De badged today
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Bergen Co,NJ
14' CLS550
Stupid story to show how clueless people are.. Few years back when i was in a car club and going to shows often with my c300, one of the members (big into VW owned a GTI) We were bs'n about my car, first time i ever met him when i told him the base price starts at under 40K his jaw dropped.. He says "no *** way i thought it was atleast 80K.. HAA
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Bay Area, CA
2010 E350
I think in the US it is primarily the enthusiast community that debadges. This community is younger and less affluent and more likely to buy a 350 vs a 550.
If we see a debadged E on the road (without knowing the owner or looking under the hood) how would you know if it was a 350 or a 550? Certainly nobody outside of the enthusiast community would care.
If we see a debadged E on the road (without knowing the owner or looking under the hood) how would you know if it was a 350 or a 550? Certainly nobody outside of the enthusiast community would care.
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
I agree with you, accept for the hi-lighted area. It may be true, but when making my purchase the difference in cost was around 10%. Yes, I was buying used. However, I wanted the more fuel efficient model. I see my E as a cuiser/commuter. Not a sports car. If I want to go fast, I drive this:
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Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Indiana
2016 GL63 AMG, 2012 E550 4 matic
The irony is that the "3" on 350 looks like a "5" unless you are close and at a very good angle. But you can see a debadged car from a mile away. So, whereas your car might have been assumed to be a 550 by distant onlookers, now it is much more identifiable as a 350. For this reason, you can actually identify a 350 much easier once a car is debadged. You might as well paint "350" in fluorescent orange across the trunk and bumper.
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From: PA
18'Porsche GT3, 16' Ram 3500 mega diesel,30' Model A Ratrod, 17' E43
I'm tired of people talking about ***** and people being a poser. Who cares what people think, be happy with what you drive, 350, 550, their both great cars. I owned an 08 e350 and loved it, now I have a 11 550 and love that as well. Hopefully when I am ready to get my next car I will be in a position to buy a 63, but until then I am very happy with my 550, badged or not badged(I did recently de-badge to see if I would like it). And for the record, I do think that more 350 owners debadge. Just my opinion, and if its true, who cares. As long as the owner is happy F*** IT... I wish there was a cool badge for the front fender area for the 350's and 550's, I love the look of the 63's with something in that area.
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From: Basel, Switzerland
Audi A5 Sportback + Cannondale Prophet
When you order a BMW here in The Netherlands, you have to select badge/no badge... no emotions, no opinions, just an option on a computer screen. Who cares why the hell people debadge. I would debadge my Burberry shirts if I could. That knight gives me the creeps.
Btw, stop with the accusations of trolling... you know who you are.
Btw, stop with the accusations of trolling... you know who you are.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Bergen Co,NJ
14' CLS550
You can debadge a leased car, doubt they will care.. and if they do mind no problem, save the badges and put them back on when its time to return the car.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
I'm tired of people talking about ***** and people being a poser. Who cares what people think, be happy with what you drive, 350, 550, their both great cars. I owned an 08 e350 and loved it, now I have a 11 550 and love that as well. Hopefully when I am ready to get my next car I will be in a position to buy a 63, but until then I am very happy with my 550, badged or not badged(I did recently de-badge to see if I would like it). And for the record, I do think that more 350 owners debadge. Just my opinion, and if its true, who cares. As long as the owner is happy F*** IT... I wish there was a cool badge for the front fender area for the 350's and 550's, I love the look of the 63's with something in that area.
and besides.........our society demands to be labeled.......it's just how we are,(mostly)
Last edited by hyperion667; Dec 16, 2011 at 08:02 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I'd say it's social commentary or lighthearted ball busting (oops, a pun! 
). Idk what there's to be jealous of. Not like most people here couldn't afford the extra $100 per month in payments, rather didn't find enough value in it.
). Idk what there's to be jealous of. Not like most people here couldn't afford the extra $100 per month in payments, rather didn't find enough value in it.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: SoCal
'14 ML350 GONE-'12 GL450/'10 E550/'10 ML350/'09 C300/'07 ML350/'03 E320
.... Or, 350 owners debadge because they focus on the cleaner look, while 550 owners keep it on as some misguided attempt to boast "superior" or add extra inches to their peni$es (which nobody in the public would notice or find a 550 superior to a 350 anyway.... They look identical, unlike an AMG with its obvious aggressive additions, which also would go mostly unnoticed by the general public).
I think there are certainly tons of people who debadge to hide having a lesser model as well, however, it's a case by case basis.
If I had a 550, first thing I'd do is de-badge it. 550 sitting on the left side looks just as bad as 350. Best part about de-badging, is by "taking something off, not adding something on", you actually add a substantial "mod" back there that simultaneously cleans up the look.
