m500

Anyone know why is the stainless steel polished front protection bar for the 03 ML500 require to drill hole into my bumper in order to install it? Should I install that? I really don't want to put hole in my new baby that's less then 500 miles. But I'm also getting the Stainless Steel polish sidestep bar install at the sametime. I afraid if I don't go with the full set, the color of the bar might look different if I go with other style or brand's front bar. Any suggestion? Should I do it, or should I wait and get something else? How is the quality on Tal & Hadas bar?

Amfung

Having matching front steel bar and side stepping bars are always nice. There are a lot of aftermarket add-ons available. What comes to mind is either Brabus or Lorinser. They have very nice, and very expensive, (illuminated)running boards with matching front & rear grill guards. Mercedes' own accessories are the least expensive and that's what I went with. I only have the steel side stepping bars though, no front grill guard.

If I remember correctly, the front bar is mounted directly onto the frame with spacers(dampers) between the bar and the bumper.

Not familiar with Tal & Hadas.

Whereabout in TO are you located ? My office is in Agoura Hills.

m500

Thanks for the reply. I guess I might have to go with OEM ones. I have check out the price on Brabus the cost of the front is equal to OEM's front and side installed. Thats its no very economical, especially the OEM one is bigger. Tal & Hadas have one exactly look like the OEM and about $200 less for each parts. http://www.tal-and-hadas.com/homecat.htm I work by Lindero Canyon Rd in WestLake Village.

Darkmann

The drilling is no problem at all. The unit comes with a rubber baffle to go over the part that goes through the holle in the bumper. I had mine done and it looks very neat.

m500

Thanks for the comforting input about the drilling procedure and installation. I feel much better now for selecting OEM.