Where'd you get that Grill?
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: vancouver
Originally posted by Adonis
Those who can afford the hood grill combo want to show their pockets are just that deep. Believe me there is nothing wrong with having money like that. I also agree that the h/g combo does look slightly better than the solo grill and may add better performance due to its lighter weight. But unless you race your benz it just doesn't justify the spending and that's just my 2cents. Let's be honest. Can anyone tell by looking at a stock hood and the solo grill and the hood grill combo that there is a difference of around $1700. nope
Those who can afford the hood grill combo want to show their pockets are just that deep. Believe me there is nothing wrong with having money like that. I also agree that the h/g combo does look slightly better than the solo grill and may add better performance due to its lighter weight. But unless you race your benz it just doesn't justify the spending and that's just my 2cents. Let's be honest. Can anyone tell by looking at a stock hood and the solo grill and the hood grill combo that there is a difference of around $1700. nope
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 49
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From: SoCal
1999 Mercedes CLK430
Honestly trying to justify spending $2K for a hood based on a 50 lbs. weigh difference for performance isn't really sane. How much of a differences can it really make? It does look better, but how much better is what you have to ask yourself, $1700 better? But if you got the cash, just floss it then. No one should tell someone else how to spend there money though. If you want it and have the money to spend, get it. You only live once, life is too short not to get what you really want.
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 109
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From: Miami, Fl
Deep Pockets
Thanks for the replies guys!!!! I really did not know it was going to spur up so much attention. Just one note to hopefully end all this.
Can you tell the difference between a $1200 Armani suit and a $300 suit from the "Men's Warehouse"?? To the average person probably not, but to those who wear Armani's, you better believe it. I say no more on that.
There are many other people outside this forum who think we all are nuts spending an additional "dime" to modify a car that is depreciating in value by the day. My take is, to each his own!
Anyway, like CLKeith430 implied, let's not judge people on how they spend their money, if they got it, floss it !!!
Gotto go now and talk to Evosport on the Kleeman mods.
Later
DapperBNZ
Can you tell the difference between a $1200 Armani suit and a $300 suit from the "Men's Warehouse"?? To the average person probably not, but to those who wear Armani's, you better believe it. I say no more on that.
There are many other people outside this forum who think we all are nuts spending an additional "dime" to modify a car that is depreciating in value by the day. My take is, to each his own!
Anyway, like CLKeith430 implied, let's not judge people on how they spend their money, if they got it, floss it !!!
Gotto go now and talk to Evosport on the Kleeman mods.
Later
DapperBNZ
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1
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From: SF Bay Area, California
CLK500
Grill from Streetwise Motorsports
I bought this star grill from Streetwise Motorsports in Fremont, California. The grill was $299. Installation and everything cost me around $380.
My 2002 CLK430 was totaled. I am on the waiting list for a 2003 CLK500. I have been on the waiting list since mid-July 2002. My dealer says that my 2003 CLK500 is due for production in Feb so I should get my car by the 2nd or 3rd week in March.
May
My 2002 CLK430 was totaled. I am on the waiting list for a 2003 CLK500. I have been on the waiting list since mid-July 2002. My dealer says that my 2003 CLK500 is due for production in Feb so I should get my car by the 2nd or 3rd week in March.
May
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,289
Likes: 9
From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
Re: Grill from Streetwise Motorsports
Originally posted by maytran
I bought this star grill from Streetwise Motorsports in Fremont, California. The grill was $299. Installation and everything cost me around $380.
My 2002 CLK430 was totaled. I am on the waiting list for a 2003 CLK500. I have been on the waiting list since mid-July 2002. My dealer says that my 2003 CLK500 is due for production in Feb so I should get my car by the 2nd or 3rd week in March.
May
I bought this star grill from Streetwise Motorsports in Fremont, California. The grill was $299. Installation and everything cost me around $380.
My 2002 CLK430 was totaled. I am on the waiting list for a 2003 CLK500. I have been on the waiting list since mid-July 2002. My dealer says that my 2003 CLK500 is due for production in Feb so I should get my car by the 2nd or 3rd week in March.
