djejglk

http://www.ebay.com/itm/08-12-W204-C...-/360434383675

I keep reading about fitment issues, gaps, etc. on certain grills within certain years. I have a 2013 c class sedan, and would like an "oem fit".

AkaSigFreak

I purchased an aftermarket grille for my previous C300. Fitment was about 95% but the weight/quality did not compare to OEM. The black plastic felt lighter and the chrome did too. The OEM Star did not fit firmly- I have to add silicone adhesive to hold it in place. I have the OEM version of the grille you selected and would recommend waiting if price is an issue. It's definitely worth the wait.

mmike

My aftermarket grills were much lighter and the star did not fit perfectly/ had to use instant glue to keep it in place. Switched back to OEM and got it vinyled black.

makeinu0

Purchased this from this exact seller and was perfect in fitment.

J__

well, lighter IS better ppl pay thousands for a real CF hood to save a few pounds

djejglk

Is the star attachment sketchy similar to what the others are saying? I realize it's an "authentic star", but that doesn't necessarily mean the attachment is oem solid. Also, what about build quality? Even if it's lighter and what not, does it feel solid and secure?

Sorry, one last question....is your car standard black by chance, and if so, does the paint on the grill match match the black on the car?

Thanks

vic viper

Why not paint your own instead of buying that chinese made piece of sh_t?

djejglk

Very true...I just like the aspect of getting a decent grill for a good price, and selling my oem grill. Theoretically, I would get the grill I really want, and possibly "make" some cash in the process. I realize the biggest question IS..is it a decent/well made grill?

I bought some VHT bumper paint, thinking I was gonna paint it myself. It's $13, but I'm modding an oem grill, and could possibly screw up. So, the paint is still sitting in front of me, and my grill is still untouched.

The best option of course would be for a professional to paint it, gloss black/matching the car. How much does something like that cost?

makeinu0

The star is actually pretty solid.
Didn't take the time to compare it to the OEM grill but I'm satisfied with the purchase ($115 + ship or something like that).

Today is your lucky day, since my car is black lol
Let me take some photo of the grill and send it to you.
Shoot me a PM w your email.

djejglk

PM sent!!! Thanks

AkaSigFreak

When it comes to REAL Carbon Fiber- you get lighter and stronger. These grilles are just lighter, cheaper, weaker plastic. Even the chrome trim feels cheaper.

I would recommend wrapping the fins with 3M 1080 Scotchprint Black vinyl. It is designed specifically to be an automotive wrap and will hold up to the elements. It would probably cost under $20 in vinyl and if you mess it up- just peal it off and start over.

They offer CF, Brushed Metals, Satin, Matte and Gloss.
http://www.metrorestyling.com/3M-Sco...80-s/16764.htm

vic viper

Why not plastidip it? then you cant mess it up, you will never get a glossy finish with a spray can anyway, so IMO platidip is the way to go if you dont want to paint it professionally.

I did the grill on my former 204 proffesionally and I paid $80 for it without a receipt

djejglk

Thanks for all the input everyone . I think I'm gonna try it out (the grill from ebay). I don't mind paying return fees to Canada if I have to, wouldn't be that expensive. I just want to see it for myself, and make the choice if it's well made enough.

I'll post some pics if/when I do whatever it is I do.

makeinu0

the seller you posted above is a super fast shipper.
I'm sure you wont be disappointed.

djejglk

I ordered last night, we'll see what happens!

Thanks again for the correspondence.

djejglk

This thing came in the day after they shipped it. Very fast! It feels well made enough to last a good long time. Here's a quick "just installed/garage pic". I'm going to detail tomorrow, and I'll upload a few more. (maybe even before and after!)




Just a few notes.

1. The star in solidly in place. I didn't feel like I needed to glue it or anything.
2. It feels, lighter, but it's still well built.
3. I will probably sell my oem grill. That how much I like the new one.

makeinu0

Told you he's a damn fast shipper!

vic viper

I wouldn't care, it's still made in China by some underpaid poor child worker, it's a Benz you've chosen, not a frigging Hyundai.

djejglk

Thank you for your opinion, and I didn't think of something like that when I bought it.

I am personally happy with my purchase, and I'm sorry you have a sore spot for 3rd party chinese ****. As horrible as child labor is, there ARE actually laws that protect them. I BY NO MEANS SUPPORT THAT KIND OF THING, but there's a lot worse things going on in this world.

djejglk

Before.....




After.....

vic viper

Wasn't too serious about that child labour thing, but I personally cannot understand why someone would replace their car bit by bit using crap parts.

My 2 cents.

djejglk

Understood. This is pretty much the only modification I plan on doing. I'm keeping the oem grill. If/when this grill sharts out, at least I know exactly what it will look like if I decide to paint my original!

Sentosa

Dunno. Looks good on the black but looks like something is missing!!

makeinu0

I wouldn't purchase anything beyond grill from ebay/aftermarket (unless reputable company) too, but the OEM grill isn't all that great IMO.

If you want that same glossy look, wrap it rather than painting it, unless bringing it to a professional.

djejglk

I think it's because I don't have my front license plate on yet. The black and chrome finishes do seem a little unbalanced right now. I live in Texas, and half the people on the road don't have front plates! I'm gonna pick them up from the dealer soon. I'm gonna try a chrome and a black frame for the plate to see which one looks better.