Hey guys. I am looking to change the grille on my black C300 Sport. I essentially have 3 options that I am looking at.

1.) C63 Style Grille - I am hearing from people that it is hard to get a good fit

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...Q5fAccessories

2.) Painting the grille black to match the car. I would leave the shinny chrome and get this done at the dealership or a body shop for cheap.

3.) Purchase a pre-painted grille on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/08-09...Q5fAccessories


I don't know if I like the C63 style better or the painted grille. I am worried about the quality of the pre-painted grille and C63 style grille on eBay. I feel that maybe my best option will be to get the grille painted at a body shop. It would be cheap and fit better than the other choices.

 

Overall, are you just looking for a black mix into the grille? I have purchased an aftermarket grill and fitment was fine, but the thing I was not told is that most after markets usually just rely on the holding tabs from the front bumper to stay in place--no holes in the back for the tbar that is used with stock. Along with that, the holding slots at the bottom, for mine atleast, are slightly taller than stock which can contribute to the "loosness." Basically, if I drive at 80+ for a while the grill gets pushed back leaving a slight gap between the bumper...I have to pull the grill back into position slightly. I think you should start with just painting for now, since you say you can get it done cheap or maybe even trying at it yourself, then think about the aftermarket makes. Cheers.

 

I went with the C63 grill off E-Bay (sorry, can't remember which) but I LOVE IT!!!
I had no fitment issues, and have had NO problems with it...
JP

 

I love the one fin SL style grille on the bay

 

I just took my C63 style grille off. I am selling it for $110 shipped. It is about 2 yrs old. Normal rock chips.

 

Vinyl wrap is a good option you might want to look in to

 

im buying one too and im getting the second one u posted

i think it will look better without the frame

 

I just bought the C63 grill and will let you know once i fitted them.

Hope it will be a good fit.

 

I bought the pre-painted grill from the same seller you posted in the 2nd link. It's great...no problems at all. I choose to remove the chrome strips from it and just leave the star in chrome.

I had a C63 grill originally but the chrome strips became very loose over time so I replaced it with the one you see in my sig

 

Thanks for all the feedback guys. My biggest concern now is:

1.) By painting the OEM grille I will never be able to change it back in case I ever wanted to or something happened.

2.) By purchasing the pre-painted grille I might be sacraficing quality of the product and I am sure the look cannot be considered an exact replica of the OEM grille painted.

What do you guys think?

 

1) true but will u ever really wanna change it back? not like its a huge mod and personally i dont see many reasons why one would Have to change it back.

2) i got a pre painted one from ebay cuz i figured the price is not much more than a paint job anyway, and it looks perfect. its almost impossible to tell without taking it out.

 

The most recommended body shop in my area quoted me $140 to paint my grill black if I took it off the car and took off the chrome strips. So...I'd go with the pre-painted grill. I have one question about it though. Is it a genuine OEM grill that is just painted?

 

There is no way it is a genuine OEM grille. I am sure that cost a lot more money. It is a replica or else it would advertise "OEM" everywhere.

Has anyone had the grill painted black and absolutely loved it? I have seen many pictures but none in person. If I saw the grille painted black in person it would be much easier to decide. I am just worried that painting the grille won't look that good and I will regret the decision! I wish I could see someones car in person!

 

I painted my grill matte today. I also painted the star in the back and the rest of the chrome parts. I really like it. The color came out just the way I want it. I will post pics tomorrow.

 

Try having a look at my thread. I have the CL-style one.

 

where are you located? update your profile. someone in your area might be able to help you.

 

You can't tell the difference between my grill (the one in ur 2nd link) and an OEM grill that's been painted black

 

Are you saying the pre-painted one on ebay is not a real OEM grill that is just painted?

 

It's not that diffciult to paint by yourself.

 

btw, if anyone local in SoCal wants the c63 style grille. mine is for sale $80 since i'll just stick with the luxury grille.