May
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 740
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From: Charlotte, NC
No longer car shopping...
Street value of the old hood/gril combo
Just a question as I read this. Is there a value for the old hood/grill combo? If I'm mod'ing a car anf can resale the removed parts, maybe true cost is more like $1200 instead of the $1700? Still expensive but could be getting to a reasonable level.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,906
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From: cali
2002 mercedes clk coupe
Originally posted by Bouncer
Umm.. no offense, but the "compliments will be endless" only from people who recognize the difference. Which is maybe 5% of the Mercedes owning population. The rest will give a disinterested "that's nice" as you rave about your new hood.
As to the Money is not a factor comment, I'll buy that just as soon as you take me on a ride in your Gulfstream and put me up on your private yacht on the riveria.
Until then, money remains a factor. People are going to make their decision based on a variety of factors. I don't own any of the three grills shown. The decision I make will be based on the criteria I consider important. Just as the decision you make is based on the criteria you judge important. But your judgement on this is no better or worse than mine.
My point is this:
You don't criticize me for buying a "cheap" grill (if I choose to do so) and I won't criticize you for wasting 2000 dollars on a piece of fiberglass that going to crumple like tissue paper in the event of an accident.
In short, treat others the way you expect to be treated.
Regards,
-Bouncer-
Umm.. no offense, but the "compliments will be endless" only from people who recognize the difference. Which is maybe 5% of the Mercedes owning population. The rest will give a disinterested "that's nice" as you rave about your new hood.
As to the Money is not a factor comment, I'll buy that just as soon as you take me on a ride in your Gulfstream and put me up on your private yacht on the riveria.
Until then, money remains a factor. People are going to make their decision based on a variety of factors. I don't own any of the three grills shown. The decision I make will be based on the criteria I consider important. Just as the decision you make is based on the criteria you judge important. But your judgement on this is no better or worse than mine.
My point is this:
You don't criticize me for buying a "cheap" grill (if I choose to do so) and I won't criticize you for wasting 2000 dollars on a piece of fiberglass that going to crumple like tissue paper in the event of an accident.
In short, treat others the way you expect to be treated.
Regards,
-Bouncer-
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 111
Likes: 1
From: Chgo
CLK 320
Re: Deep Pockets
Originally posted by DapperBNZ
Thanks for the replies guys!!!! I really did not know it was going to spur up so much attention. Just one note to hopefully end all this.
DapperBNZ
Thanks for the replies guys!!!! I really did not know it was going to spur up so much attention. Just one note to hopefully end all this.
DapperBNZ
All I ask is that you rich folks be reasonable with your comments and your boasting. Be mindful that we all don't have the kind of money where we can get up one day and say " Oh my, I think i'll go spend 2grand on that new hood and grill combo ". To those who have the one piece grill your cars look just as nice don't be discouraged. We must live within our means. To the rich and not so rich , do whatever makes you happy but most of all remember it's not what you have but how you use it.
Adonis
Last edited by Adonis; Jan 24, 2003 at 09:36 PM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 120
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From: Chicago
maytran I bought this star grill from Streetwise Motorsports in Fremont, California. The grill was $299. Installation and everything cost me around $380.
Man, You totalled your CLK? That's horrible. Hope you didn't get hurt! Bet you can't wait to get your new CLK 500!
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 109
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From: Miami, Fl
Deep Pockets
Hold on "G" I distictly remember starting this thread. Isn't that just like people with big money , ya think you own everything, not.
All I ask is that you rich folks be reasonable with your comments and your boasting. Be mindful that we all don't have the kind of money where we can get up one day and say " Oh my, I think i'll go spend 2grand on that new hood and grill combo ". To those who have the one piece grill your cars look just as nice don't be discouraged. We must live within our means. To the rich and not so rich , do whatever makes you happy but most of all remember it's not what you have but how you use it.
Adonis
You guys are definately taking this out of context. The moral here is that if you can afford it, buy it. And I get bent outta shape when folks tell other folks how to use their money! As CLKeith430 put it:
"No one should tell someone else how to spend thier money though. If you want it and have the money to spend, get it. You only live once, life is too short not to get what you really want."
