unclebenz

That badge you see reccessed in the grove like that is the metal badge that you twist on from under the hood, they're evailable in europe, i seen a few on ebay a while ago, asking rate was 89.95, but it is metal and it doesnt require 3m tape or twist bolts, just turn like the oem star to fit it on..i'll try to find that ebay auction.

DFWdude

If you refer to the badge in Posts #1 and #16, I can tell you it's not a European badge at all, but of my design in the US. It's never been available on ebay, and I'm not sure I will ever make it available on ebay. I've made it available (since July 15 only) to MBWorld members at the encouragement and friendly cajoling of several members here.

Currently, there are only 20 of these badges in circulation: one in the UK, one in S. Korea, one going to Canada, and the balance in the US. I doubt I will make more than 50 of these. I'm curious to see the European ebay design, but as best I can tell, mine is the only one to use the twist design of the OEM Mercedes part.

unclebenz

so it is the one piece twist on emblem? maybe it wasnt the same exact design but there where a few on ebay when i was looking to purchase one, they were coming from europe, i just refused to pay 20.00 shipping plus 89.95 so i went with the oem plastic badge instead.

rodE350

Bought the badge today from DFWdude for my E350. I will post after the install. Any suggestions where I can get the Star Grille? Thanks

cyclerider

The 2007 E-Class is the same. When they added the medallion to the top of the grill, they went to a solid chrome pedestal for the star.

JDM

ok..makes sense. I like the badge at the crest of the grill. they did that in the past too.

DFWdude

For anyone interested, the dealer is restocked with OEM stars, and I picked up a handful today. I will make some more WHITE STAR Flat Badges this weekend.

rodE350

Hey Rob, recieved the flat WHITE STAR hood badge and installed it. It really looks awesome. I am loving it very much. Here are some pictures.

DFWdude

Neat. This thread started with a Black E, and now we have a White E. I love both colors. I'm proud that you are happy with your WHITE STAR Flat Badge. I'm taking great delight in seeing my hobby work grace such beautiful cars! Thanks.

MB-BOB

We've talked alot about the plastic hood badge available at the dealer. I've switched to the new WHITE STAR Flat Badge, because I didn't like the way the "genuine" SLK badge from the dealer weathered over time. Below is a comparison. Left is a new badge. I had just bought it and was prepared to put it on my car, when the DFWdude White Star option became available. The badge on the right is my old SLK Badge. Once the clear coat wears off with weekly washes, the Dark Blue Wreath fades and chips quickly, as the side-by-side shots show.

The DFW-Dude badge has been on my car since April, and it looks as brilliant as the day I bought it.

rodE350

I second that.....the DFWdude flat hood badge is number 1 out there....money well spent

Hemoglobin

I happily recieved my emblem, #027 a couple days ago. DFWDude made the whole thing simple and painless. The product speaks for it's self. I wanted to have the clear corners and wheels here for the pic, but that just gives me more posts later

rodE350

Wow, I love white Es

MB-BOB

Does anyone have one of these badges on a color other than white or black? I think Es come in several colors, yes?

MB-BOB

Member AdamVax has installed a WHITE STAR Flat Badge on his Mars Red W203. WOW! Now that's a different color combination!

DFWdude

Gorgeous, indeed! But of course, all MBZ colors are handsome.

mbuskuhl

I officially have limited production No. 51 installed!

This is the only option IMO for a flat hood badge. I have gone through a few trials with other ones, plastic, plastic painted black and a few retro ones. Nothing compares to the quality or appearance of the WHITE STAR. Truly custom, I had no idea so much work went into making these until I got to talk with DFWDude. The OEM upright is machined to size to fit the white star as well as the star is one of a kind, you can't buy it anywhere, the stars were custom made for these flat badges. It's an all metal badge, no plastic.

It got me thinking, these have been officially named "WHITE STAR" badge. Moet & Chandon has a Champagne called White Star (this is not the Korbel junk). Quite fitting that this badge has the same name as a real Champagne. Other flat badges might be considered a wine cooler compared to this "Champagne" badge.

Thanks DFW Dude!!!

DFWdude

Well, there is also the WHITE STAR Line which built and operated the steamship TITANIC. But I certainly like your analogy much better. Thanks and I'm glad you like your WHITE STAR Flat Badge!

DFWdude

But I digress... Back on the topic of flat badges...

There has been discussion comparing my WHITE STAR Flat Badge with the plastic SLK badge. My customers tell me the WHITE STAR Flat Badge shines more in the light.

So, I decided to test this by photographing both badges, shot in sunlight, to compare how both badges pick up the light, side-by-side. Obvously, the WHITE STAR Flat Badge is on the left, while the SLK badge is on the right. Both badges are brand new.

The facets within the WHITE STAR field do seem to catch the light more (by design), accentuating the white star and the contrast within the Laurel Wreath ring of the badge in general.
.

MB-BOB

Wow! The difference is very pronounced.

While I'm driving, I sometimes have to lower the sunshade... (LOL!)

rodE350

I don't think there is something else out there that will outdo Rob's WHITE STAR Flat Badge.

DFWdude

Thanks, Rod!

A member came by my home over the weekend and we installed a WHITE STAR Flat Badge on his CLK55 AMG. Here are some pictures...

sgaar

I just don't get it....at all! Why would you want to take the star off the hood??

We have all paid a good chunk of money to get a car with a star on the hood. Now, the hood ornaments made by DFWdude looks very nice and from what I can tell from the pictures it looks like top notch quality so it is not about putting cheap crap on your car.

I like driving down the street and look out and see the star on the hood. It is reassuring, it tells you how long the car is when maneuvering the parking lots (unless you have Parktronic) and most importantly; it LOOKS good. This is a Mercedes Benz and it is one of the few cars that still come with a hood ornament. It has been part of Mercedes Benz almost from the start of the company and been on the hood of the cars from Stuttgart just as long.

mbuskuhl

I don't feel the need to put the giant hood star in someone's rear view mirror. I know what I drive and don't need to advertise it.

edit: fixed fromatting on quote from sgarr

Slim Pickens

Wow, call the doctor, we have a case of tunnel vision... Not to throw rocks, but look around... 3/4 of the entire Mercedes-Benz line does NOT display the upright star, as delivered from the factory, including many of the most "exclusive" cars:

CL-Class
CLS-Class
CLK-Class
SL-Class
SLK-Class
ML/M-Class
G-Class
R-Class
SLR-McLaren

In contrast, there are just a few with upright stars:

S-Class
E-Class
C-Class

So, I think the upright hood star is no longer a "tradition." Mercedes-Benz is ensuring that all by themselves.

I like both the upright star and DFWdude's White Star Badge, and swap between them whenever the mood hits me.