E-Class (W212) 2010 - 2016: E 350, E 550
Old 06-24-2015, 05:42 PM
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DIY: Removing W212 Front Grill

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Old 07-07-2014, 09:11 PM
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E350 Bluetec
Originally Posted by lordshin808
hey guys. I just got a 2011 E350 too and want to change the grill to the star grill. Where can I buy the best OEM looking grill and hood emblem?

I'm still trying to learn everything about MB. Been a BMW guy for many years. First MB.

Thanks.
You must have been lurking a LONG time with that Sept. '06 join date.

So many grill options and opinions. I mainly wanted my E350 to NOT look so much like a Hyundai Genesis. Those Koreans are basically mimicking nearly everything MB does form a styling perspective, the E350 grill being a prime example.

I wanted something that looked plausibly stock to most folks (see pics above) and improved the overall front end appeal. I got my on eBay.

I dig the 2 bar sport grill, but too chicken to try it on my pre-facelift model. I can see myself changing mine out a later date. These things are only like $120. I can install a grill on an E350 faster than I can change the air filter on my '85 911. That damn thing is WEDGED up in there and i have Popeye forearms.

Do watcha' you like, it is pretty easy to go back to stock.
Old 08-10-2014, 09:20 AM
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I agree. It's extremely easy to swap out the grill. I just swapped mine yesterday with one the grill options from 55tech. I used the instructions posted at the start of this thread.
Old 08-11-2014, 05:41 PM
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Old 08-23-2014, 11:50 PM
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2011 e550 -retired; 2016 e63 -retired, 2022 s580 -active
55tech diztronic

Originally Posted by immokalee98
I agree. It's extremely easy to swap out the grill. I just swapped mine yesterday with one the grill options from 55tech. I used the instructions posted at the start of this thread.
I just ordered the e550 grill from 55tech for diztronic. Has anyone done this mod on the diztronic? if so what are the differences from the OP and video.

any helps appreciated, im hoping to mount my new grill this week
Old 08-24-2014, 07:37 AM
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'14 E350
Originally Posted by immokalee98
I agree. It's extremely easy to swap out the grill. I just swapped mine yesterday with one the grill options from 55tech. I used the instructions posted at the start of this thread.
Anyone removed the grill on a 2014 model year yet? It's not nearly so simple because the clips aren't easily accessible like in prior models. There's simply no way to get your hands down there. Looks like it might be necessary to remove a substantial portion of the front of the body.
Old 08-24-2014, 02:59 PM
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Mine: 2014 E550 4matic; Hers: 2016 CLS 400 4matic
Originally Posted by Kabra
Anyone removed the grill on a 2014 model year yet? It's not nearly so simple because the clips aren't easily accessible like in prior models. There's simply no way to get your hands down there. Looks like it might be necessary to remove a substantial portion of the front of the body.
Good question does anyone already make aftermarket grills?
Old 08-24-2014, 04:27 PM
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'14 E350
Originally Posted by Munich77
Good question does anyone already make aftermarket grills?
These are the only ones that I'm aware of:

http://www.55tech.com/collections/w212-2014-2015

I'd like to eliminate the chrome edge around the grill but unfortunately that's not part of the grill. BTW, I'm referring to the sport version. The luxury model is a bit different.
Old 08-26-2014, 04:37 PM
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W212 350cdi
Black aftermarket grill

Hi,

Working fine and gives also protection to distronic technology...

//Ville
Attached Thumbnails DIY: Removing W212 Front Grill-image.jpg  
Old 09-05-2014, 12:08 AM
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2011 e550 -retired; 2016 e63 -retired, 2022 s580 -active
Originally Posted by Villemb
Hi,

Working fine and gives also protection to distronic technology...

//Ville
Looks great man... so install was like the OP. nothing special to protect the stuff behind the plate (diztronic gear) on the original grill when removing it?
Old 09-05-2014, 03:58 PM
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W212 350cdi
Hi,

Thanks,
No problems or any extra brackets compared without distronic function installation.




