Light Switch Markings Partially Gone

[Guest Gideon]

E211. Light switch to turn on headlight was found to be sticky after servicing at C&C. Brought the car back a few weeks to have it removed. Unfortunately, though the stickiness is removed, along with it some of the signal markings on the Light Switch is also partially removed.

Anyone has such unpleasant experiene to share? How to restore the markings to its original condition? Thanks.

[Guest Sanjay]

Gideon wrote:

E211. Light switch to turn on headlight was found to be sticky after servicing at C&C. Brought the car back a few weeks to have it removed. Unfortunately, though the stickiness is removed, along with it some of the signal markings on the Light Switch is also partially removed.

Anyone has such unpleasant experiene to share? How to restore the markings to its original condition? Thanks.

i have the same problem.. and was told that its quite common in benz... and was told to use a mild detergent to remove it otherwise markings would fade...

not tried it yet.. waiting for more options/ suggestions

[Guest bomby]

Normally dun touch that area anyway, so just leave it for me... :becky:

[Guest kepiting1sg]

Gideon wrote:

E211. Light switch to turn on headlight was found to be sticky after servicing at C&C. Brought the car back a few weeks to have it removed. Unfortunately, though the stickiness is removed, along with it some of the signal markings on the Light Switch is also partially removed.

Anyone has such unpleasant experiene to share? How to restore the markings to its original condition? Thanks.

U might wanna buy an used one from eBay or try the scrap yard Propel (site sponsor)

Some from ebay - for xenon & non-xenon lighting.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/E-CLASS-LIGHT-SWITCH-W-211-SERIES-/360300094409?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item53e38f23c9

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Switch-Head-Light-W211-E-Calss-A2115450404-/160616584760?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item25657e9638

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Switch-Head-Light-W211-E-Calss-A2115451104-/150650997166?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item23137fc9ae

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-BENZ-E-CLASS-W211-LIGHT-CONTROL-SWITCH-UNIT-/190571997690?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2c5ef9e9fa

[Guest Criss Angel]

I have the same problem...used thinner to clean the sticky stuff and markings came off as well. Why is it sticky after C&C? What did they do to the panel?

[Guest Gideon]

Criss Angel wrote:

I have the same problem...used thinner to clean the sticky stuff and markings came off as well. Why is it sticky after C&C? What did they do to the panel?

Well, they did some adjustment to my left side mirror about the titlting problem and also removing the right side mirror to oil the internal mechanism. My guess was that they used some sticky plaster to attach some paper onto the front passenger seat while doing their services. According to them, they did not use any plaster or sticky masking tape.

However, obviously the sticky patch at the light switch was so visible that any person would just conclude that there must be some sticky paster on it during servicing.

Have anyone of you noticed C&C servicemen using sticky plaster to attach to the car panel while servicing?

[Guest Gideon]

Criss Angel wrote:

I have the same problem...used thinner to clean the sticky stuff and markings came off as well. Why is it sticky after C&C? What did they do to the panel?

Sorry that you had used thinner...too effective that removed almost anything including markings...Heard that some people used essential oil to do it safely..anyone tried using the same solution and still maintaining the markings?

[Guest kloy]

mine is sticky also but i haven't 'fix' it yet... waiting for a good answer.

[Guest klooless]

That panel originally comes with matte/rubbery finish, somehow this coating deteriorates over time and turns into a sticky substance, when you remove the goo, notice that the finish is now hard shiny plastic instead? I've had the same thing happen to one of my VCR remote controls some time ago.

If the car is less than 3 yrs old, it could arguably be classified as defective material and replaced under warranty.

[Guest Gideon]

Gideon wrote:

Well, they did some adjustment to my left side mirror about the titlting problem and also removing the right side mirror to oil the internal mechanism. My guess was that they used some sticky plaster to attach some paper onto the front passenger seat while doing their services. According to them, they did not use any plaster or sticky masking tape.

However, obviously the sticky patch at the light switch was so visible that any person would just conclude that there must be some sticky paster on it during servicing.

Have anyone of you noticed C&C servicemen using sticky plaster to attach to the car panel while servicing?

They tried to just apologised that the stickiness had to be removed with some hard erasing action with a solution and as a result it was expected that some markings would be gone. Well...would anyone care to agree with them with such a lame excuse? Very annoyed that our C&C 'professionals' would just adopt such attitude and not accountable for such grave mistake. Told them that they have to do something to get it right. Great that they are going to bring it up to upper management.

[Guest Gideon]

Understand from C&C that some merc also experienced such stickiness on the panel as time goes by. I think, this is the first time hearing it. Would be shock if there was such occurrence of really sticky patch as though as that portion had been pasted with very nasty sticky masking tape, if you know what I meant.

So, to all merc owners here, had you had some unpleasant experience?

[Guest Roland106]

Hi,

same issue here!! cleared the sticky substance and the markings are nearly gone!

the lamination of the plastic degrades over time and especially, Singapore where the cars are "over exposed" to sunlight and "high" ambient temp when parked outdoors for long periods. those who park the cars in underground parking all the time should not have this problem. this speakes the same for the front headlights. depending on use, the headlights need replacement in around 5 years. CnC cliams this as well and advise change but will charge you an arm and a leg for it!

[Guest kai]

Gideon wrote:

Understand from C&C that some merc also experienced such stickiness on the panel as time goes by. I think, this is the first time hearing it. Would be shock if there was such occurrence of really sticky patch as though as that portion had been pasted with very nasty sticky masking tape, if you know what I meant.

So, to all merc owners here, had you had some unpleasant experience?

Yes, some of the switches will feel sticky after a few years :Cry: Dont know why but I guess it was due to the sun and heat when the car was parked in the open :tsk: That was my previous E200K :Cry:

[CHT]

Hi bros, I had same problem with sticky plastic on my W21 rotary light switch too. I tested out using Brasso to clean of the stick gunk, just to be sure it'll not strip off the markings. It worked very well and I stripped off all the sticky crap with Brass and finished it up with Lemon Pledge to remove the residual oil & give it a smooth finish. I think any mild general cleaner like Windex should do the trick as well in the final clean up. Problem solved permanently. Hope that helps.