Rock through the lower ventilation grill
03-01-2008, 03:46 PM
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2011 E350 4Matic Wagon, 2013 C350 4Matic Sedan
Rock through the lower ventilation grill
$#@$%!!!
As we came home this morning, my wife pointed out that I have a dollar-sized hole in the lower ventilation grill. I suspect a rock must have gone through it and ripped a good chunk of the mesh along with it.
I know that OBLU had the same problem about 2 months ago and someone posted that the part costs $64. Problem is that the entire bumper skin needs to come off. Does anyone know how much labour was for the replacement?
As we came home this morning, my wife pointed out that I have a dollar-sized hole in the lower ventilation grill. I suspect a rock must have gone through it and ripped a good chunk of the mesh along with it.
I know that OBLU had the same problem about 2 months ago and someone posted that the part costs $64. Problem is that the entire bumper skin needs to come off. Does anyone know how much labour was for the replacement?
03-01-2008, 11:10 PM
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1991 560SEL, 1981 300SD, 1983 300SD, 2008 C350
I think this would be a common problem due to the lower grille being fragile.
It would be best if we have complete step by step instructions on how to remove the whole front bumper for replacement of the lower grille.
It would be best if we have complete step by step instructions on how to remove the whole front bumper for replacement of the lower grille.
03-02-2008, 03:27 PM
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C300 4matic
I have a hole in my lower grille as well - plus the left foglight is cracked. The car is 8 weeks old; my Volvo XC70 went 4 years with zero damage. They must have never driven these cars on North American roads before deciding on such poor quality lower bumper components.
I have seen others say the whold front bumper must come off, but I'm wondering if the lower grille clips can be reached from behind if the upper grille is removed. Apparently it is very easy to get the upper grille out.
Anyway when I do replace mine, I think I will add an expanded metal overlay behind it to give it a little more strength. Or perhaps they will come out with a revised grille made of heavier material, because what's in there now is only suitable for a car that never leaves the showroom.
I have seen others say the whold front bumper must come off, but I'm wondering if the lower grille clips can be reached from behind if the upper grille is removed. Apparently it is very easy to get the upper grille out.
Anyway when I do replace mine, I think I will add an expanded metal overlay behind it to give it a little more strength. Or perhaps they will come out with a revised grille made of heavier material, because what's in there now is only suitable for a car that never leaves the showroom.
03-02-2008, 09:38 PM
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2011 E350 4Matic Wagon, 2013 C350 4Matic Sedan
The more I think about it, the more unhappy I become of the situation. I can't believe how easily damaged the grill is. Wish they had used a metal mesh rather than cheap plastic.
Oh, and I also found that the turn signal on the driver's side mirror is cracked and there's condensation inside the lens ... wtf?
Oh, and I also found that the turn signal on the driver's side mirror is cracked and there's condensation inside the lens ... wtf?
