POR356C

For the record, vehicle is 2012 4-Matic Sport. Owned since new and no collision damage. Something in the alignment of the grill-bumper cover- hood does not seem right. Can't believe they would have designed it this way. Only noticed this after left front headlight had been replaced under warranty but I suppose it could have been like this prior. What caused me to look more closely was the headlight had not been installed properly and had a large gap between it and the hood. Dealer reworked the headlight and when I got it back questioned them about the grill the response was something along the lines of "within spec". So the question is, does this look correct or not? And if not, what is likely to be the cause?

I have been doing my own wrenching on my cars and motorcycles for the last 50 years and have decided that the limited time I have left on the planet will not be spent working on this car. Mostly I need info so when I take it back to the dealer I will have some idea how these parts are supposed to fit so I can argue the "within spec".

dieseldoc

Will look at my car.

Colin G

So the gap between the hood and grille is too much? Is that what you are meaning?


I adjusted my hood stops (whatever you want to call them) to get mine how I wanted it.

POR356C

No, I think the upper grill bar protrudes too far forward of the hood: If you were to lay a straight edge across the grill bar and that small flat area on the hood, the bar would forward of the hood ~3/8 inch. It also looks like the portion of the bumper cover that extends up towards the hood is slightly tilted forward. Not knowing how these parts fit together I don't know if this is just a case of sloppy assembly after the headlight work or not. The initial headlight work was certainly in the sloppy category so it raised my suspecions. I would just go look at another C300 but I live a ferry ride away from the dealer and have yet to find an example here that was parked and not driving away from me. Thanks

Rodpwnz

I have the suvneer AMG front bumper and I have the same protrusion, if not more pronounced. I noticed it is separating from the plastic frame underneath it. I'll probably 3M auto tape or epoxy it on to secure it back on.

Funkwagen

To fix this you'll have to loosen all the securing bolts for the bumper (2 lower by the fogs, 2 each side by the fenders and 2 very close to the sides of the grille) and pull up on/jack up the bumper and re-secure the bolts.

You might even have to go as far as to re-adjust the headlights as well because they'll hold the bumper in position somewhat. It's a very tedious process making everything line up properly

dieseldoc

Mine does not look like yours. Everything is even. They took the bumper cover off to fix your headlamp

POR356C

Thanks for the replies. Funk, I assume you are talking about the bumper cover not the what is under it. It's an adaptive headlight by the way. Replaced because it triggered a check lights warning (only once). That you call it a tedious process would explain why they didn't take the time to do it right. Even on the second try. When I first took it back there was a gap at least double what it should have been between the headlight and the hood. Must have had the shop trainee working on it. Will see how it goes third time around. My only fear is that the more the mess with my car the more likely they are to do real damage. Would be nice to more trust in the people in this business. The dealer is Mercedes-Benz Seattle.