interior odor

[morussell]

I have a 2003 SL500. Basic car with wood option.
It has 2,500 miles on it, and since the day I bought it, IT SMELLS.
I can't put my finger on it, but it doesn't have a "new car" smell.
The dealer says that they smell it, but that it is the way the SL smells. I've had the windows down for a week now trying to air it out, but that smell still is there.
Is this correct? Does this car have it's own smell?
If not....what can I do. I'm almost ready to sell it.

[Greg Calabro]

My wife says our 2003 SL500 smells like a wet dog since I had the leather treated. Personally, I don't smell it. The tech gurus say to use baking soda when storing a vehicle for the winter. You should try it. But my wife says that it won't work b/c it doesn't work in the frig. If you think she is looking over my shoulder, you would be correct! :-)

[jim380]

I recently read in a book that fabric softener sheets left in an area where odors are present for 24 hrs. will absorb and remove the odor from the area.Discard the sheets following their use. It might be worth a try!

[AJG382]

There are a number of articles on this topic at www.mercedes-benz-usa.com

Apparently according to the post's there is something going on with the glue used on the interior.

Tony

[morussell]

Tony:
I just went to that web site. Wow!!!!
I know MB is not what it used to be, but I never realized how bad it has become. 26th on the JD powers list. I remember when it was always in the top 5.
My experience (so far) with my "odor" problem has been good. The dealer still has my car and is doing its best to solve the problem.
I got a call from them on Thursday saying that the interior panels had all been replassed, and that they would be airing it out overnight. They did NOT call me back on Friday.
This tells me the smell is still there.
I'll have to wait until Monday and see what they come up with.
After being an exclusive MB owner for over 20 years, the result of this experience will determin my next car and SUV purchase.
I now own 3 (2003 SL, 2002 ML, 1999 CLK [my wifes]). Her car is now due for replacement, and she is leaning towards BMW after reading all thats going on with MB's customer service. My ML is a lease that is up later this year.

[Ron Martin]

Hey Guys, if all else fails, try "Fabreeze" sprayed very lightly on the suspected area(s) .. I have a 2003 SL 500 with only the AMG SL2 package - took delivery 21 Aug 03 and now have only 535 mi on it- but no smell YET! (I KNOW I should drive it more but have a prisitine 450SLC 5.0 that is really fun to drive and tinker with) The coupe had some fuel smells in it and Fabreeze - plus baking soda took ALL the odors away..you might try them

Regarding MB quality control comments, We have had 11 MBs to date starting with a 55 300SL GW MANY years ago in 1959 (wish I had kept it) and it seems that each succeeding model has more "jazzy styling", more computers, and more PLASTIC to go with it! (Check the new SLs plastic door thresholds) Plus cheaper small things - like the door pockets, window pillars, and headliner in my wifes 2001 CLK430! Really a FUN car to drive, but watch dragging your feet on the door pockets and puttiing anything "smudgy" on the back package shelf - it too had that fuzzy CHEAP cloth (and keep a bottle of Resolve nearby for the scuffs).

Our old 80 SLC has much more workmanship than the new ones!

I would hope that the 'volk im der alt landt' get the word SOON and takes corrective action .. The rice burning cars from the other direction are kicking their "can" on QC - which is/was? the Germans hallmark for years. Lets keep *#*#*#*#*#ing to those who will listen - and our fingers crossed too!

Cheers, rm

[morussell]

Hi All:
My dealer has had the car for exactly one month now. They've repaced most of the interior with no success. The had ionizers running in the car (like the ones at Sharper Image)for days, aslo with no luck.
Tomorrow they are replacing the carpeting. According to the regional factory rep, this is the last try. I guess after this they are planning to replace the car.

What should I do if they don't get rid of the smell and want me to take the car back. Should I refuse? I don't think it will come to that, but what if? So far EVERYONE that's been involved has been very helpful and surprisingly nice.
Well this is the last hurrah.
Mark

[Adamson]

To morussell
"At DaimlerChrysler AG in Germany, a “Smell Meister” sniffs every part going into a new interior and can require that unpleasant odors be reworked by the supplier." This site may help.
www.detnews.com/autosweekly/0103/21/eye/eye.htm