DIY : Mesh screen grill
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 397
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From: Sunny S. California
03 E500
DIY : Mesh screen grill
After changing out my air intake I noticed there was a LOT of bugs, dead insect, leaves, and even a bee in there. This is really bad considering those are things that can clog up the filters big time. Then a inspect of the radiator also shows a lot of bugs and tiny rocks stuck into the fins behind where the grill is. That's where the problem is...too much crap is getting through the grills and into the intakes/radiator. A little DIY is made to fix this problem.
Things needed :
1. Mesh screens (the ones used for windows) from Home Depot
2. 8 plastic clip tie also from Home Depot
3. 3M heavy duty double side tape. Home Depot
4. sizzors for cutting the mesh.
First cut out a piece of mesh the size covering the entire grill. Don't worry about the shape, we'll trim it after it is mounted onto the grill.
Then it's time to put the mesh screen onto behind the grill. Using the 6 hex screws that holds the grill to the hood, you'll need a 5/16" socket to remove the bolts. Just cut a little hole in the mesh then the bolt will go right through. 3M tape is used to hold the mesh in place.
Here is where the 6 bolts are that will hold the top of the mesh up. Don't worry about the uneveness of the mesh, we'll trim it after it is all done.
For the bottom and middle we'll use the 8 clips to secure it to the grill. On the bottom part of the grill there are 2 square opening with a circular opening that is perfect for tie down the mesh.
Here are where the other 6 clips goes from the front of grill.
After pics of the grill when it's all done.
Things needed :
1. Mesh screens (the ones used for windows) from Home Depot
2. 8 plastic clip tie also from Home Depot
3. 3M heavy duty double side tape. Home Depot
4. sizzors for cutting the mesh.
First cut out a piece of mesh the size covering the entire grill. Don't worry about the shape, we'll trim it after it is mounted onto the grill.
Then it's time to put the mesh screen onto behind the grill. Using the 6 hex screws that holds the grill to the hood, you'll need a 5/16" socket to remove the bolts. Just cut a little hole in the mesh then the bolt will go right through. 3M tape is used to hold the mesh in place.
Here is where the 6 bolts are that will hold the top of the mesh up. Don't worry about the uneveness of the mesh, we'll trim it after it is all done.
For the bottom and middle we'll use the 8 clips to secure it to the grill. On the bottom part of the grill there are 2 square opening with a circular opening that is perfect for tie down the mesh.
Here are where the other 6 clips goes from the front of grill.
After pics of the grill when it's all done.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 957
Likes: 1
was '03 E320 - now - '04 S4
Nice post. One word of caution. On S2000s - mesh grilles have been shown (by OBD II readings) to increase the intake air temps. The S2000 ECU is very sensitive to heat and increasing the intake temps leads to reduced performance due to timing being retarded a bit.
Not sure if any of this is applicable to the W211 - but might be something to look out for.
Not sure if any of this is applicable to the W211 - but might be something to look out for.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 693
Likes: 1
From: Mansfield, TX
11 ML350W2 / 17 GLC300
Good job. I have performed the same exercise by installing the screen on the front of the a/c condenser. It really does keep a lot of flying critters out of the condenser and air intakes.
Next DIY I want to start tinkering on upgrading the speakers for my HK system.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
06 320E CDI, Porsche 911 C2, Pontiac Montana
I don't know why you went through all this trouble. I just stuck one of the wives old bra on the grill and no bugs, rocks, small mammals or human hand can get past it.
You should have asked.....
You should have asked.....
