Done to death I know but here's my tenpenneth worth (whatever that is)
Just bought a 2005 (W164) ML500 - seems to be in great nick (faultless 700 miles so far and booked in for health check on Thursday) except for the sticky buttons - funny how disproportionate the dissatisfaction factor is from these. Must be because you can feel them all the time you're driving. Anyway, couldn't see several of the symbols, assuming they'd disappeared for good. Did some searches, considering buying new switches but options appear to be genuine Merc££££ or Chinese hit and miss tat.
Thought I'd have a go at cleaning and hope I didn't nuke the switches or surrounds in the meantime. Tried "Sticky Stuff Remover" then lighter fluid with lint free cloth. Going gently and being aware of surround, not a lot appeared to be happening. Then tried Wilko's cellulose thinners from the art section. Worked like a dream. Softened the remaining coating down enough to scrape off with finger nails, followed by rubbing to clean with cellulose thinners/ lint free cloth. Symbols mysteriously re-appeared and now as good as new. Did the r/h side last night and left overnight to see if I'd caused any problems with the switch or surround. All good this a.m. so got on with the l/h side. All nice smooth, clean black plastic and shiny symbols. Feels much better when driving.
Just bought a 2005 (W164) ML500 - seems to be in great nick (faultless 700 miles so far and booked in for health check on Thursday) except for the sticky buttons - funny how disproportionate the dissatisfaction factor is from these. Must be because you can feel them all the time you're driving. Anyway, couldn't see several of the symbols, assuming they'd disappeared for good. Did some searches, considering buying new switches but options appear to be genuine Merc££££ or Chinese hit and miss tat.
Thought I'd have a go at cleaning and hope I didn't nuke the switches or surrounds in the meantime. Tried "Sticky Stuff Remover" then lighter fluid with lint free cloth. Going gently and being aware of surround, not a lot appeared to be happening. Then tried Wilko's cellulose thinners from the art section. Worked like a dream. Softened the remaining coating down enough to scrape off with finger nails, followed by rubbing to clean with cellulose thinners/ lint free cloth. Symbols mysteriously re-appeared and now as good as new. Did the r/h side last night and left overnight to see if I'd caused any problems with the switch or surround. All good this a.m. so got on with the l/h side. All nice smooth, clean black plastic and shiny symbols. Feels much better when driving.