Illuminated Star
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
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W212 FL
I think many here have forgotten where the whole badging/debadging thing started.
In the late 50's and early '60's, as Germans were beginning to be able to afford cars, there were two types of cars - those bought by companies for executives and those bought by private citizens. The private citizens would buy the smallest engine (think 180) while the business would buy the 220S. Both cars looked similar except for that pesky number on the back so if I took that 180 off then maybe my neighbors would think I was driving a 200 or 220. MB and BMW would charge a few hundred marks to debadge at the factory - remember that the badges were riveted on back then.
In the late 60's and 70's, German manufacturers started adding badging for features (Automatik or Einspritz - automatic transmission or fuel injected for example) and those would usually stay even once the model number was removed.
So, to summarize, the point of debadging was to hide the fact that you were driving the car with the little engine or the least number of features - it wasn't a "look at me, I'm cool" but rather a "look at me, what size engine do I have?"
That gawdawful lit star is going in the wrong direction.
In the late 50's and early '60's, as Germans were beginning to be able to afford cars, there were two types of cars - those bought by companies for executives and those bought by private citizens. The private citizens would buy the smallest engine (think 180) while the business would buy the 220S. Both cars looked similar except for that pesky number on the back so if I took that 180 off then maybe my neighbors would think I was driving a 200 or 220. MB and BMW would charge a few hundred marks to debadge at the factory - remember that the badges were riveted on back then.
In the late 60's and 70's, German manufacturers started adding badging for features (Automatik or Einspritz - automatic transmission or fuel injected for example) and those would usually stay even once the model number was removed.
So, to summarize, the point of debadging was to hide the fact that you were driving the car with the little engine or the least number of features - it wasn't a "look at me, I'm cool" but rather a "look at me, what size engine do I have?"
That gawdawful lit star is going in the wrong direction.
I didn't know there was a subtle story behind debadging
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
It is funny how this concept is slowly catching on with Japanese and even American cars.
In some cases I guess it is like the guys wearing no belts with their pants falling down and their boxers showing - not knowing that this originally started in jails.
Out Of Control!!
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
What's interesting to me is how in Europe so many M-B's were de-badged (didn't pay attention to BMW's and Audi's as much in that regard).
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: New York City
2014 E350 4M Sport. 2007 Acura MDX
Read this on nytimes
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2013...ted-star/?_r=0
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2013...ted-star/?_r=0
Out Of Control!!
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
My goodness. MB is now getting full articles written about a lighted Star. Bad brand management IMO as they pay for this advertisement. Something so superfluous shouldn't get so much of their attention.
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Technically no as they were never badged in the first place. "No badge" is a no cost option for MB and BMW. Back in the days when the badges were riveted on, that option cost 300 DM for MB (about $75-$90 depending on the exchange rate) - more than a radio upgrade from AM/FM to a AM/FM cassette.
Last edited by CEB; Jun 30, 2013 at 09:00 AM.
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
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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
Technically no as they were never badged in the first place. "No badge" is a no cost option for MB and BMW. Back in the days when the badges were riveted on, that option cost 300 DM for MB (about $75-$90 depending on the exchange rate) - more than a radio upgrade from AM/FM to a AM/FM cassette.
Going back to my previous post I actually read the article and it seems it may actually be worse than an M-B paid promotional piece.... it might just be someone finding the most worthy thing to write about regarding M-B is a lighted up Star. Sometimes I feel that M-B is so scared of losing their "specialness" as they go through such extensive and about-face changes lately that they cling to that Star too paramountly and over-promote it as to keep feeding people the notion that the brand is "magical".
Some of the comments from that article which show some non-car-forum peoples reactions:
"Jonesboth coasts
If you've driven a modern Merc you know the last thing it needs is more lights."
RonsterSan Francisco, CA
"Tasteless and garish, so it's perfect for the company's target customer.
Coming from a BMW family, I grew up thinking of MBZ as stodgy and boring, but aspirational. Now it's just a leased status-mobile for poseurs with a credit score over 750."
"LarryThe Fifth Circle
Unfortunately, BMWs haven't been much better. Bad styling and overly aggressive LED lighting. "
And below, I meant that the aftermarket would take CARE of that. I didn't intend the bad pun.
"AOPhoenix
I am grateful it is not standard on all models!"
"LarryThe Fifth Circle
Mercedes continues to get tackier and tackier. At least the star won't light up when the car is moving; but I'm sure the aftermarket will take car of that."
LOL. Indeed he must be. There was a day (previous to the last few years really) when M-B would find something like this incredibly cheesy.
Is this an MBUSA thing only? If so, makes total sense. MBUSA is so far inferior to M-B Europe in many respects related to upholding class and passion from the brand that it's not even funny. I'm not a fan of anything Steve Cannon has done with MBUSA, IMO he's doing everything he can to make this like the Toyota of German Cars. Starting with the W212's all getting free Sport Packages so they retain no exclusiveness or individuality to over-incentived leases, etc. Then pumping this LED-Star as if it's some innovative thing worth commercials and advertisements, etc.