I think that was well said.
Imagine, we are bikering over how to spend $1,700 bucks while we have 16, 17, & 18 year old members on this forum that own $50,000 CLKs (heck, when I was there age I owned a $300 1965 Chevy Impala). However, you don't see anyone bi_ ching why parents buy such an expensive car for someone so young ! The bottom line is "all fingers are not equal." That is, some people will have some will not, and I think we all should be grateful that we are blessed with what we have (however so great or little).
That's my 2 cents!
Peace !
All I ask is that you rich folks be reasonable with your comments and your boasting. Be mindful that we all don't have the kind of money where we can get up one day and say " Oh my, I think i'll go spend 2grand on that new hood and grill combo ". To those who have the one piece grill your cars look just as nice don't be discouraged. We must live within our means. To the rich and not so rich , do whatever makes you happy but most of all remember it's not what you have but how you use it.
Adonis
You guys are definately taking this out of context. The moral here is that if you can afford it, buy it. And I get bent outta shape when folks tell other folks how to use their money! As CLKeith430 put it:
"No one should tell someone else how to spend thier money though. If you want it and have the money to spend, get it. You only live once, life is too short not to get what you really want."
I think that was well said.
Imagine, we are bikering over how to spend $1,700 bucks while we have 16, 17, & 18 year old members on this forum that own $50,000 CLKs (heck, when I was there age I owned a $300 1965 Chevy Impala). However, you don't see anyone bi_ ching why parents buy such an expensive car for someone so young ! The bottom line is "all fingers are not equal." That is, some people will have some will not, and I think we all should be grateful that we are blessed with what we have (however so great or little).
That's my 2 cents!
Peace !
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Miami, Fl
Street value of the old hood/gril combo
Just a question as I read this. Is there a value for the old hood/grill combo? If I'm mod'ing a car anf can resale the removed parts, maybe true cost is more like $1200 instead of the $1700? Still expensive but could be getting to a reasonable level.
You took the thought right outta my mind. I got my hood/grill combo installed last week. It's my intention to sell my OEM hood. I'll either do it over E-Bay or as my body man suggested, advertise it at an "authorized MBenz body shop" for those who might have wrecked their CLK's. He said it should go for $500 to $700 bucks, but he will confirm later.
I'll post pictures once I get it detailed. Right now in SoFlo, it's freaking too cold. A whopping 50 degrees !!!! I'm sure some of you folks up North are rolling out laughing right about now, but hey, we moved down here for the Sun !!
You took the thought right outta my mind. I got my hood/grill combo installed last week. It's my intention to sell my OEM hood. I'll either do it over E-Bay or as my body man suggested, advertise it at an "authorized MBenz body shop" for those who might have wrecked their CLK's. He said it should go for $500 to $700 bucks, but he will confirm later.
I'll post pictures once I get it detailed. Right now in SoFlo, it's freaking too cold. A whopping 50 degrees !!!! I'm sure some of you folks up North are rolling out laughing right about now, but hey, we moved down here for the Sun !!
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Miami, Fl
deep pockets cont.
originally posted by nabzy
yeap had a new CLK every year for 5 yrs
98 320
99 430
00 430 cab
01 55 coupe
02 55 cab
By the way, this is a perfect example of my previous post. I don't see anyone telling this guy how to spend his money ! He's probably got a an '03 (209) on order. Some people own 1 car for six years or more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
yeap had a new CLK every year for 5 yrs 98 320
99 430
00 430 cab
01 55 coupe
02 55 cab
By the way, this is a perfect example of my previous post. I don't see anyone telling this guy how to spend his money ! He's probably got a an '03 (209) on order. Some people own 1 car for six years or more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
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300ce
.............As many on this forum know, I am not shy about performing mods on my car. The burgundy CLK someeone posted earlier is my car. Cost aside, I honestly didn't think the hood grill combo looks significantly DIFFERENT from the stock hood plus the shatz grill. Clearly the former has a larger star. Perharps like Ben said, it looks much different in person.
Ted
Ted
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 109
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From: Miami, Fl
New CL Hood/Grill
Lorinser CLK, maybe we can hook up one day.
