Does anyone know where to buy the plastic paneling for the cargo area ? (also pricing ?)
Inquired with local dealer and they are not getting back to me.
Probably because it's a royal pain to figure out what's needed and harder still to actually acquire said pieces. So far it's been three months, 4 dealer visits, 3 incorrect parts shipments, multiple phone calls and lots of poor communication to finally get (mostly) everything.
First the easy part.
Part numbers 447-690-27-01 through 447-690-32-01 are the rear cargo panels. That's six panels for seven spaces, the top of the cargo door doesn't get paneled. No one is sure why, so don't ask.
Part numbers 447-747-11-00 and 447-747-12-00 are the rear door panels.
Costs are $46.00 - $55.00 per panel, depending on size.
Now the nearly impossible part.
Oh, you need fasteners with that? Fasteners are not included. 50% my bad and 50% dealer not being proactive and offering actual things you fasten panels with.
For the bottom panels you need: 42 of part number A000-991-39-40-9051
For the top panels you need 24 trim clip and screw combinations.
Except the trim clips listed in the parts book are not the trim clips you need.
Trim clip listed is: 001-991-81-98 YOU DO NOT WANT THESE!!!
Dealer re-ordered three times and 3 times it was the wrong part (what was that definition of insanity?).
The trim clip you actually need is only available from Germany and is part number A004-994-71-45.
The screws you need are part number N000000-001527.
Except the screw head of these is smaller then the opening in the panel and therefore will not actually fasten the panel to the frame. Apparently there's a third piece involved that the dealer is supposedly still researching 3 weeks later. I gave up and bought some bonded flat washers and matte black spray paint.
Total out of pocket is around $450.00 for parts. Total cost for time and frustration makes me hesitant to go back.
I get the distinct feeling Metris owners fall into a service gap between MB's usual clientele and the Sprinter driver backed by volume and fleet manager clout. We care about our vehicles as much as the elite clientele but we also ask lots of questions and are very hands on, something MB seems unfamiliar with. Coupled with dealer lack of knowledge surrounding these vehicles, poor documentation and weak preparedness leads to simple things becoming frustrating fast. In my more conspiratorial moods I wonder if they're trying to discourage DIY in hopes you'll just drop the keys off with instructions and a blank check, but that'd make me the crazy one
cheers and good luck
