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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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks, beej! That's pretty much spot on with what I'm looking to do. I'm so close to pulling the trigger. Sorry in advance if this is too personal, but what do you think I'm in for realistically, cost wise? I'm not planning to do any of the work myself as I truly don't have the time. So ideally I could find a shop out here in Los Angeles that'll take care of it all.
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.
Hey Kajtek. Thanks for the reply. It'll definitely be a labor of love. I've had the car for 10 years and don't plan on ever getting rid of it. It'll be something that sits in the garage if and when I buy something new. I don't see a point in selling it.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
good! glad to help mate. just message me or post here if you have any questions otherwise that link will tell you all you need to know.
for me, it was well worth it just seeing it in my garage. goodluck mate!
no offense mate, but if that is "trouble" for you, then im not wondering why 18" chrome wheels is the only mod youve done to your estate. like i said before and ill say it again, different strokes, for different folks.
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.
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
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
Haha. I've been missing out all these years. This is going to be fun.
Dang. Did I stir up some old beef? Sorry about that, fellas!
hell no! this is how we talk (communicate) around here mate. all good.
Originally Posted by kajtek1
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
ditto
and we dont wanna wake up some people now do we.
Originally Posted by KerryJoeJoe
Haha. I've been missing out all these years. This is going to be fun.
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