(which nobody in the public would notice or find a 550 superior to a 350 anyway.... They look identical, unlike an AMG with its obvious aggressive additions, which also would go mostly unnoticed by the general public).I think there are certainly tons of people who debadge to hide having a lesser model as well, however, it's a case by case basis.
If I had a 550, first thing I'd do is de-badge it. 550 sitting on the left side looks just as bad as 350. Best part about de-badging, is by "taking something off, not adding something on", you actually add a substantial "mod" back there that simultaneously cleans up the look.
Pretty lame statement...should every E550, ML550, C350, GL550, S600, CL600, SL600, SLK350 and 550i, 335i, 650i, 760li, GS430, IS350, LS600, M56, G37 etc... owner HAVE to debadge so as not show some sort of superiority and/or small **** complex? really... what an idiot
Hell yeah my 550 is better, it's damn fast and with an adjustable suspension and leather interior standard, the difference is if I had an E350, I would still be the first to defend the E550's "superiority" over the E350. Common sense to me...we all work hard for our money...pretty immature and "superior" of you to call us out as wasting our money for spending extra to get an E550
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 281
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From: Winnipeg, MB Canada
'13 MB GL350 BLUETEC, '10 MB E63 AMG, '95 MB S600, '84 MB 380 SEL
speaking of posing, what about your fake pano roof, it that part of your cleaner look??
Pretty lame statement...should every E550, ML550, C350, GL550, S600, CL600, SL600, SLK350 and 550i, 335i, 650i, 760li, GS430, IS350, LS600, M56, G37 etc... owner HAVE to debadge so as not show some sort of superiority and/or small **** complex? really... what an idiot
Hell yeah my 550 is better, it's damn fast and with an adjustable suspension and leather interior standard, the difference is if I had an E350, I would still be the first to defend the E550's "superiority" over the E350. Common sense to me...we all work hard for our money...pretty immature and "superior" of you to call us out as wasting our money for spending extra to get an E550
Pretty lame statement...should every E550, ML550, C350, GL550, S600, CL600, SL600, SLK350 and 550i, 335i, 650i, 760li, GS430, IS350, LS600, M56, G37 etc... owner HAVE to debadge so as not show some sort of superiority and/or small **** complex? really... what an idiot
Hell yeah my 550 is better, it's damn fast and with an adjustable suspension and leather interior standard, the difference is if I had an E350, I would still be the first to defend the E550's "superiority" over the E350. Common sense to me...we all work hard for our money...pretty immature and "superior" of you to call us out as wasting our money for spending extra to get an E550
Well said! Of course a 550 is better than a 350. My opinion is that if you are in the market for a lets say E, you will look at both. Should your finances allow for it, you will choose the E550 over the E350. It's a no brainer that it's superior to the E350. Back a few years ago I had a E320 (bought new), which I debaged. Would I have loved to have a E500 instead? - Absolutely! Could I afford it? Not at that time, and no not only because the initial purchase price was more, but also the upkeep (gas, etc.) was factored in. Fast forward a few years: Bought a brand new GL550 (first one and only one for a while in our province). Never debadged it. Traded it in for a new GL350 BLUETEC, which first thing I debadged. But it looks identical to what my 550 looked like with the extended fender flares, 21" wheels, etc. The only difference by looking at it was the smaller grill and star in the front. Point is: Human nature (for the most part) is that we like to show off if we own something superior. It's a fact. If one doesn't want to admit to it, they are not completely honest. 
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From: Winnipeg, MB Canada
'13 MB GL350 BLUETEC, '10 MB E63 AMG, '95 MB S600, '84 MB 380 SEL
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 41
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From: Bay Area, CA
2010 E350
I think this argument has got off topic. Actually, the thread is completely off topic from the OP's post. It was about the motivation for debadging. Not, which model is superior. We all own great cars and we should take a step back and cool off imo.
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Joined: Jul 2011
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2012 E350 4Matic, 2009 Porsche Cayenne S, 2007 E550 4Matic
For me, if it's a 4Matic, leave the badges (even if it's a 350) but if it's RWD, debadge (yes, 550 as well). It gives it a very clean look, and if it was RWD, rear just looks awkward and slanted with badge on one side. Another reason why I love the badging on the Cayenne. Unlike most cars, it's smack in the middle giving it symmetry.
But, I guess that isn't really a concern anymore since 1) I live in Jersey and snow gets pretty hectic at times and 2) 550 only come in 4Matic now. Guess no debadging!
But, I guess that isn't really a concern anymore since 1) I live in Jersey and snow gets pretty hectic at times and 2) 550 only come in 4Matic now. Guess no debadging!
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
2012 C250 Coupe
I'm loving the honesty and raw emotion of this thread.
