Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 15 Drives: 300D turbo, E 300 D	So, anyone yet successfully rectified the bubble issue? If you've fixed it, what did you do? __________________ '83 300 D - FOR SALE '95 E300 D

07-19-2009, 09:24 AM	#3
spoke Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Naples Florida HOT HUMID BORING Posts: 17 Drives: 2004 E500	Do you have the same problem? If I could take it apart without breaking it I am sure I could glue it.

07-19-2009, 10:05 AM	#5
vettdvr MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,479 Drives: 03 E500 and Corvette	I have a very small hypo needle. I am considering using "model airplane" very thin "water consistency" super glue injected into the armrest. The down side is it gets hard and might not flex, then cause the cover to crack. Removal and spray of 3M contact cement will allow flex and not crack.

07-19-2009, 11:26 AM	#6
spoke Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Naples Florida HOT HUMID BORING Posts: 17 Drives: 2004 E500	There must be a safe way to remove the leather. The key to this is to know how it was assembled.

07-19-2009, 11:34 AM	#7
spoke Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Naples Florida HOT HUMID BORING Posts: 17 Drives: 2004 E500	I thought about the needel approach but the leather is streched and would wrinkel when you tried to glue it down. Also there will be a hole. The best way is to re strech the whole piece.

07-21-2009, 08:35 AM	#11
spoke Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Naples Florida HOT HUMID BORING Posts: 17 Drives: 2004 E500	Ok I will try it.

07-21-2009, 11:55 AM	#13
gkoj4golf Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 11 Drives: 2003 e500	Ugh...I have an 2003 e500 and have the same problem. It's about the size of a quarter right now but getting bigger. It looks like an air bubble. I'm looking into local upholstery guys to see what they can do. Also, started feeling my car stuttering around the 1500 rpm mark. Scared it is the glycol issue...

07-21-2009, 08:39 PM	#14
spoke Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Naples Florida HOT HUMID BORING Posts: 17 Drives: 2004 E500	What is the glycol issue? My E500 stutters at idle some times.

07-22-2009, 01:18 AM	#17
gkoj4golf Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 11 Drives: 2003 e500	Sorry...didn't mean to stir the conversation. I thought about taking the armrest apart but the bubble looks like there is some play and needs to be stretched out when glued back down.

08-18-2009, 12:09 AM	#20
SEL126 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 6 Drives: 00 W210 E430 Sport, 04 W211 E500 4matic Sport	Have the same problem in my 04 E500, bubble in the center console right side arm rest. Hope someone comes up with a solution. I was thinking about taking it to an upholstery shop.

09-04-2009, 05:00 AM	#22
gkoj4golf Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 11 Drives: 2003 e500	Just spoke to an MB service manager today that said it is a very common problem. So common they use a 3rd party mobile repair shop that frequents the dealer for that problem. I'm going to get a quote to see how much he'll charge to fix the bubble.

09-27-2009, 02:00 AM	#24
cmarshack Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 20 Drives: E55	Any DIY fix for this yet? I just bought an 04 E55 and it has bubbles in both sides of the armrests.

09-27-2009, 10:21 AM	#25
Barry45RPM MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Long Island NY USA Posts: 3,831 Drives: 2007 E 550	Anyone with interior problems in the L.I. area might want to check this very busy (as seen on TV) place out: http://www.autointeriors.biz/ __________________ Current Ride: '07 E-550 Granite/Ash, Sports Package, P2, Wood/Leather Wheel, VCA w/ MHI Cradle & V-710 Verizon Phone. Ordered 10/27/06, Built 1/27/07, Del. 2/28/07 ...a fabulous car! Gone: '04 E 500, Pewter/Stone. Had it all.

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