valexv

Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
Tools: Cutting tool (grinder or dremmel), flat screw driver, & a wrench or rachet

Same steps for OEM 05 coupe grill and aftermarket ( aftermarket requires minor cutting on support brace)

First, remove the OEM grill. There are 2 bolts that need to be un-screwed on the support brace.


The base of the grill is attached by a pin in the center, pull the pin out towards the radiator. The rest is held by latches, slide your grill back and out



As you notice, the new grill has 3 latches on the bottom, The center latch has to be completely removed. The other 2 will have to be modified to fit where the old grill inserted. Line up both grills and mark what needs to be cut, or test fit the grill and mark from there. Be careful, always better to extra room. Easier to trim some off then add some back on.



Remove the support brace from the OEM grill, pull the pins out using a flat head screwdriver



Comparing the OEM vs the new grill, the support brace, will
need to be modified as well.


The brace has lines marked on itself, use those as a guide to cut

Attached brace on the new grill. Slide grill in place and bolt down.

billbugger

Nice job! I looks good!

C230 Sport Coup

My grill arrived. I'll be doing this soon...don't have a dremel tool though.

kirax2

why do you need to cut it?

valexv

did you read the rest of the thread, or look at the pictures. The 05 grills have 3 latches on the bottom that are different from the the pre-face lift grills.

C230 Sport Coup

So, I'm looking at this new grill....I'm not sure what I think. No offense, just an opinion.
So after having the all black thing goin' on, now yer going with a Chrome trimmed black grill? Maybe it would look better with the top piece chrome again?
I don't get it. And it cost how much?

My 2005 grill was $120 + shipping.

valexv

my was 80 and i should be getting the chrome wrapped in vinyl today except the star. I like the less slants, i think it looks sportier. Also I am the only one with it, for now

acr2001

The top piece (attached to the hood?) looks like crap.
If you can replace that with one that matches this will look really good.
Also, I think it looks better WITH the chrome.

If you can make the top match then I think you've got something very nice there!

advans

hmm....i dont really like it

drb930

Nice write up Valexv.

+1 on the top piece being chrome

acr2001

Here ya go... looked better in my head, but I still think it looks a lot better than the other options

HellsAngel

i like better the 05 OEM... but urs is ok for me.. its just that u have 2 blacks that dont match...

C230 Sport Coup

Nice PS. But I think he's saying he's going all black again.
Can you PS that, no chrome?

It looks kinda like a W204 grill, but smaller star.

Gecko

Valexv,

Thanks for the very thorough write up. I agree with you, the fewer slats looks much sportier. Mercedes designers also agree, and applied this approach to differentiate the sport package on the W204 sedans.

For clarification, is the grill from an '05 CL-Class (W215)? Do you have the part # for the grill?

Thanks in advance,

Jeff Gedcke
'05 C230 Coupe
Alabaster White / Clear Bra / De-Badged / LED License Plt Lights / '04 Grill

valexv

the cl203 is the c-class coupe, it is the aftermarket 05 coupe grill. same mods need to be done for the 05 OEM grill.
jakuo is seller on ebay, from 55tech motors, very fast shipping. You can mention me, maybe get a better price, Alex Ventura
It also has a bigger star than stock.

Gecko

ValexV,

Thanks for the information. I like the simpler / cleaner look. So far, I have back-dated my OEM '05 grill to the OEM '04 grill (cleaner look IMHO). Going to a 3 slat grill would be the next step....

Thanks again,

Jeff Gedcke
'05 C230 Coupe
Alabaster White / Clear Bra / De-Badged / LED License Plt Lights / '04 Grill

HellsAngel

where do they sell the mattig grill ?

valexv

i posted it a while ago but here you go.

C230 Sport Coup

Ha, most people do exactly the opposite! (Including me).
I'm just bored with the way it looks, and want a change.
Anyone want a stock grill painted black? PM me with an offer.

I just don't have a Dremel tool.
Hmmm....maybe a hacksaw would work?

HellsAngel

i cheked it, and the pic says : http://www.suspensionsupplies.us/ so i cheked out this website, nearly all the items they have r "currently on back-order"....

lindselld

I am ordering a 3 fin black grill at the mo. My coupe is black so do ppl think it would be best to keep top strip chrome or paint it black?

Also does anyone know where to get hold of the bi xenon lights for the c class w203 coupe facelift model?

Can not find them anywhere!

Thanks.