DFWdude

I examined several W204s -- both Sport and Luxury models -- at my local dealer recently. (Pics below.) I didn’t have one of my WHITE STAR Flat Badges to test fit, but I did have a camera, and was allowed to examine the hoods of both models in detail.

Both the W204 Sport and Luxury models have the same divot underneath their hood stars (the usual plastic flat badge on the Sport or the upright star on the Luxury model). In fact I was able to test fit the Sport Model flat badge on the Luxury model, or the Upright Star on the Sport. They are interchangeable.

More important, the hood divot on either W204 is identical (size and shape) to the W203. So, I can confirm that my WHITE STAR Flat Badge will easily fit either W204 model, as well. The W204 Sport Flat Badge now has a nifty, new quick release lock assembly that makes switching between it and my WHITE STAR a simple, 10-second procedure.

Accordingly, anyone interested in a WHITE STAR Flat Badge for your new W204 is invited to contact me at the e-mail address in my signature below for pricing and availability details.
.

DFWdude

For those not familiar, I make these badges in my machine shop, mostly on the weekends. After disassembling the OEM Mercedes star (part 210 880 01 86), I machine the socket required to accommodate a legacy White Star insert I created myself. I cement this insert in place, then cast a tan plug, which holds the mount lock in place, and reassemble everything.

As a result, the WHITE STAR Flat Badge is a hand-made, limited production, all metal item. Each one is signed and serial numbered, and comes with a matching certificate of authenticity.

Presently, there are less than 175 of these on the planet. So if you want a truly unique way to set your new W204 apart from others, contact me at the e-mail address noted in my signature for pricing information.




.

DFWdude

Here some views of the WHITE STAR Flat Badge on the new W204 Sport. Not the best lighting (indoors). But the dealer did not have any outside on the lot. We'll have to wait til one of these finds a home on a member's car who can take outdoor pics.

You can see it fits quite well. Just like on the W203 that came before. Given that huge star in the grille, I think the smaller WHITE STAR Flat Badge makes a more sedate statement than the larger diameter SLK badge.
.

pmb600

The badge is beautiful. Personally, I've always been a fan of the hood ornament star on sedans so if I buy a C300/C350 Sport I had planned on changing the grille and star to luxury spec. This is great news to find out that there is the same hole in the hood! I was told that the sport sedan did not have the hole.

DFWdude

I know I've sold a couple of the WHITE STAR Flat Badges to members with the W204s. I sure would like to see pictures of these other than the one I've posted. Let's see those pics, please.

oblu

Sorry, I'm new to benz, what's the significance of the white star?

MB-BOB

Mercedes sedans used to have white stars for decades, Until 1980 or so. The G-Wagon had the white star until the GL appeared (just two years ago). So, it's just another version of tristar. Some think it's classy, others don't. Your opinion will vary.

DFWdude

Thanks for the explanation, MB-BOB. Getting tired of repeating myself on this so your contribution helps.

MB-BOB

Well, I think your WHITE STAR would be perfect on the W204 Sport. With that huge star in the grille, who needs the larger diameter plastic badge on the hood? IMO, the smaller, and recessed WHITE STAR in the hood would be more compatible, subtle and tasteful.

Have you sold any to W204 owners, yet?

DFWdude

Since none of you want to post pictures, I suppose it's up to me...

If anyone living in the Dallas area is willing to meet me with a cleanly washed W204 Sport model, I would be happy to supply a new WHITE STAR Flat Badge at a $30 discount, in exchange for permission to take and post some pictures.

This offer goes to the first person who replies and follows-through to meet me. Please respond to my e-mail at DFWdude@tx.rr.com if interested, and mention that you read this post. Thanks.

jstaneff

I posted this on another thread ....

schvamf

I just don't get it.

jstaneff

For a very long time, the MB star on the grill (not the stand-up star, but on the grill work itself) was what this guy is selling as a "white star". Older MBs have it. Even the MB on my current sig photo has it. The first MB my family had, had it. It gives a taste of nostalgia, and it's fun. (Well, okay ... you gotta be there for that ;-)

I noticed after installing it that the lines that form across my hood after a good rain changed shape. Not as many because there's less resistance at the front of the car.

The stock emblem is cheap plastic. Good enough reason to swap it out.

pmb600

Do you mean the hood ornament on most Mercedes sedans? Because that is still made of metal of some kind, not plastic.

jstaneff

On the C it's plastic. In the dealer's showroom, the only new Benz with the old white star was the G-wagon. All else looked like what's on the C. Maybe they are metal? Dunno.

I removed mine and put it in a tool bag in the trunk (along with the user manual). Someday It'll go back on the car ... when it's sold.

delirium

im not sure i get it either, whats the difference between the plug on my C350 sport and this one? All metal? a white star?

I dont think anyone would notice that small plug has changed if i bought one of these.

micropower99

I agree.

Baron Samedi

I like it too. For the "nostalgia" factor as well as because I think my current cheap plastic hood emblem is, well, cheap.

Baron Samedi

'

You mention a $30 discount, but I can find no reference to what your normal retail price is. What do you sell these things for?

9elf S

Nice work, but have you considered that this may be trademark infringement?

pmb600

It says you have a sport C-Class in your profile, so you must be referring to the flat badge on the top of the hood. I thought you were talking about the stand up hood star like on the Luxury C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class; to my knowledge the star is still made of metal. I do not know about the flat hood badge, that might be plastic, I've never looked at it in detail.

pmb600

I don't think the point is for people to notice, I think this is one of those things that you do because you like it.

jstaneff

Correct. I noticed earlier today that we might be at cross purposes. Glad you caught that. The flat badge on the sport is cheap plastic. I've read reports that it is clear coated and once washed too many times begins to fade.

MB-BOB

I have received some PMs from members complaining they are having difficulty finding this thread. Until the Search Function is tweaked into something useful, I think I will make this one a STICKY for a while...

FWIW, I've seen this badge on the W204 sport and it really looks nice.

jangy

very true and it is bigger, so it does not sit in the groove. The smaller ones, including DFWdude's fit nicely into that groove (flush).

Does the grill on the sport W204 have a badge? If it does and it is like the luxury models, then that's another issue (duplication so closely). If not, hmmm....I may want one