W202 C-class trim/seal front wing replacing

[philharve]

I have been looking around for quite some time for a replacement trim/seal/other description, for my 2000 Mercedes C230K but without success. I thought it would be a part that would be readily available and low cost but my experience has been very different. If I have to create the seal/trim/? myself from a tube of rubber cement, or similar, I will but first I would like to try and locate the part, which I think was originally made from rubber but which after 17 years has perished and crumbled away.

In my searching I have tried using terms like 'seal' and 'trim' but I am always offered the part midway up the wing - in my case reads SPORT - and not the part at the bottom of the wing where it joins the sill. It ought to be cheap to replace but I am now wondering if it has become obsolete and I will have to fabricate a replacement. I don't fancy buying a secondhand part from a breaker because I cannot imagine it will be in a better condition than the part I'm missing. I would like to replace the part on both front wings. This part is present on the left wing but if I touch it I fear it will crumble away too, hence I'm looking for two parts, probably identical. Is it a 'trim' or 'seal' or has it a different description?

The part I'm after is at the bottom of the wing and aligns with the bottom of the door. See photo.

 

[om613]

I know the exact piece you're after. They're black plastic and yes they go bad after that time.
I doubt they're hard to find new from MB, if someone with the EPC could search the part?

 

[philharve]

I know the exact piece you're after. They're black plastic and yes they go bad after that time.
I doubt they're hard to find new from MB, if someone with the EPC could search the part?

Many thanks, om613

So, it IS made from plastic! I though it might be made from rubber because of the way it crumbled in my hand. I dare not touch the nearside strip for that very reason, brittleness.

Do they require clips to hold in place? I don't remember seeing any.

You say they ought to be easy to obtain but my experience to date has been very different. Mind you, I have not approached a true Mercedes dealership because of the likely 'arm & leg' cost of buying them.

My Mercedes is now 18yr old and I have been warned that some parts will be in short supply. However, this vehicle has proven to be so utterly reliable that I have no wish to replace it. Its battery failed in 2007 and was replaced. That was the only time it failed to start. It remains sooth and powerful and very quiet at tick over. It is also very comfortable.