I bought this grille on Ebay from user Jakuo (55Tech). It's a nice grille but ...

I mistakenly assumed that the ENTIRE center star assembly would be genuine Mercedes-Benz parts and could be replaced, like on the Mercedes OEM grilles. However, items 1 and 2 appear to be a non standard plastic pieces and item 3 is the only "genuine MB star" (Part no. 2078170016).

Item 2 is a separate piece and is attached by tabs but I can't seem to figure out how to remove it without destroying the grille.

Questions:

1. Does anyone (with this exact grille) know if I can fit Mercedes-Benz (Part 2078880260) into this grille? Will the tabs align and lock properly? I wanted to put an W204 illuminated star into this new grille.

OR

2. Does anyone know where I can find a black mesh style grille like this with a properly sized replaceable center star assembly that will fit a w204 illuminated star?

 

I was going to order the 55tech edition 507 grille. I sent the seller a message asking if he could send me the grille with no star, because I was going to be buying the illuminated star. Apparently the star they use is a W163 M-class star, so if you were to buy a star for that vehicle, you wouldn't have issue.

 

While you might be correct that the star (item #3 in the picture) is an OEM W163 M-class star. This doesn't guarantee that the star adapter back piece (item #2) will fit and lock into that grille hole. (This is my issue).

...or are you saying you actually bought this grille and was able to get the illuminated star to fit?

I may have to go back to a regular OEM w204 grille and sell this one.

 

If you bought a W204 illuminated star, it won't fit that grill. W204 stars have 3 very obvious tabs holding the star in.

55Tech messaged me directly saying they use W163 stars. Pieces 1, 2 and 3 comprise a W163 star. Try to rotate counterclockwise to remove piece 2, as per this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...ar-grille.html

There are several versions of the Illuminated star. One being the W204 version. One being the W163 version. Buy the latter.

 

I hear what you are saying, but I don't want an ML illuminated star on my class, plus any wiring compatibility issues. I might go back to an OEM grille. Thanks.

 

How are you planning on wiring it? Any 12V source will Illuminate the star to full brightness, such as the 12V going to your parking lights.
If you plan on paying double for a SAM module, in addition to the much more laborious install that accompanies it, then yes, you should go back to the OEM grille.

 

Sorry, I like to do things correctly. I am not doing some Frankenstein wiring to my parking lights on my car.

The W204 illuminated star has two wiring options, full-time and non full-time. Each with a different kit. I would go with the full-time kit which does not look like much work. IMHO.

Also, buying the kit parts separately from the dealer would be more expensive than buying from Ebay and at this time no matter which kit you buy it will still cost you about $380 on Ebay. The Star alone is $300 from the dealer.

I've done my homework.

Thanks for your help.

 

You will have much more wiring to hide with the SAM module install. I have half a meter of wire loom routed from the star to my right headlight which is entirely invisible. Also, my star was $210 CAD from the dealer.

 

Funny you post this as I just finished my illuminated star install.

I, too, had an aftermarket grill from jakuo (seen in my signature). I ended up just putting the stock grill back on. It still looks good. I wired mine the always on way as well.

 

Well if one of you wants to sell the grill ill take it just saying hint hint.

 

My grille is brand new and has never been used. $199 with free shipping within the USA. let me know or I will post it on Ebay.

 

Sorry I don't mean to hijack your thread but I noticed that 55tech recommends supergluing components to ensure the star doesn't fall off. Where exactly would you apply the superglue in this grill?

- Do you apply glue to the back of Part 3 and affix onto Part 1?
- Do you also need to apply glue to the Part 1 pegs when inserting into Part 2?
- Do you also need to apply glue to Part 2 to make sure it stays fixed to the actual grill?

Thanks. My grill is currently being shipped and wanted to make sure I understand everything before installing.

 

I haven't heard that and I wouldn't do it.

The star has clips and if the grille base is manufactured correctly it should stay on without glue. (Although, I've never assembled mine)

part #1 inserts into part #2 and part #3 (the star) should clip onto part #2 nicely.

 

Awesome. Thanks!