Unfortunately, I really have'nt had the time to enjoy the looks of the hood just yet. I travel on business a lot. I got the hood installed last week and flew out the following day. My travel will reduce soon and when I'm back in town for a while, I'll get her detailed and take her for a spin on South Beach. We can hook up there!!
I must admit though, THE HOOD IS OFF THE CHAIN !!!! It looks great! Even my buddies that saw me the day I brought it back from the body shop said that it was looking good. So I definately expect to get a lot of compliments. My next mod is to lower it then look into engine mods.
DapperBNZ
2002 Orion Blue CLK 430
(soon to be a CLK 43K)
All the "K" packages
Unfortunately, I really have'nt had the time to enjoy the looks of the hood just yet. I travel on business a lot. I got the hood installed last week and flew out the following day. My travel will reduce soon and when I'm back in town for a while, I'll get her detailed and take her for a spin on South Beach. We can hook up there!!
I must admit though, THE HOOD IS OFF THE CHAIN !!!! It looks great! Even my buddies that saw me the day I brought it back from the body shop said that it was looking good. So I definately expect to get a lot of compliments. My next mod is to lower it then look into engine mods.
DapperBNZ
2002 Orion Blue CLK 430
(soon to be a CLK 43K)
All the "K" packages
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 740
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From: Charlotte, NC
No longer car shopping...
Seems a lot of mods on here
Seems a lot of people do their own mods on here. Has anyone purchased one of the bigger CL stars (or the newer clk) grills and simply taken it to a fabrication shop? My family has some very close ties to the NASCAR folks around here and I understand these guys can do just about anything for a little cash on the side. I think $300 (Plue the grill) can get me a nice '03 looking big star without the exhorbent cost of the full hood.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
Likes: 3
From: Southern CA
The problem is you run into a totally different angle between the grill portion of the w208 CLK hood and any MB star grill. Cutting the grill to fit will still not compensate for the angle. The hood is actually shaped differenntly, in that it comes out a little further, and is angled and has the curvature of the CL (hence the name). It is more like a CL hood on a CLK than just a grill.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,436
Likes: 6
300ce
Seems a lot of people do their own mods on here. Has anyone purchased one of the bigger CL stars (or the newer clk) grills and simply taken it to a fabrication shop? My family has some very close ties to the NASCAR folks around here and I understand these guys can do just about anything for a little cash on the side. I think $300 (Plue the grill) can get me a nice '03 looking big star without the exhorbent cost of the full hood.
.............you don't need to do that. Autoclass.net have new grill for CLK with the big star and you don't have to change your hood. I am not sure the I completely understand the BIG star vs the small star debate because to me they both look nice. But if you rather have the big star but don't want to change your hood, now you can through autoclass.net.
Ted
.............you don't need to do that. Autoclass.net have new grill for CLK with the big star and you don't have to change your hood. I am not sure the I completely understand the BIG star vs the small star debate because to me they both look nice. But if you rather have the big star but don't want to change your hood, now you can through autoclass.net.
Ted
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
Likes: 3
From: Southern CA
Yes, it's a big star, but it in no way resembles the CL/SL/w209 Grill:
(btw, a star is included in the center of that picture)
The benefit of the above grill is that it fits into the stock hood and is cheaper than the CL alternative. I have seen both side-by-side, and the CL one has a much better angle and depth to it.
(btw, a star is included in the center of that picture)
The benefit of the above grill is that it fits into the stock hood and is cheaper than the CL alternative. I have seen both side-by-side, and the CL one has a much better angle and depth to it.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
Likes: 3
From: Southern CA
Thanks Ted! Your car looks awesome too. I happen to prefer my hood/grill combination, but there is definitely a price difference between the two, so I completely understand if some people can not justify spending that amount of money. I just want to make sure that no one with a grill other than mine feels like I have alienated them with my opinions in this post.
Your car looks awesome too. I happen to prefer my hood/grill combination, but there is definitely a price difference between the two, so I completely understand if some people can not justify spending that amount of money. I just want to make sure that no one with a grill other than mine feels like I have alienated them with my opinions in this post.
