350 bluetec - spare wheel cover repair or replace advice
help please !
there is a dent in both the steel rim and cover plate on the spare wheel cover of my G350 bluetec.
have been quoted a faintly absurd £2k by MB to replace it (& paint match the cover plate).
the damage covers an area of say 5cm squared at 5 o'clock on the cover.
ideas will be most welcome.
compliments of the season to all.
PS 25.6mpg and zero oil in 20k miles since new for those who are remotely interested. love it.
nik
Hi Nik,
As I see it, you have two alternatives.
1) Get a good panel beater to beat out the dent and respray but the damage on the steel band may remain visible to the eye.
2) Repair the cover as suggested above and replace the steel band, There are suppliers who do spraes.
Try this URL address for your spares: http://www.direct4x4.co.uk/mercedes-benz-g-wagen-g-class-accessories
Note: Panel beaters skills are rare now a days, you want a car restoration place rather than a bodyshop fitter. I feel, a panel fitter who access to a Roller may be able to roll out the dent from the steel band without leaving any evidence of damage.
Hi Nik,
Any chance you could post a picture of the damage? 2K sounds way over board.
Spider1V
Bought my 230 for less than that ..
Would it be worth making an insurance claim?
Had similar damage to mine had it beaten and then turned it around so repair faced the truck.....then claimed insurance and got a new one.!!!. Never did put the old one on my 460. The plastis insert can be bought quite cheaply.
Nik H,
Thanks for posting - I am sure if you went to a traditional pannel beater (if they still exist) you could get that all done for a couple of hundred quid - max.
Failing that you could do
1) Insurance claim - though your excess would go up. BUt youwould get a brand new one
2) Ebay - they tend to come up from time to time
3) I know G Wagen in Carversham has a few you could try them?
Spider1V
easy fix for a good bodyshop nik. i wouldnt go through the insurance co.....
rgds hus
Cheaper than MB for sure, but still a hell of a price.
Gentlemen,
Thanks for your responses - appreciated.
Fred - of the £2k MB quoted £600 - plus VAT - is for the stainless steel ring - & the balance for the disc & paint matching with body colour, labour & ancillary bits.
I won't make an insurance claim but will try to find a good panel beater to make good the damage if possible (have ordered a black cover as a temporary measure).
Live in Herts. but any recommendations welcome.
Best, Nik
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Spider - please see pics attached.
Thanks for the guidance Rakesh - issue with a replacement cover is the 265/60R18 wheel size ?
Best, Nik