Originally Posted by jay2o01
Looks great man... so install was like the OP. nothing special to protect the stuff behind the plate (diztronic gear) on the original grill when removing it?
Old 09-28-2014, 03:17 PM
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2020 GLS450, W108 280SEL, 2009 CLK550, Sold: 2012 E63 PP, 2017 Silverado, 2016 Cayenne GTS, 2005 911
I just installed the 55Tech grill today with distronic. I used the DIY pics at the start of this thread (thanks for doing that!!!) After reading thread i was paranoid and careful but it wasn't as bad as i thought and took literally 20min including replacement of the OEM hood emblem with a JBS Speed $20 emblem. When removing the OEM grill, just look around with a flashlight to find the lower clips. I find the 55tech grill has a bit more of a horizontal gap atop the grill but i honestly think it's just me seeing something different and i'll get used to it. My wife walked out of the house and said "i like it, it looks mean" so that works for me! For the JBSSpeed button, it does not fit perfectly flat on the E63 hood (becuase of the seam but from the top you can't tell the difference. I am concerned about water getting underneath and i will monitor. Love the looks though. Thanks to 55tech and JBSpeed.
Attached Thumbnails DIY: Removing W212 Front Grill-grill1.jpg   DIY: Removing W212 Front Grill-grill2.jpg  
Old 09-28-2014, 05:25 PM
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very nice. looks good.
Old 10-13-2014, 04:35 PM
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Thank You for all the info

Thank You to everyone for all the info, links, pix, etc. This is fun. Just ordered my grill from 55tech and a flat hood badge from JBSpeed. Can't wait to get them.


Question:
Does anyone know if the new Mercedes Illuminate Star option will retrofit to the 55tech grill? Assuming these are all the same size star now, and that they clips are the same? Simple snap out, snap in (plus wiring of course)? If anyone knows for sure, great, but I've sent an email to 55tech to ask.


Joe
Old 10-15-2014, 04:09 PM
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how's the quality of the grills from 55tech?
Old 10-16-2014, 11:19 AM
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2012 E350 Sport Sedan (palladium silver)
Quality / Illuminated Grill Star

Haven't gotten my grill yet, but I'll let ya know.


Also, I did talk to them regarding the illuminating star and it looks like the star that they use on this particular E-class grill is not the same size as the illuminated star. I guess there are 3 (maybe even 4) different grill star sizes??? and this grill would not work with the OEM illuminated star. Just something to keep in mind if you go aftermarket.
Old 10-17-2014, 07:22 AM
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C
Some good looking grills from China.




Old 10-17-2014, 09:21 AM
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5tech lost me as a customer real quick.
Old 10-17-2014, 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by beegee227
how's the quality of the grills from 55tech?
Mannnn I had the WORST EXPERIENCE WITH 5TECH. I ordered the matte grill from them. At first I was very happy but 3 weeks in, everything went to hell. I used a normal car wash soap and omg that grill looked terrible. I sent over 10 emails and all they kept saying was "your replacement is on the way" That was 3 months ago. NEVER AGAIN.
Old 10-17-2014, 09:48 AM
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2011 E350
Originally Posted by beegee227
how's the quality of the grills from 55tech?
Hope this helps. Here are the emails and pictures of my car lol Hope this doesn't happen to any of you.
















Old 10-17-2014, 10:33 AM
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2011 E350
In my opinion the easiest way is to take the grill apart. Remove the chrome portion of the grill. Plasti dip the face and call it a day. Sorry for the crazy grill stand I made lol








Old 02-04-2016, 12:26 PM
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A year and a half later but I'm keeping this alive

After reading and ponder for a few months I decided to update my E350 with a star grill by 55tech and flat emblem by Jbspeed. Took 20 minutes total and was not difficult. My wife looked and said, "It looks more modern and stylish now." Ofcourse I kept the old gunsite hood ornament and grill (in the garage) but this looks much better.
Old 02-04-2016, 12:28 PM
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Here's the pic


Originally Posted by E-Sport
After reading and ponder for a few months I decided to update my E350 with a star grill by 55tech and flat emblem by Jbspeed. Took 20 minutes total and was not difficult. My wife looked and said, "It looks more modern and stylish now." Ofcourse I kept the old gunsite hood ornament and grill (in the garage) but this looks much better.
Old 02-04-2016, 12:30 PM
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Uh oh

So now do I wait for somebody to give me s*** because I went with the AMG style grill? 3...2...1...
Old 02-04-2016, 01:32 PM
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People only seem to react to badges, not grills. I think it looks good, but I still like my classic grill.
Old 02-04-2016, 02:01 PM
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looks good


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