03 E320 - To Mod or Not to Mod.....
#1
03 E320 - To Mod or Not to Mod.....
Hello Everyone,
New as a member but have been stopping by the site for years. So, hello to you all.
I've had a stock '03 E320 for years now and have recently been thinking more and more about making some changes to it. The car is in great shape and has no mechanical issues. I was debating buying a new car but can't really justify it when I already have one that's paid off and in great shape. I genuinely love the car as well. The desire to buy something new just comes with being a guy who likes shiny new things I guess.
So I thought about spending $5k or so and spicing things up a bit. In particular a body kit and some rims. I really like the look of the stock AMG body and don't plan on going crazy beyond that. So basically a stock body kit with some 19" wheels. Also some new headlights and maybe a grill.
Any suggestions or ideas? All are welcome and greatly appreciated.
KJ
New as a member but have been stopping by the site for years. So, hello to you all.
I've had a stock '03 E320 for years now and have recently been thinking more and more about making some changes to it. The car is in great shape and has no mechanical issues. I was debating buying a new car but can't really justify it when I already have one that's paid off and in great shape. I genuinely love the car as well. The desire to buy something new just comes with being a guy who likes shiny new things I guess.
So I thought about spending $5k or so and spicing things up a bit. In particular a body kit and some rims. I really like the look of the stock AMG body and don't plan on going crazy beyond that. So basically a stock body kit with some 19" wheels. Also some new headlights and maybe a grill.
Any suggestions or ideas? All are welcome and greatly appreciated.
KJ
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Down Unda
Posts: 3,133
Received 134 Likes
on
124 Posts
W204 C63 AMG, W212 E250 CGI, C207 E250 CGI
i was on the same boat as you when i had my 211. did an all out upgrade and couldnt be happier. although keep in mind, no matter what you add to your car now, the value wont appreciate when the time comes to sell it.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-new-look.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-new-look.html
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: V E G A S
Posts: 9,109
Received 1,744 Likes
on
1,391 Posts
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
First - spending on the car more than it is already worth is consider "labor of love".
Nothing wrong with it and good chances are the car will love you back.
I had 18" Lorinser monoblock on our wagon and they have been head turners.
Put back original wheels as I am selling the wagon, so can part with Lorinsers (have 6 of them) for right price.
Would not go bigger than 18" as even 18" with rear air makes difference in comfort.
Body kits are personal taste.
I am buying Mercedes so I don't have to modify cheap car to look like .... Mercedes...
What headlights you have? Our 2004 wagon has high discharge and even our need for the light at night is next to nothing, I would never replace them.
Nothing wrong with it and good chances are the car will love you back.
I had 18" Lorinser monoblock on our wagon and they have been head turners.
Put back original wheels as I am selling the wagon, so can part with Lorinsers (have 6 of them) for right price.
Would not go bigger than 18" as even 18" with rear air makes difference in comfort.
Body kits are personal taste.
I am buying Mercedes so I don't have to modify cheap car to look like .... Mercedes...
What headlights you have? Our 2004 wagon has high discharge and even our need for the light at night is next to nothing, I would never replace them.
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Down Unda
Posts: 3,133
Received 134 Likes
on
124 Posts
W204 C63 AMG, W212 E250 CGI, C207 E250 CGI
from this...
to this...
personally, i wouldnt waste money on 18's, too small for a big car...and no chrome wheels please. but thats just me.
to this...
personally, i wouldnt waste money on 18's, too small for a big car...and no chrome wheels please. but thats just me.
Last edited by beejAMG; 08-30-2016 at 05:32 PM.
#5
i was on the same boat as you when i had my 211. did an all out upgrade and couldnt be happier. although keep in mind, no matter what you add to your car now, the value wont appreciate when the time comes to sell it.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-new-look.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-new-look.html
#6
First - spending on the car more than it is already worth is consider "labor of love".
Nothing wrong with it and good chances are the car will love you back.
I had 18" Lorinser monoblock on our wagon and they have been head turners.
Put back original wheels as I am selling the wagon, so can part with Lorinsers (have 6 of them) for right price.
Would not go bigger than 18" as even 18" with rear air makes difference in comfort.
Body kits are personal taste.
I am buying Mercedes so I don't have to modify cheap car to look like .... Mercedes...
What headlights you have? Our 2004 wagon has high discharge and even our need for the light at night is next to nothing, I would never replace them.
Nothing wrong with it and good chances are the car will love you back.
I had 18" Lorinser monoblock on our wagon and they have been head turners.
Put back original wheels as I am selling the wagon, so can part with Lorinsers (have 6 of them) for right price.
Would not go bigger than 18" as even 18" with rear air makes difference in comfort.
Body kits are personal taste.