To put a bow on it:
The biggest driver to debadging is to hide facts. If you want to justify that ad "for a cleaner look", fine, whatever helps you sleep at night.
My C250C will wear that badge because
1) Even if very minimal, there is effort required to remove it & possibility of damage
2) I could be perceived as someone with something to hide
3) A large percentage of women cannot discern a C-class from an E-class, nevermind a 250 from a 350.
Now excuse me while I put on my Nomex suit.
To put a bow on it:
The biggest driver to debadging is to hide facts. If you want to justify that ad "for a cleaner look", fine, whatever helps you sleep at night.
My C250C will wear that badge because
1) Even if very minimal, there is effort required to remove it & possibility of damage
2) I could be perceived as someone with something to hide
3) A large percentage of women cannot discern a C-class from an E-class, nevermind a 250 from a 350.
Now excuse me while I put on my Nomex suit.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 57
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2012 E350 4Matic, 2009 Porsche Cayenne S, 2007 E550 4Matic
I'm loving the honesty and raw emotion of this thread.
To put a bow on it:
The biggest driver to debadging is to hide facts. If you want to justify that ad "for a cleaner look", fine, whatever helps you sleep at night.
My C250C will wear that badge because
1) Even if very minimal, there is effort required to remove it & possibility of damage
2) I could be perceived as someone with something to hide
3) A large percentage of women cannot discern a C-class from an E-class, nevermind a 250 from a 350.
Now excuse me while I put on my Nomex suit.
To put a bow on it:
The biggest driver to debadging is to hide facts. If you want to justify that ad "for a cleaner look", fine, whatever helps you sleep at night.
My C250C will wear that badge because
1) Even if very minimal, there is effort required to remove it & possibility of damage
2) I could be perceived as someone with something to hide
3) A large percentage of women cannot discern a C-class from an E-class, nevermind a 250 from a 350.
Now excuse me while I put on my Nomex suit.
Besides, just my .02 as to what I'd do, but since I'm getting the E350 but in 4Matic, there won't be any debadging for me
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
speaking of posing, what about your fake pano roof, it that part of your cleaner look??
Pretty lame statement...should every E550, ML550, C350, GL550, S600, CL600, SL600, SLK350 and 550i, 335i, 650i, 760li, GS430, IS350, LS600, M56, G37 etc... owner HAVE to debadge so as not show some sort of superiority and/or small **** complex? really... what an idiot
Hell yeah my 550 is better, it's damn fast and with an adjustable suspension and leather interior standard, the difference is if I had an E350, I would still be the first to defend the E550's "superiority" over the E350. Common sense to me...we all work hard for our money...pretty immature and "superior" of you to call us out as wasting our money for spending extra to get an E550
Pretty lame statement...should every E550, ML550, C350, GL550, S600, CL600, SL600, SLK350 and 550i, 335i, 650i, 760li, GS430, IS350, LS600, M56, G37 etc... owner HAVE to debadge so as not show some sort of superiority and/or small **** complex? really... what an idiot
Hell yeah my 550 is better, it's damn fast and with an adjustable suspension and leather interior standard, the difference is if I had an E350, I would still be the first to defend the E550's "superiority" over the E350. Common sense to me...we all work hard for our money...pretty immature and "superior" of you to call us out as wasting our money for spending extra to get an E550
Firstly, I don't have a "fake Pano roof", I have a black roof, I don't care about having a glass roof, I just want a black roof. You should correct yourself and say my "fake painted black roof", because that's a closer comparison. Also, it's there for a better look.
Secondly, if it's "game on" for people to claim that E350 Owners aren't acting in the benefit of their cars aesthetic, instead using such claims to disguise the fact that they're "embarrassed" of the model that they drive, then it's also fair game to assume that E550 owners keep their badges on, sacrificing the look of their cars aesthetic, to misguidedly "show off" something that most layman's don't find superior anyway.
Remember, we're stereotyping here, are we not? Or can you really backup the claim that I didn't be-badge my car for the looks only.
And where did I say that you wasted your money, you're making up a claim and putting words in my mouth. I said that many E350 owners *can afford E550's but don't see the value in them*. Such as myself. The extra price isn't the issue, I just don't find the E550 to be superior, as least relative to the extra cost. Yes, it's faster, yes it has a sometimes problematic adjustable suspension, and yes it has Leather standard. Speaking for myself, I don't ever use or need such speed, and I don't mind the slightly extra MPG of the 350, I don't care to deal with potential Airmatic problems, and I like M-B Tex over the underwhelming E550 "Leather". Hence, my statements.
Braggarts have been around since the beginning of time, and the "little ****" metaphor that refers to them is one that didn't come out of nowhere....
Last edited by K-A; Dec 17, 2011 at 09:26 AM.
