Old leak from air conditioning fan melted console plastic

[RevolvingBore]

I've just bought a W205 C200 and run it about ~150 miles. After a couple of journeys I noticed this when I got back in the car, something has dripped from one of the fans and it doesn't wipe away with a dry cloth. Any idea what this might be? I'm guessing I'll have to take it to a shop, John Haynes Independent Mercedes specialist is near me and looks good, any advice on a good independent near Worthing?

Also, I've registered with Mercedes Me for navigation updates and it's showing when my next service is due, but nothing yet for service history. It came with receipts for services at Mercedes Benz Glasgow, but had a custom plate at the time. Will this most likely show up after a couple of days?

ETA this is actually an old mark etched into the plastic not a current leak, what could have done this?

 

[star]

Does it smell, smell your coolant? Is it the same? Could also be an ac freshener sprayed down the vent?

 

[RevolvingBore]

Does it smell, smell your coolant? Is it the same? Could also be an ac freshener sprayed down the vent?

No, it turns out whatever it was actually etched in to the plastic and it's not something that can be removed. It also turns out it was already there in the photos from before I bought it… and I somehow managed to go 2 days without noticing. So good news, it's hopefully not a current issue for my bank account, bad news, it's permanent. I was considering one of the carbon effect overlays that stick over the top anyway since the piano black plastic is prone to dust and scratches.

Still curious what could have caused it in the first place, though…

 

[star]

Liquid air freshener leaked?

 

[RevolvingBore]

Liquid air freshener leaked?

Would that melt plastic? I'd rather it was that than an issue with the AC though so here's hoping!

 

[star]

There nothing there that could drip from the ac, I’m not sure what they put in air fresheners but I have seen the ones you get from a car wash melt into plastic when the hang them from the indicator stalk.

 

[Uncle Benz]

A clip-on-the-vent air freshener is exactly what has caused that. Sadly it has probably eaten into the plastic and won’t be fixable. The only hope is to remove the whole piece and try a flat and polish with fine grade abrasive paper and polishing compound. Similar job to refurbishing headlamps

 

[Uncle Benz]

I’m not a million miles from you at Billingshurst if you wanted to pop up one Saturday for a cup of coffee. I’ll take a look and see if it’s saveable.

 

[RevolvingBore]

I’m not a million miles from you at Billingshurst if you wanted to pop up one Saturday for a cup of coffee. I’ll take a look and see if it’s saveable.

Thanks both, I'm very relieved to hear it was that rather than an issue with the car itself!

Honestly I suspect the plastic itself wouldn't be saveable, there's a part just right of the AC control button where it appears worn through beyond an outer layer. I guess there's a clear layer over a black one? Although maybe sanding and varnishing or something could do it. If you think anything could be done for that, or it would be possible to swap the plastic for one of the other trims like wood, I'd definitely take you up on that Saturday coffee The car is otherwise fairly pristine!

 

[Uncle Benz]

I’m away on holiday this s weekend, but I’ll give you a nod when I’m back.

 

[RevolvingBore]

I’m away on holiday this s weekend, but I’ll give you a nod when I’m back.

Thanks Uncle Benz, have a nice holiday!