W251 R350 2006 rear bumper chrome step plate trim

[seneschal]

Hi, my first ever post on this forum.

I wonder if anybody could tell me how to remove the rear step plate trim on a W251? I have just bought a replacement part and it looks like it must be help in place, possibly by two lugs which must lock in to the trim at the left and right extremities.

It is not obvious to me how to release these on the original trim... which I sadly damaged at the weekend.

The rest of the trim looks simply like tongues which must slide into recesses in the bumper (I am assuming).

Does anyone know how to release the trim?

Thanks and kind regards, Paul

 

[seneschal]

Just had a fiddle with some nylon trim tools without any joy, it really doesn't behave the way you would expect. So I got under and had a feel around to see if I could release the two tabs. I could hardly believe what I was feeling with my fingers and shone a torch inside the bumper. Astounding! the trim is not held on with little lugs which lock into the holes in the two end tabs, but it is locked in place with two beautifully trimmed black cable ties at each end which loop through holes in the bumper itself. Extraordinary! Proves that looking at a new part does not show you how the original part was fitted in the factory.

 

[LostKiwi]

Out of interest where did you get the trims and how much were they? I'm assuming these are the two either side of the latch?

 

[mioba]

If I recall there was a post (mention) by @EmilysDad some time ago where we replaced it as it was a source of water entering the boot. Hopefully he jumps on the thread and gives a hint

 

[EmilysDad]

If I recall there was a post (mention) by @EmilysDad some time ago where we replaced it as it was a source of water entering the boot. Hopefully he jumps on the thread and gives a hint

The water was entering the boot area of my R Class around the chrome trim on the tail gate itself. It went through the lock mechanism and out by the latch and into the spare wheel well ..... not sure if this is the same problem that seneschal has