In a previous post today, someone posted a picture of an end cap with a big hole puncture. What's interesting is that you can see the area inside the end caps - see attachment. The reason I mention this is because of conversations I had with Vince from the Mothership when I experienced cracked end caps on my 2002 MB and 2017 MB (3 months after I picked it up). He said that because of the stresses involved during driving, the end caps can crack, and therefore LD uses a lot of caulking behind them to help prevent water damage occurring. He said, if I'm OK with the "cosmetic" look of the cracks, then don't worry. Or I can take the long drive from Michigan to California to get new caps. So I didn't do anything. Now after seeing what's behind the end caps, I'm a little alarmed. I think I better do something. I've bookmarked some previous posts about repairing cracked end caps and will go through them.
Cracked end caps CAN leak, I have repaired the resulting damage.
Two possible fixes include a strip of Eternabnd tape across the crack, if on white or, or on a colored area, a strip of clear body protection tape.
Either are long-term fixes.
Amazon.com: VViViD 3M Clear Scotchgard Paint Protector Vinyl Wrap 2 Inch... (https://www.amazon.com/VViViD-Clear-Scotchgard-Paint-Protector/dp/B071GLR66D/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=3m+hood+protector+film&qid=1618858155&sr=8-9)
Amazon.com: CloudBuyer Car Door Edge Guard Clear Universal Door Sill Guard... (https://www.amazon.com/CloudBuyer-Universal-Protection-Anti-Collision-Transparent/dp/B08535P2QH/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=3m+hood+protector+film&qid=1618857830&sr=8-9)
Larry
Thanks LARRY W