Has anybody tried other grill types besides 55tech and know how they compare in terms of fit and finish?
Looking at 55tech vs these guys https://www.ebay.com/str/mbzpartsusa...cat=2220732619
Not sure why the raised center top portion is for but they say it fits e-class coupe c207 2010-2013
I like the look on my car and I think the quality is fairly good (it certainly seems better than the 55Tech pics above), but there was one issue with it - the factory grille uses a plastic support brace, which screws to the top of the radiator housing and snaps into the upper part of the round housing for the star emblem. The aftermarket grille does not mate with the support brace. If it did, I believe the replacement grille would line up well with the front edge of the hood, but as it is, the top of the grille sits slightly indented (about .5") behind the front edge of the hood.
I will say that shipping was fast and free, the price was competitive, and the seller was outstanding to work with. When I asked about the support brace, he contacted the manufacturer and shared their response with me, and then offered to take the grille back or provide a partial refund of the purchase price. I opted to keep it and took the partial refund. I do like the appearance much better than the factory grille, which I think is one of the least attractive grilles MB has ever created.
Thank you for your reply. Yes, I realized that most aftermarket grilles do not have the top tab to be mounted with the support brace.. Half of my bumper slot tabs are broken so my concern was how secure the grille is going to sit there with only half tabs holding it and without the top brace support.. Will have to see..
Since the aftermarket grill does not mount to the support brace, do your grills wobble a little (back and forth) at the top? Or is it fixed and doesn't move at all.
The previous owner of my car had installed an aftermarket grill, and I just realized that he also stuck 2 screws to hold it in place. Now that I know, it looks really ugly. I removed the screws and noticed the grill moves back and forth when pushed at the top - solid on the bottom. Would removing the screws move the grill a lot more while driving?
The screws are definitely an inelegant mounting approach.
If I press on the top edge of my grille, just below the hood, I can flex it with very little effort. However, I don't believe that the grille is in a constant state of motion while I'm driving.
We talked on another thread and I did buy what I think is the same grille as yours. However they can't find the installation video - do you have it? Thanks, Donn https://www.ebay.com/itm/39466306797...Bk9SR9rf_NrMYg
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