Polishing Bonnet Grille Fins (R231)

[Slartibardfast1]

2025 R231 SL400

Does anyone know if the bonnet and wing metal fins are chrome or polished aluminium? I have used Mothers Mag Polish on the badly marked exhaust tips and they now look like new. The bonnet and side wing metal fins need a good polish so I tried autosol (for chrome) but they're still "spotty". Mothers Mag Polish states not to use on chrome. Any advice please? Cheers.

 

[DSK]

Are they definitely metal?

I recall the SL500 I went to see at a dealer had all these exterior plastic/plastic chrome tat deteriorated and I saw no other option than replacement.

 

[Slartibardfast1]

Are they definitely metal?

I recall the SL500 I went to see at a dealer had all these exterior plastic/plastic chrome tat deteriorated and I saw no other option than replacement.

They're cold to the touch so I assume they are metal

 

[SL63 Mark]

I've just had a look at mine, and my best guess is they are aluminium, with some sort of clear plastic coating.

 

[Slartibardfast1]

I've just had a look at mine, and my best guess is they are aluminium, with some sort of clear plastic coating.

I was hoping that I could use Mothers Mag Polish as it did such a good job on the exhaust tips but before I try it I want to make sure it's not going to ruin the finish.

 

[davidsl500]

I was hoping that I could use Mothers Mag Polish as it did such a good job on the exhaust tips but before I try it I want to make sure it's not going to ruin the finish.

can you try it on the bottom side of the lower side fin which you wouldn't be able to see? (unless you'd been run over.....)

 

[Slartibardfast1]

can you try it on the bottom side of the lower side fin which you wouldn't be able to see? (unless you'd been run over.....)

Good call! Just tried it and it doesn't turn black so Mothers Mag Polish definitely not suitable. Tried another go with Autosol but no better. Will live with it for a while and if it bothers me too much I'll look into replacing them.

 

[Slartibardfast1]

Bit the bullet and ordered new ones for the side wings (the bonnet ones are fine). Now I just need to work out how to remove the old and install the new. Any advice appreciated