So after a few weeks of debating which flat hood emblem to do, I opted to go with the OEM flat badge from the W204 instead of a cheap EBAY clone or the $100+ flat badges that fit in the groove of the old emblem (no offense to anyone that has either already).
Anyway, all I did was simply go to the dealer to pick up the badge from a W204 (Part number A 204 817 06 16), remove the old one, and install the new one in it's place. From what the reps at the dealer told me, they've revised the emblem so that you no longer need any separate mounting kit or any other hardware.
Attached is a simple DIY video. Sorry guys. I guess I'm a little obsessed with doing these. LOL
Anyway, Hope you enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_wZ4X7hviE

 

You are definetly obsessed. Weeks of consideration and a how-to video for a simple hood badge?

Either way looks much better.

 

Lol yes! It's because I read so many threads about different options and mount kits and all this other junk. I just felt I'd simplify it for anyone else that would come after me.
Well that and it gives me something to do today before heading out to Vegas for the weeked.

 

That is so much better than the old OEM flat badges. Does it still feel cheap and plastic?

 

I have that one, along with the White Badge by DFWDude. I've also had the older version. The w204 version is quit cheap to hold in my hand, everything is plastic and is held in by two tabs. The White Badge is almost all metal. I like it a lot, as it isn't a dead giveaway that I'm driving a Benz.

 

It does have a plastic like feel but it's durable and very nicely done. I manufacture cheap plastic badges and this one is definitely great quality vs garbage and fake chrome.

 

I like the white badge, and I wanted to get one, but it is very expensive. I will probably still try to get one. I had the old OEM flat badge on my CLK, and it faded and was cheap. I have one of the JBSpeed badges that fit into the recess, but they are also cheap on top, and is beginning to rust. It was a good deal, and it's been a while, so I'm not disappointed.

 

hey!
great video, i never knew that the flat badges from the w204 would fit.
I may go pick one up from my dealer since they are so cheap..

 

i appreciated the time and effort you put into making the video <smile> for
such a simple DIY. if everyone here put such effort into their DIYs there
would be much more clarity.

i was hoping that the medallion would fit inside the hood dimple, as I like
the raised, silver star much more than I do the flat white star offered by
DFW dude. the hoodline of the w210s slopes more right where the hood
ornament is, so once you install an oversize flat emblem, the upper 1/3
of the flat badge isn't flat on the metal.....allowing a crawl space large
enough for lint to catch/hide during cleaning, insects to burrow and raise
their young....etc.

overall, your video gung fu skills are strong indeed.

 

i like your sig man. Nguyen it to win it

 

cool video mike, what editing program do you use?

 

Thanks, i'll be getting this too

 

if you dont mind me asking, how much did the dealership charge you for the badge? i'm interested in doing this as the one i have is a crap one.
edit - wow watched video and it had the price in it, thats a great price man good find

 

I bought this same exact badge on ebay and it was the OEM MB one, but with a different part number.

Anyway, this new spring clip style one is actually great. It feels great, although it is coated plastic. When you look up close, it is extremely detailed, from the ridges to the paint to the edges, so you can tell that yes it was made by/for MB and isn't a knockoff.

One thing you might notice is when you clip it in, it's actually sticking up 2mm off your hood. This is made on purpose so your springs clip on - once they're on, continue to push and the badge will seat and hold deeper into the base.

 

Great video! Very classy and love the tune!

 

just got mine, muchhhh nicer than the cheap fake one i had in that was loose and i had to straighten every so often lol

yeah that happened to me, got confused for a second then just pushed a little harder and it fully clicked into place, got a laugh outta that

 

Thanks for the video! I picked up my C55 last week and this was my first mod!

 

Thanks for all the great words guys. I actually just plugged that in w/ iMovie and iTunes. I was going to use Adobe Premier but I was lazy. lol.

I'm glad to have helped clear things up with this whole badge thing. I've read so many things about mounting kits, epoxy, 3M, and a lotta other stuff that left me wishing there was one simple answer for a badge.
Yes I'll admit that I'm a little obsessed with DIY and Videos of the such... Rest assured that if I do more mods (knowing me, I probably will), there will be DIY for those too. Just don't blame me if the video is from a head mounted GoPro HD camera. lol

Think the next may be a CL grll or a tint strip and re-tint w/ moleskin lining.

Or heck, if anyone is doing a DIY-install and is local, gimmie a call and I'll document it and post it.

 

Congrats! Just be cautious with modding. It's an addiction...
First it's a badge, then it's tint, then wheels, then next thing you know, you've got a flux capacitor, Mr Fusion and your car sparks and tires flame up right as it hits 88.5 miles per hour.

 

nicely done DIY video..will go to dealer and install!!

 

Thanks man, you saved me a bunch of money. Loved the "Music Video"...lol

 

Thank you, i got myself one too

 

Anyone think this is authentic MB? I have a hunch that it's not, because of the price and the fact that he seems to have an unlimited supply.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWNX%3AIT

 

Looks real to me. The ad list a part number... did you check it?

 

but shipping is 10 bucks lol