Last edited by K-A; Jun 30, 2013 at 09:19 AM.
Senior Member
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S213 E450 4Matic, W111 220SE - prior cars: 3x W212, W210 E55 AMG, W202 C43 AMG, W126 300SE
The comment below is my favorite. Apparently the author has ignored the marketing strategies of BMW and Audi, and Lexus is really no better. MB has some goofy product planning decisions, but IMO is still no less "aspirational" than the competition - they are all more obtainable today via playing the subsidized lease game. And I wonder what he thinks of the 3er, which for many years has been the ultimate expression of that ideal.
RonsterSan Francisco, CA
"Tasteless and garish, so it's perfect for the company's target customer.
Coming from a BMW family, I grew up thinking of MBZ as stodgy and boring, but aspirational. Now it's just a leased status-mobile for poseurs with a credit score over 750."
RonsterSan Francisco, CA
"Tasteless and garish, so it's perfect for the company's target customer.
Coming from a BMW family, I grew up thinking of MBZ as stodgy and boring, but aspirational. Now it's just a leased status-mobile for poseurs with a credit score over 750."
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
grave turning?
I always like to think those early innovators would be impressed by some of the things people have come up with to improve, enhance and modify the things he came up with; being the innovator himself, he would be fascinated for sure, he might not want one on his Pullman, but he'd still like to sell you one
how long until other manufactures jump on the illuminated band wagon?
I always like to think those early innovators would be impressed by some of the things people have come up with to improve, enhance and modify the things he came up with; being the innovator himself, he would be fascinated for sure, he might not want one on his Pullman, but he'd still like to sell you one
how long until other manufactures jump on the illuminated band wagon?
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 65
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From: New York City
2014 E350 4M Sport. 2007 Acura MDX
grave turning?
I always like to think those early innovators would be impressed by some of the things people have come up with to improve, enhance and modify the things he came up with; being the innovator himself, he would be fascinated for sure, he might not want one on his Pullman, but he'd still like to sell you one
how long until other manufactures jump on the illuminated band wagon?
I always like to think those early innovators would be impressed by some of the things people have come up with to improve, enhance and modify the things he came up with; being the innovator himself, he would be fascinated for sure, he might not want one on his Pullman, but he'd still like to sell you one
how long until other manufactures jump on the illuminated band wagon?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
grave turning?
I always like to think those early innovators would be impressed by some of the things people have come up with to improve, enhance and modify the things he came up with; being the innovator himself, he would be fascinated for sure, he might not want one on his Pullman, but he'd still like to sell you one
how long until other manufactures jump on the illuminated band wagon?
I always like to think those early innovators would be impressed by some of the things people have come up with to improve, enhance and modify the things he came up with; being the innovator himself, he would be fascinated for sure, he might not want one on his Pullman, but he'd still like to sell you one
how long until other manufactures jump on the illuminated band wagon?
I feel this is one many aspects that can harm the future of MB sophistication as it would draw in more unsophisticated tastes. We all like cheesy things here and there and some on our cars, but they shouldn't officialize it, IMO. At the same time some peoples tastes here who do like it (or even have it) I do respect, so it certainly isn't black and white. .
Believe me if BMW started neon lighting up their roundel badge or Porsche their crest, I'd probably give them more crap because unfortunately these days it seems like something more uncharacteristic of them. Especially Porsche with the high "class" of that brand.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Ah, yeah I forgot about that.
Going back to my previous post I actually read the article and it seems it may actually be worse than an M-B paid promotional piece.... it might just be someone finding the most worthy thing to write about regarding M-B is a lighted up Star. Sometimes I feel that M-B is so scared of losing their "specialness" as they go through such extensive and about-face changes lately that they cling to that Star too paramountly and over-promote it as to keep feeding people the notion that the brand is "magical".
Some of the comments from that article which show some non-car-forum peoples reactions:
"Jonesboth coasts
If you've driven a modern Merc you know the last thing it needs is more lights."
RonsterSan Francisco, CA
"Tasteless and garish, so it's perfect for the company's target customer.
Coming from a BMW family, I grew up thinking of MBZ as stodgy and boring, but aspirational. Now it's just a leased status-mobile for poseurs with a credit score over 750."
"LarryThe Fifth Circle
Unfortunately, BMWs haven't been much better. Bad styling and overly aggressive LED lighting. "
And below, I meant that the aftermarket would take CARE of that. I didn't intend the bad pun.
"AOPhoenix
I am grateful it is not standard on all models!"
"LarryThe Fifth Circle
Mercedes continues to get tackier and tackier. At least the star won't light up when the car is moving; but I'm sure the aftermarket will take car of that."
LOL. Indeed he must be. There was a day (previous to the last few years really) when M-B would find something like this incredibly cheesy.
