When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
See picture below…taken from the drivers seat of my 2009 E350. You can clearly see all 3 points of the raised star (and the full circle) on hood. While sitting in the drivers seat of my newer 2017 E300 you cannot see all 3 points (or the full circle.). Is there a specific MB or other after market part that I could purchase and install to improve visibility of this classic star on hood?
Yes, and even though my head is almost touching the roof the star visibility is noticeably different from MY 2009.
It's due to the different hood slope and unless you can find a taller star, which I doubt, it's not likely something you can change. Why is it necessary to see the whole star from the driver seat? I like it there too since it's a good visual guide to line up the car when driving, but it's not necessary to see the whole star for that.
It's due to the different hood slope and unless you can find a taller star, which I doubt, it's not likely something you can change.
Mercedes-Benz has been phasing-out the upright star for years, now. My 2001 C-Class had an upright star with limited view from the driver's seat.
You can't find a single current model that has the upright star, unless it's a special order "Luxury" model -- also a vanishing breed -- as MB is replacing this feature with the more prominent grille star. The increasingly aero-efficient hood slopes make the driver view problematic, while making the cars visually more attractive.
Bottom line, there are no replacement stand up stars with an extended stalk. (It would look ugly if it existed.) The 100+ year legacy of this decoration (from 1923) is no longer in style, as MB modernizes its image.
You can't find a single current model that has the upright star, unless it's a special order "Luxury" model -- also a vanishing breed
The S-Class comes with it still. Even in the US. The luxury model is popular in other countries outside of the US and still offered as an option on the new E-Class. Its disappointing he option is not available in the US. I and many others prefer the luxury grille and the hood star. I'll add the hood star myself as another on this forum did but will likely have the same experience as the OP where it's not fully visible from the driver seat. Not a big deal for me though.
The S-Class comes with it still. Even in the US. The luxury model is popular in other countries outside of the US and still offered as an option on the new E-Class. Its disappointing he option is not available in the US. I and many others prefer the luxury grille and the hood star. I'll add the hood star myself as another on this forum did but will likely have the same experience as the OP where it's not fully visible from the driver seat. Not a big deal for me though.
And the hood star is being added to the EQS sedan for its 2025 update. Maybe MB still recognizes the importance of the hood star to the brand and its history...
The S-Class comes with it still. Even in the US. The luxury model is popular in other countries outside of the US and still offered as an option on the new E-Class. Its disappointing he option is not available in the US. I and many others prefer the luxury grille and the hood star. I'll add the hood star myself as another on this forum did but will likely have the same experience as the OP where it's not fully visible from the driver seat. Not a big deal for me though.
For an extra $20-30K you can buy an S-Class, and you still will not be able to see all of the star from the driver's seat.
See picture below…taken from the drivers seat of my 2009 E350. You can clearly see all 3 points of the raised star (and the full circle) on hood. While sitting in the drivers seat of my newer 2017 E300 you cannot see all 3 points (or the full circle.). Is there a specific MB or other after market part that I could purchase and install to improve visibility of this classic star on hood?
I doubt that’s an issue with the vehicle, probably just need to raise your seat higher so you can see over the hood better. I have a 2017 Luxury Model and have no issue seeing the star.
And the hood star is a pedestrian collision injury hazard. A quick check of current Jaguar models shows that the leaper has leapt. Rolls still offers the Spirit of Ecstasy.
My 2017 E300 sedan with luxury styling (sitting at the highest raised level for the picture).
One cannot see the lower portion of the star (where 4:00 and 8:00 points touch the circle and the portion of the circle between these points.)
An earlier posting commented that the raised star is also obscured in the S-Class.
E-Class sedan owners should continue having luxury trim option (traditional style grill with raised star on hood) available to them.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