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From: Bergen Co,NJ
14' CLS550
I think price is a major factor when deciding 350 or 550, not only the extra monthly payment/sticker price.. but gas mileage and insurance also. For me a 350 was plenty of car, coming from a c300 it was an upgrade. I really didnt find it necessary to get the 550(especially since i purchased a house and 2 new cars within 5 months of eachother) And in no way at all did i cheap out, I have premium paint, and exclusive chestnut leather,pano roof etc.. msrp on my car is 63,240. Im only 26 i have a lifetime of nicer cars ahead of me(hopefully). I'll be the first to admit the 550 is absolutely superior to the 350. As for debadging, my car is debadged its a cleaner look and im big into "modding". I'll admit if i had the 550 i would probably keep the 550 badge on and just paint it flat black. I didnt debadge so people can say "hmm i wonder if thats a 550" NOO! Ive had my car for only 5 weeks and i had plenty of people say "what model is that" they dont even know its an E class.
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2012 E350 4Matic, 2009 Porsche Cayenne S, 2007 E550 4Matic
Some of you guys get WAY TOO sensitive when subjects like this come up. Complex, much?
Firstly, I don't have a "fake Pano roof", I have a black roof, I don't care about having a glass roof, I just want a black roof. You should correct yourself and say my "fake painted black roof", because that's a closer comparison.
Secondly, if it's "game on" for people to claim that E350 Owners aren't acting in the benefit of their cars aesthetic, instead using such claims to disguise the fact that they're "embarrassed" of the model that they drive, then it's also fair game to assume that E550 owners keep their badges on, sacrificing the look of their cars aesthetic, to misguidedly "show off" something that most layman's don't find superior anyway.
Remember, we're stereotyping here, are we not? Or can you really backup the claim that I didn't be-badge my car for the looks only.
And where did I say that you wasted your money, you're making up a claim and putting words in my mouth. I said that many E350 owners *can afford E550's but don't see the value in them*. Such as myself. The extra price isn't the issue, I just don't find the E550 to be superior, as least relative to the extra cost. Yes, it's faster, yes it has a sometimes problematic adjustable suspension, and yes it has Leather standard. Speaking for myself, I don't ever use or need such speed, and I don't mind the slightly extra MPG of the 350, I don't care to deal with potential Airmatic problems, and I like M-B Tex over the underwhelming E550 "Leather". Hence, my statements.
Braggarts have been around since the beginning of time, and the "little ****" metaphor that refers to them is one that didn't come out of nowhere....
Firstly, I don't have a "fake Pano roof", I have a black roof, I don't care about having a glass roof, I just want a black roof. You should correct yourself and say my "fake painted black roof", because that's a closer comparison.
Secondly, if it's "game on" for people to claim that E350 Owners aren't acting in the benefit of their cars aesthetic, instead using such claims to disguise the fact that they're "embarrassed" of the model that they drive, then it's also fair game to assume that E550 owners keep their badges on, sacrificing the look of their cars aesthetic, to misguidedly "show off" something that most layman's don't find superior anyway.
Remember, we're stereotyping here, are we not? Or can you really backup the claim that I didn't be-badge my car for the looks only.
And where did I say that you wasted your money, you're making up a claim and putting words in my mouth. I said that many E350 owners *can afford E550's but don't see the value in them*. Such as myself. The extra price isn't the issue, I just don't find the E550 to be superior, as least relative to the extra cost. Yes, it's faster, yes it has a sometimes problematic adjustable suspension, and yes it has Leather standard. Speaking for myself, I don't ever use or need such speed, and I don't mind the slightly extra MPG of the 350, I don't care to deal with potential Airmatic problems, and I like M-B Tex over the underwhelming E550 "Leather". Hence, my statements.
Braggarts have been around since the beginning of time, and the "little ****" metaphor that refers to them is one that didn't come out of nowhere....
The E350 I have on order is $68,000 MSRP. With that price, I could have gotten a E550 with Prem2 (and all mighty leather) but I didn't. As Bigigg stated, the power isn't necessary for me (and if I wanted, the Cayenne S has plenty of power, even in it's SUV form) and insurance and gas mileage also plays a large role. At the age of 60+, I don't need to be flying down the highway at 90MPH. That is not to say that the 550 is not "superior" in many ways (at least on paper) but as KA and Bigigg have pointed out, sticker price is not the only factor but a lot of things come into play as well when someone decides to pick a 350 over 550.
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From: Bergen Co,NJ
14' CLS550
K-A you said it best! "i cant justify spending the extra $$" Do i need a bigger motor with less gas mileage? No, soo i can speed down the NJ turnpike to go to work? Air matic suspesion? would be nice i guess but not necessary.
Immabe- your basically saying you care what other people perceive you as?
Immabe- your basically saying you care what other people perceive you as?