I am buying Mercedes so I don't have to modify cheap car to look like .... Mercedes...
What headlights you have? Our 2004 wagon has high discharge and even our need for the light at night is next to nothing, I would never replace them.
Right now the car is completely stock. So the headlights are original. Thanks for the info on the rims. I'll see where I end up once I start putting it together.
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Down Unda
Posts: 3,133
Received 134 Likes
on
124 Posts
W204 C63 AMG, W212 E250 CGI, C207 E250 CGI
i reckon US$5k is more than enough.
it cost me north of AU$9k, (2-3 yrs ago irc) but that included the coilovers, wheels/tyres (used), godhand lip and rear diffuser, paint and labor and all other parts.
but basically, you can get away with just the updated grille, front bar (w/ 3 critical brackets), L/R running board, rear bar and quad muffler tips.
but like i said, its money down the drain but well worth it for me.
check the link and youll see all you need in there and more.
it cost me north of AU$9k, (2-3 yrs ago irc) but that included the coilovers, wheels/tyres (used), godhand lip and rear diffuser, paint and labor and all other parts.
but basically, you can get away with just the updated grille, front bar (w/ 3 critical brackets), L/R running board, rear bar and quad muffler tips.
but like i said, its money down the drain but well worth it for me.
check the link and youll see all you need in there and more.
Last edited by beejAMG; 08-30-2016 at 07:00 PM.
Trending Topics
#8
Awesome. Thanks again, beej. I'll definitely post once I pull the trigger. At this point I don't even think it's a matter of if, just when and what I do to it.
And I agree that it's not going to increase it's value. That isn't a worry to me as I don't plan on selling it or trying to make money off it. I just enjoy driving a nice car that looks good. I take pride in keeping it clean and think a facelift would make me enjoy it even more than I already do.
And I agree that it's not going to increase it's value. That isn't a worry to me as I don't plan on selling it or trying to make money off it. I just enjoy driving a nice car that looks good. I take pride in keeping it clean and think a facelift would make me enjoy it even more than I already do.
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: V E G A S
Posts: 9,109
Received 1,744 Likes
on
1,391 Posts
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Take close look at facelifts.
We have 1 of each and FL brings additional troubles, like plate mount, easier to scratch on parkings and although general perception is that sharp nose is updated look, it does look too much for a snow plow for me.
Fact is that our FL is white
We have 1 of each and FL brings additional troubles, like plate mount, easier to scratch on parkings and although general perception is that sharp nose is updated look, it does look too much for a snow plow for me.
Fact is that our FL is white
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Down Unda
Posts: 3,133
Received 134 Likes
on
124 Posts
W204 C63 AMG, W212 E250 CGI, C207 E250 CGI
Awesome. Thanks again, beej. I'll definitely post once I pull the trigger. At this point I don't even think it's a matter of if, just when and what I do to it.
And I agree that it's not going to increase it's value. That isn't a worry to me as I don't plan on selling it or trying to make money off it. I just enjoy driving a nice car that looks good. I take pride in keeping it clean and think a facelift would make me enjoy it even more than I already do.
And I agree that it's not going to increase it's value. That isn't a worry to me as I don't plan on selling it or trying to make money off it. I just enjoy driving a nice car that looks good. I take pride in keeping it clean and think a facelift would make me enjoy it even more than I already do.
for me, it was well worth it just seeing it in my garage. goodluck mate!
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: V E G A S
Posts: 9,109
Received 1,744 Likes
on
1,391 Posts
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
no offence beej, but now I wonder what would be the first costmetic modification you'd think about once you could afford Ferrari ?
I like things being classic and classic wheels is the only change that fits my desire.
Talking about plate again, there is a reason why we have pretty long topic about the fit.
I like things being classic and classic wheels is the only change that fits my desire.
Talking about plate again, there is a reason why we have pretty long topic about the fit.
#13
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Down Unda
Posts: 3,133
Received 134 Likes
on
124 Posts
W204 C63 AMG, W212 E250 CGI, C207 E250 CGI
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: V E G A S
Posts: 9,109
Received 1,744 Likes
on
1,391 Posts
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
What beef?
Beej is very helpful guy, we just happen to have different cosmetic taste and forum per Roman definition is place for dispute.
Wait till forum clown come here to stir
Beej is very helpful guy, we just happen to have different cosmetic taste and forum per Roman definition is place for dispute.
Wait till forum clown come here to stir
#16
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Down Unda
Posts: 3,133
Received 134 Likes
on
124 Posts
W204 C63 AMG, W212 E250 CGI, C207 E250 CGI
hell no! this is how we talk (communicate) around here mate. all good.
ditto
and we dont wanna wake up some people now do we.
that is an understatement.
and we dont wanna wake up some people now do we.
that is an understatement.