aftermarket grille selections
#176
MBworld Guru
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Diamond Bar, CA
Posts: 22,007
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
white and whiter
the T bar has 2 screws that are attached to the body.
the screw holes on the T bar is oblong so the screws can be in place
at various points. some people probably screwed the T bar down at the far top
heres an example: "( )" represents the hole size; "O" represents screw down point
Center alignment (.......O.......)
Far top towards engine (...........O)
towards grille (O..........)
this maybe the reason why its sticking out
the screw holes on the T bar is oblong so the screws can be in place
at various points. some people probably screwed the T bar down at the far top
heres an example: "( )" represents the hole size; "O" represents screw down point
Center alignment (.......O.......)
Far top towards engine (...........O)
towards grille (O..........)
this maybe the reason why its sticking out
how the grille fits is decided by the bottom row of clips and the two side mount. The top is just there to hold it in place.
#178
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: New York City
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
W212 2011 E-350 4Matic
#179
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Delaware
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
8 Posts
2004 Mazda6, 1993 RX7
"Make sure the lower bumper tabs are fully engaged forward. If not, the grill will pivot on the side post supports and protrude at top."
#180
hi everyone, I have heard the big star included on the aftermarket grille is not the same as the one on OEM sport grille. Though the star is authentic, it should belong to another MB model and the size is bigger. Can anyone confirm this?
#181
MBWorld Fanatic!
I checked the lower tabs. If I push on the grille from behind- I hear it "pop" in but it pops back out about 1/16". Not much but enough to let it move.
#182
what point on the "T" bar did you screw the frame down?
I have a feeling many installed it all the way in the back; promoting the front part to stick out.
I screwed my grille at the middle point on the T bar.
I dry fitted the grille by lightly screwing down the "T" bar and closed the hood to see if its aligned properly.
I have a feeling many installed it all the way in the back; promoting the front part to stick out.
I screwed my grille at the middle point on the T bar.
I dry fitted the grille by lightly screwing down the "T" bar and closed the hood to see if its aligned properly.
I think if you put back the mounting cover after you screw the T bar, the mounting cover will push the grille to the front, causing the grille to stick out.
So, does the position of the screw on the T bracket matter?
#183
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: walnut, ca
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
C300 MT, 350Z
i had the same problem. i painted my grille black and everytime i closed and opened the hood it would scrape off my paint. i got tired of it so i opened the hood, untightened the three bolts holding the hood on each side and realigned it myself. now the sides are perfect not hitting the grille
#184
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: New York City
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
W212 2011 E-350 4Matic
the star as mentioned by rb23lb
not the same size... the after market star is less wider on each point of the star...
just found this out after comparison
just found this out after comparison
I barely noticed the difference, until I mounted the star on to the grille it was very loose and can easily come off.
I used the 3M auto tape on the 3 points and the thing is firm and secure then ever.
#185
In fact what is the part number of that supplied star? If it's slight different from the sport grille star, could it be the real star on the C63 grille?
#186
MBWorld Fanatic!
So can I get the aftermarket grille without the star, and affix my star from the OEM sport grille there? Does it fit more snuggly than the supplied star with the aftermarket grille?
In fact what is the part number of that supplied star? If it's slight different from the sport grille star, could it be the real star on the C63 grille?
In fact what is the part number of that supplied star? If it's slight different from the sport grille star, could it be the real star on the C63 grille?
#187
Definitely NOT. I know it comes in a MB box bot I'm not convinced it is authentic. It is light and has no markings on it. Besides the fact that it mounts by small tabs that lock in place by turning 1/4". If this was OEM- no car would ever have a star on it (everyone would steal them). The OEM mounts by inserting the approx 1" locking tabs in the slots and is heavier with markings on the inside.
#188
MBWorld Fanatic!
#189
MBworld Guru
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Diamond Bar, CA
Posts: 22,007
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
white and whiter
Definitely NOT. I know it comes in a MB box bot I'm not convinced it is authentic. It is light and has no markings on it. Besides the fact that it mounts by small tabs that lock in place by turning 1/4". If this was OEM- no car would ever have a star on it (everyone would steal them). The OEM mounts by inserting the approx 1" locking tabs in the slots and is heavier with markings on the inside.
#192
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: New York City
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
W212 2011 E-350 4Matic
the format of the OEM W204 star is completely different from the aftermarket grille.
I do not see any downside in using the star that came with the grille.
the star looks fine. just look at my pics below.
the only improvement I have done is purchased a 3M auto tape and
taping the 3 points on the star and the center.
now there is no shifts nor loose parts for the center piece.
I do not see any downside in using the star that came with the grille.
the star looks fine. just look at my pics below.
the only improvement I have done is purchased a 3M auto tape and
taping the 3 points on the star and the center.
now there is no shifts nor loose parts for the center piece.
#193
Is the attached photo showing a star (Part#163 for the ML Class) that comes with the W204 aftermarket grille?
http://auction1.taobao.com/auction/i...431c26833e8157
Above is a link to another aftermarket grille for W211 E Class that also uses the same star. Seems all aftermarket grilles have it as a standard.
http://auction1.taobao.com/auction/i...431c26833e8157
Above is a link to another aftermarket grille for W211 E Class that also uses the same star. Seems all aftermarket grilles have it as a standard.
#197
I have one C63 grille style, I can sell for $199 with free shipping for any 48 states and PR. Never use the grille, because I change the front bumper in C350 to C63 bumper and the only grille that fit is the original.
#199
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Singapore
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C200
Did you get this off madracer too? Even if not, how is the quality and fitment like? Thanks.
#200
I get from 55Tech, the quality is similiar to the OEM, I already installed two in my town. The car looks great !!! I compare the new C63 that I installed in C350 with the aftermarket and looks very similar, the MB emblem in the aftermarket is more bigger. If you like the grille, I can send by $199 FREE shipping (US only) or contact me for international shipping.