Chaznik

After two and a half years in my GLC63S, I decided to make the move for the GLE53. I ordered end of Jan and jumped on to a vehicle already in the UK.

So here is my new 2023 GLE53. Loving it for the few miles I drove it to the customs shop.

It is in for a ceramic coat inc wheels and callipers, black badges, full de chrome (the bits Merc miss!) powder coated side skirts and then off next week for the Brabus B53 500 kit

benzbell

Yikes - the steering wheel is on the wrong side. Just kidding of course. Looks awesome and can't wait to see more pics when done. I'll bet you love the extra room as well over the GLC.

Chaznik

I did love the GLC but it was not a facelift model and the wife’s C43 is so I always felt the tech let it down. I think I may miss the V8 for a while, but this does sound very nice for a 6 pot.

I thought I would get it how I wanted it as soon as possible and I can then enjoy it. Frustrating It comes with a night pack but so much chrome is left the car!

mikapen

That's going to be a really nice car.
Are breakin procedures the same with the Brabus kit?

You said powder coated side skirts. What's a side skirt, why powder coat, and how do you color match?

Chaznik

I believe so yes and they offer a three year warranty.

The vehicle has silver side steps and I am having these powder coated gloss black to match the trim on the car.

mikapen

Perfect. I thought the only unfinished part was those steps - that should work great.

Are you going to install the Brabus badge in the grill? They are subtly cool, but the Sleeper motif is ruined.

Chaznik

Was not a fan of the steps in silver and powder coating gives the most durable outcome.

Going to keep this a sleeper but do have a small Brabus B sticker for the rear window in black…will see if I like the look of it when I line it up!

Chaznik

Taken a few screenshots from the Instagram reel from the detailers!

Chaznik

A few pics on the driveway when I got it home

The Brabus 500 kit has transformed the way it performs!

mikapen

Looks great. Tastefully done.
What was the cost of the Brabus 500, if you care to share?
(Not that I'm tempted or anything.....)

Chaznik

Thank you - I have tried to finish off the theme the night pack starts…

it was not cheap….just shy of £3800!

Vyper340vb

Looks great. I would like to do the black out for the running boards also.

Only thing not blacked out on mine was the badges, rear hatch piece and running boards.

Chaznik

that is everything I have changed to black including the slats on the front grille too

Charcharius

Looks fantastic. I don't see PPF on your list of 'upgrades', but if you do, don't forget about the rear flares. Ugh, mine are chipped to $*** and I'm never on gravel.

wtflolamg

@Chaznik Beautiful outcome with your truck man. I'm going for something very similar with mine. I'm also very intrigued by your running board solution and I wanted to ask you something about that process. The OEM running boards are silver with black grip pattern. How did yours come out black with silver grip pattern? Did you powder coat the entire running board together?

Thanks in advance for any input,

and also Hello MBWorld! This is
my first post!

Chaznik

Welcome!

The silver on the side steps separates from the rubber trim and I had these powder coated!