Is this an MBUSA thing only? If so, makes total sense. MBUSA is so far inferior to M-B Europe in many respects related to upholding class and passion from the brand that it's not even funny. I'm not a fan of anything Steve Cannon has done with MBUSA, IMO he's doing everything he can to make this like the Toyota of German Cars. Starting with the W212's all getting free Sport Packages so they retain no exclusiveness or individuality to over-incentived leases, etc. Then pumping this LED-Star as if it's some innovative thing worth commercials and advertisements, etc.
Going back to my previous post I actually read the article and it seems it may actually be worse than an M-B paid promotional piece.... it might just be someone finding the most worthy thing to write about regarding M-B is a lighted up Star. Sometimes I feel that M-B is so scared of losing their "specialness" as they go through such extensive and about-face changes lately that they cling to that Star too paramountly and over-promote it as to keep feeding people the notion that the brand is "magical".
Some of the comments from that article which show some non-car-forum peoples reactions:
"Jonesboth coasts
If you've driven a modern Merc you know the last thing it needs is more lights."
RonsterSan Francisco, CA
"Tasteless and garish, so it's perfect for the company's target customer.
Coming from a BMW family, I grew up thinking of MBZ as stodgy and boring, but aspirational. Now it's just a leased status-mobile for poseurs with a credit score over 750."
"LarryThe Fifth Circle
Unfortunately, BMWs haven't been much better. Bad styling and overly aggressive LED lighting. "
And below, I meant that the aftermarket would take CARE of that. I didn't intend the bad pun.
"AOPhoenix
I am grateful it is not standard on all models!"
"LarryThe Fifth Circle
Mercedes continues to get tackier and tackier. At least the star won't light up when the car is moving; but I'm sure the aftermarket will take car of that."
LOL. Indeed he must be. There was a day (previous to the last few years really) when M-B would find something like this incredibly cheesy.
Is this an MBUSA thing only? If so, makes total sense. MBUSA is so far inferior to M-B Europe in many respects related to upholding class and passion from the brand that it's not even funny. I'm not a fan of anything Steve Cannon has done with MBUSA, IMO he's doing everything he can to make this like the Toyota of German Cars. Starting with the W212's all getting free Sport Packages so they retain no exclusiveness or individuality to over-incentived leases, etc. Then pumping this LED-Star as if it's some innovative thing worth commercials and advertisements, etc.
Super Member
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From: Waikele, Oahu, Hawaii
2011 GLK350 P1, Multi-media & AMG Pkg; 2010 E350 w/ prem 2; 2018 4Runner SR5 Prem. 4x4
Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
From: USA
2013 Mercedes E350 Luxury
Worthless tacky trinkets from MB.
Give me the option I really want for my 2013E350: better overall cabin filter and find a way to sense and immediately recirculate the air (shut off the external air intake) when you detect bad catalytic converter from the car ahead, CO, and especially skunk!
Give me the option I really want for my 2013E350: better overall cabin filter and find a way to sense and immediately recirculate the air (shut off the external air intake) when you detect bad catalytic converter from the car ahead, CO, and especially skunk!
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 129
Likes: 1
From: So Cal
2012 C250
Actually I just printscreened the image from this video.
Moving from the 2013 to a 2014, I've heard nothing but satisfaction but to each their own. I think it looks sick as it's grown upon me; this is coming from someone who wanted a luxury ornament star again at first. To be honest, would love to have both if I could
Moving from the 2013 to a 2014, I've heard nothing but satisfaction but to each their own. I think it looks sick as it's grown upon me; this is coming from someone who wanted a luxury ornament star again at first. To be honest, would love to have both if I could
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
Lol, tacky and gaudy don't = youthful. That's why Mercedes' illuminated Star reeks of desperation and detachment from what attracted youth to their competitors in the first place. Today's younger generation are into simplistic and understatedness more than previous generations and Mercedes' stigma from the youth was always about too much show and bling. All this does is feed that IMO.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 320
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
2020 MB-AMG GLC43
I was just at the dealer joikng with the parts counter fellow (I was buying new wiper blades). Apparently you can drive with it on now. (I am in Canada, though we tend to follow USA rules and add some more rules like daytime running lamps)
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
E350
Hey there! I have a new E350 and have the illuminated star. Unfortunately, it only illuminates while parked on unlocked. Anybody know how to can re-arrange wiring so that I can have it on while driving all the time? Thanks!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
In my opinion no car in anywhere should be able to drive on public roads without some kind of a light in front of the car at any time of the day.
So many serious accidents are caused by a driver pulling on road in front of another vehicle just because he or she did not see the vehicle coming. Vast majority of these statements of not seeing the approaching vehicle is from people who did not pull in front of an 18-wheeler or another bigger vehicle.
It is not just about to see, it is eqally important to be seen.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,258
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From: East coast
2010 E550 4M P2 Distronic, CLK550 Cab P2
Take it to an independent shop, they should be able to figure out how to do this for you..
