DFWdude

I examined several W204s -- both Sport and Luxury models -- at my local dealer recently. (Pics below.) I didn’t have one of my WHITE STAR Flat Badges to test fit, but I did have a camera, and was allowed to examine the hoods of both models in detail.

Both the W204 Sport (and AMG) and Luxury models have the same divot underneath their hood stars (the usual plastic flat badge on the Sport or the upright star on the Luxury model). In fact I was able to test fit the Sport Model flat badge on the Luxury model, or the Upright Star on the Sport. They are interchangeable.

More important, the hood divot on either W204 is identical (size and shape) to the W203. So, I can confirm that my WHITE STAR Flat Badge will easily fit either W204 model, as well. The W204 Sport Flat Badge now has a nifty, new quick release lock assembly that makes switching between it and my WHITE STAR a simple, 10-second procedure.

Accordingly, anyone interested in a WHITE STAR Flat Badge for your new W204 is invited to contact me at the e-mail address in my signature below for pricing and availability details.
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DFWdude

For those not familiar, I make these badges in my machine shop, mostly on the weekends. After disassembling the OEM Mercedes star (part 210 880 01 86), I machine the socket required to accommodate a legacy White Star insert I created myself. I cement this insert in place, then cast a tan plug, which holds the mount lock in place, and reassemble everything.

As a result, the WHITE STAR Flat Badge is a hand-made, limited production, all metal item. Each one is signed and serial numbered, and comes with a matching certificate of authenticity.

Presently, there are less than 175 of these on the planet. So if you want a truly unique way to set your new W204 apart from others, contact me at the e-mail address noted in my signature for pricing information.




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DFWdude

Here some views of the WHITE STAR Flat Badge on the new W204 Sport. Not the best lighting (indoors). But the dealer did not have any outside on the lot. We'll have to wait til one of these finds a home on a member's car who can take outdoor pics.

You can see it fits quite well. Just like on the W203 that came before. Given that huge star in the grille, I think the smaller WHITE STAR Flat Badge makes a more sedate statement than the larger diameter SLK badge.
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Clk&Slk

How much?

DFWdude

Please!

DFWdude

Those wishing to purchase a WHITE STAR Flat Badge with a serial number below #200 should contact me ASAP at the the e-mail addy noted below my signature.

DFWdude

I know I've sold a couple of the WHITE STAR Flat Badges to members with the W204s. I sure would like to see pictures of these other than the one I've posted. Let's see those pics, please.

R0ME0

Maybe just me but what is the difference between this and the stock one? Don't they have flat white stars stock with the new W204s?

DFWdude

If you look at the pictures you will see that the WHITE STAR Flat Badge is smaller so it sits within the divot that exists under the standard W204 Sport badge. The WHITE STAR is 1 7/8" diameter, while the old SLK badge (repackaged for the W204) is 2 1/4" across.

Some will say the subtlety of the WHITE STAR Flat Badge goes better with the large star in the grille. Opinions vary.

DFWdude

Shameless X-Mas bump...

Guys, I realize you are buying gifts for others for the Holidays, but you should remember to treat yourself to a WHITE STAR Flat Badge as well. Contact me at DFWdude@tx.rr.com for details.

C63-ME

wow this is soooo exciting!!!

DFWdude

I've sold 3-4 of my badges so far to W204 owners. It would be great if a couple of you would post some pictures here... The dealer showroom photos I posted above are so dark and unattractive...

KiwiRobbie

By limited production do you really mean not enough people want them to justify full scale production. The star looks out of proportion with the rest of badge, sorry that's just my opinion.

c32used

Maybe you should make/offer a star with ////AMG it in black writing...my $.02

DFWdude

Limited production means that I make these in my spare time in my home machine shop, one at a time. I could put them into mass production, but then you wouldn't be able to afford them. More than 230 of these have found homes in the last 18 months, and that is about as fast as I can make them.

As for the star looking out of proportion, please do some research. You can currently buy a key chain at the MB dealership with this star shape, and a Google search of Mercedes tristar history will reveal this to be a very traditional design. The Tristar has gone through several iterations through the years.

KiwiRobbie

Normally when something goes into mass production the cost goes down not up, handmade items are usually more expensive.

I did some research and I found a few similar stars, they also looked out of proportion, yours even more so as the star looks too fat at the centre, mercedes have changed the design, whereas yours looks old fashioned and out of place on a modern automobile. That's my 2 cents.

DFWdude

A couple years ago, I solicited a bid from a local casting firm in Dallas. They wanted $15,000 simply to make a test mold, production would cost extra. So, no, mass production does not always drive down prices.

I appreciate your opinions about the design. I get it. You don't like it. You've said so twice, now. That's fine. Perhaps it's because you are one of the Kiwis who have written me and are not happy that I do not export my product to New Zealand? I don't know, don't care... only that you are hijacking my sponsor thread about my product at my expense, and to the chagrin of 230+ satisfied customers and hundreds of others who have inquired... they obviously disagree with your opinion.

So, at risk of further ruining this thread specifically devoted to my product, I'd ask with respect that you resist the temptation to post further and kindly take your 2 cents and go elsewhere.

MBHustla858

the guy sells them for 100 bux,

standard pedestrian aimer from the dealer lists at 27 dollars.

flat SLK badge lists at 16

and the small one on the 190 lists at 7 dollars

you could probably convert the 190 badge to your needs.


good luck

DFWdude

Geez, this is a tough room.

The 190 badge is too small in diameter. It's also curved, so will not sit flush in the hood divot. Also has the white star which apparently is old-fashioned.

The SLK badge ($16 plus $10 for the mount) is plastic, doesn't fit well and snags a drying towel if installed incorrectly, and fades in the sun after a year or so. Made by the 10,000s by an plastic model toy manufacturer in Italy. I've bought and lived with several through the years. Real special? Not!

The cheapest price for the "standard pedestrian aimer" is $27. Here in Dallas the three dealers charge from $36-$48. Add sales tax to any price. Regardless, this is the basis for the WHITE STAR Flat Badge. To this amount, add the cost of parts I designed, have produced and shipped from overseas, plus 1 1/2 hours of machinist time... (hired any journeymen metal machinists at a two hour minimum lately?) to disassemble, mill the base in a lathe, install the insert, reassemble and package, etc. and you start to understand my pricing for a "limited production" item.

After dropping 50-60 Large on a C63, one would expect owners to be less concerned with penny-pinching on appearance accessories. You can't buy a dealer dipstick for your C63 for less than $120. Nothing on a Mercedes is cheap. Nothing.

JonMBZ

The standard conversion kits here are $58+tax and they are not built with the same quality as this one looks like. I think it looks nice and for him making them himself I don't think he is asking too much.

DFWdude

Thanks for appreciating the work involved in my product.

DFWdude

For those here in the Dallas area, Ewing Autohaus (Mercedes) in Plano has a couple of my WHITE STAR Flat Badges in stock... at a significant discount. Feel free to check their parts department for the details, 972-599-0909.

DFWdude

If anyone living in the Dallas area is willing to meet me with a cleanly washed W204 AMG, I would be happy to supply a new WHITE STAR Flat Badge at a $30 discount, in exchange for permission to take and post some pictures.

This offer goes to the first person who replies and follows-through to meet me. Please respond to my e-mail at DFWdude@tx.rr.com if interested, and mention that you read this post. Thanks.

Last Emperor

LOL


GREAT THREAD!

MB-BOB

I have received some PMs from members complaining they are having difficulty finding this thread. Until the Search Function is tweaked into something useful, I think I will make this one a STICKY for a while...