sneuman

Have noticed some people debadge their car. Can you guys/gals explain why?

CEB

This goes back to the days when Europeans removed the engine size designation so others wouldn't know that they had the base version with the small engine. Back then, the designations were riveted on and manufacturers would charge extra for a badge delete. That largely went away in the '90's.

Now, some people seem to think that it looks better. The only real advantage is that it makes detailing easier.

MBFLO

maybe just feel its a cleaner look

K-A

It could be one or more of these reasons:

Looks cleaner/better,
Doesn't let people know that you have a cheaper or smaller engine model,
Doesn't let people know that you have a more expensive or larger engine model,
Car got repainted and they didn't put the badges back on.

Could be more, but I'm sure those are the leading reasons.

In America, this seems to be somewhat of a conversational piece (we Americans are rightfully known to being a bit more image conscious/show-offy), but in Europe, the homeland of these cars, Badge-Delete is an OEM Option, as M-B gives you the choice to have badges or not. Also, most M-B's in Europe are de-badged, taking advantage of that factory option.

hyperion667

it does look cleaner and smoother......

I personally plan on the debadge because I like the look.......and no one will know my
car is an amg.......except the true fans of Mercedes Benz

it's wack we don't get the delete option.....

are you (OP) planning on debadging your 550?

SRPE350

I think it looks cleaner and better as well. I also "de-chromed" my ride, so the badge had to go...

Liwi

De-badging is more a safety issue for me
But also...
as Mr Hyperion667 only a true fan of MB would know what you have

Ctrl+alt+Elite

smoooooooooooth

Arrie

I have been thinking of de badging mine. How do you actually do it? How does the badge come off without damaging the paint?

hyperion667

one of the detailers I use said he'd bring a heat gun on his next visit for my e62, planning on debadging it on the first major detail coming up soon.....a heat gun seemed like it'd be okay to just warm it up a bit, then gently polish it a little, followed by the rest of the rig-a-ramu........
guess I'll post some results and pix when it's done....
I'd still like to have my 550 badges blacked out instead of removed.....
i think I'd like that look

CEB

Depends on how old the paint is. If it is fairly new then it'll look fine.

Grab some dental floss and a hair dryer. Warm up the glue holding on the badge a little and use the dentall floss to "saw" the badge off. Use 3M adhesive remover (bought in places like Autozone) to remove all traces of adhesive.

Finish off with a bit of polish, sealent and wax and you're all set.

hyperion667

+1

K-A

Just be careful not to get too rough with it. On my 2010, the Dealer removed it and it left a bunch of scuff marks. Didn't bother me after a while because you could only see them when under certain direct florescent lights, but they were there.

CEB

Correct. The goal is not to get the adhesive off with the dental floss, but to get the badge off. Most of the adhesive will peel or roll off and the remaining residue os removed with the adhesive remover.

hyperion667

badges are for the vain



how many of you cats have to have the shirt with the 'little horsey'
on it

Arrie

Thanks for the info on de-badging!

Autobahn-Maniac

My experience has been that at the end of the day the majority of de-badging regardless what most people say are done by owners that have lower designations on their cars. Whatever makes your day. But for the most part de-badging to get a smooth finish IMHO is BS. Would you de-badge an E550? Just out of curiosity how many that claim they de-badged have a 300, 350 etc as opposed to a V8 or more?

SRPE350

Please...I'll debadge every Benz I buy, it just looks much better to me. Benz type is irrelevant..and I did get a "smooth" finish..had a local shop do it.

omgitselaine

Debadge my car like an hour after i left the dealer it's a must IMHO !

DOOLA

will i get any crap from dealer for debadging my car thats a LEASE...when i return it?

sneuman

Thank you all for your answers. Must admit I am too vain to debadge my 550. Like that people know what i got

hyperion667

props for at least admiting it....

ImInPA

In the end, it is a personal preference. All good points made; however, I do not think all debadged vehicles are done to mask a less expensive model, as has been suggested. Some perhaps, but, I think it is more of a fashion statement. Personally, I only oppose dealer badging. It does not bother me in the least that my car says E350 Bluetec on the rear. It bothers me more that it does not also say 4matic, but, that is between me and MB.

EmE247

I have a debadged 350. I would debadge a 550 if I had one. I would debadge a E63 if I had one.

Just looks cleaner...

Cifdig

I live the deBadged look. Looks clean from the rear there's to much going on in the back so it looks much cleaner without it. It has nothing to do with the model of the car. My e55 was debaged my vw's are debaged my cousins cl55 is debaged. For some reason it also makes the *** look wider