trbo2nr

I just picked up a grill insert and don't like the quality. So, I'm willing to spend
more to get a better insert. Is there an OEM type or is this an aftermarket
enhancement? Thx.

BklynBenz

i think theres a lorinser grill thats not just the insert. i cant remember where i saw it

BklynBenz

yeah lorinser has one, its listed on their site next to the following pic

trbo2nr

I'll check it out right now.

Denlasoul

Get the part number for the MY2000 C43. In that year only the C43 came with the Avantgarde/S600 Type Grill.

narci

MB makes an OEM advantgarde grille for the W202. It's expensive as hell but the quality is so much better. I'm using OEM grille and OEM clear corners. The grill is just a W210 grille cut down by MB themselves.

eddieo45

...but I know what you mean. Scorchie went over this a while ago, and recommended OEM, see here.
I'm fine with mine:

Have you done the flat hood ornament and corners yet?

scorchie

Eddie's right: you have to be pretty fussy to go with the OEM one. I think it is easier to install than most of the non-OEMs, and usually you can't tell the difference in quality until you see them side by side. Then, if it's pointed out, you can notice things. Like how the chrome strips sit flush with the frame, instead of running behind it. How the strips don't slide. And so on.

-s-

narci

I have both. One Bekkers one and now the OEM.The Bekkers one, the chrome slides around and the black plastic, at the ends don't fit properly and is bent out of shape. The finish on the black is slightly different as well. The OEM is solid and fits exact.

Same witht he clear corners. The OEM ones are much better built. They do not fly off when on the highway or leak in water or snap off at the connecters.

trbo2nr

I will look for it. Thanks. Yeah, I don't mind paying for quality.

trbo2nr

www.overnightautoparts.com/

has that assembly for $147. I don't have a picture as they don't have one on
the site but it should be the part I'm searching for. It's labeled as:

Mercedes Benz 2000 C 43 AMG Grille Assembly

What do you think?

eddieo45

I guess you edited out the "Wrong" once you realized that we're all in agreement here. I'm sure the OEM would have been better than the $58 one I got, but I'm content. As for the corners, I'm looking for the best deal on Bosch/OEM, because the horror stories re: the knockoffs are much scarier than the grille-install stories. Anyone have a good clear corner source? bekkers is like $129.

trbo2nr

I'll let everyone know about this one when it's delivered next week.

scorchie

Since they have the same part number for 1998 through 2000, I doubt that you will get what you are expecting.

-s-

scorchie

I don't know if we're all in agreement... it's just that an opinion can't really be "wrong".

I agreed that you need to be pretty fussy. I am pretty fussy and wouldn't use the non-OEM one after noticing the differences! If I had never seen the OEM one I probably would have been OK with the aftermarket.

Ask Steve (MBenzNL) for corners. I dunno if he still has them in stock.

-s-

MikeL

The OEM chrome insert grill for the W202 is the same grill as the OEM w210 grill. MB cuts the W210 E class grill and sells it for the W202. It is expensive as hell, IIRC it costs something like $4-500 and can be ordered from any stealership. I generally do not buy replica items for my cars, the grill however is the 1 replica item on my car that I am willing to live with. I am not cheap, but I dont see how a grill costs so much? My replica grill looks and fits fine.

eddieo45

I just meant we agree that OEM is better; whether it's $350 better is up for discussion.


no w202 stuff on MBenzNL at all; mostly 203...

scorchie

That's why I said "ask" Steve for that stuff. He has the most modded W202 I've ever seen, so he definitely knows exactly what's going on with that car. The market just isn't big enough for him to put it on his web site.

-s-

trbo2nr

I went with the same type OEM through a discount shop. It's looks nice compared to the faded and broken grill that I had on there. Overall it looks nice.
The grill came as a complete kit (with the chrome edge holder). All I did was place it in the existing spot and tighten the six or so screws.

eddieo45

wow, $142 and change and it is the whole grille, not just the insert? that's a great deal, as all the time and trouble with the install is getting the insert into the frame. now let's see some pics, and find the definitive source for my clear corners!

trbo2nr

I got it from www.overnightautoparts.com It's the whole thing (OEM) at discount prices.

So far based on what others have e-mailed me, the dealer clear corners are of
great quality and fitting. I'm waiting on a couple of other sources to e-mail me
pics of their clear corners. I hope to make that change in a few weeks.

eddieo45

re: clear corners, scorchie suggested I email Steve, which I have, and he said:
"We don't have original Bosch clear blinkers in stock anymore... only a set of clear (aftermarket) blinkers, which we can offer for USD 50 shipped. Please note, the blinkers are not clear frosted, but totally clear!"

I'm not 100% clear on the difference....

trbo2nr

Now I just need the Bosch cornering lights.....

eddieo45

dude, I'm loving the grille (you put the $142 OEM one in the trunk?), and the wheels have grown on me!! I'm keeping all my clear corner comments on your clear corner thread---let's hope we both get to the bottom of that issue (I prefer to buy them once, and once only)
ps...do you find yourself considering the flat hood emblem? I was against it initially, but....

trbo2nr

Thanks. Yep, I got the OEM on the wall in the garage. I never get rid of anything unless I sell the car. You never know when you might want to swap a
part. As for the clear corners, I'm leaning towards the OEM Bosch type since
they're of excellent quality and fit. I actually have the flat emblem but I can't
bring myself to keeping it on the car. I mounted it and really missed the upright
star so I put it back. Also, the flat emblem is plastic and I'm trying to find a metal type emblem. I'm just not feeln the plastic emblem.