M-Class (W166) Produced 2012-2015

Debadge option?

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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 08:12 PM
  #1  
challer's Avatar
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2013 ML 350 BlueTEC
Debadge option?

Do you know if there is an option to debadge the ML? In Europe, most cars can be ordered debadged withe model info deleted (the logo of course stays). I prefer the look.
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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 09:41 PM
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MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Yes, the same delete code applies for NA vehicles. But why? You can accomplish the same result with fishing line.
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Old Aug 14, 2012 | 04:39 AM
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2013 ML 350 BlueTEC
Because I've done that before and I can always see the outline of the letters - and why risk any damage to the paint or invest in the effort if I can have it done at the time of manufacture?

Do you have to know the debadge code option?
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Old Aug 14, 2012 | 07:36 AM
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2013 CTS-V, 2017 Audi Q7 / Past MB's: 2011 ML350 & 2012 ML350
Interesting... I never knew you could order a "debadged" MB..
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Old Aug 14, 2012 | 08:18 AM
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MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Code is 260.
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Old Aug 14, 2012 | 12:49 PM
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'15 GL350 Bluetec
Originally Posted by YYZ-E55
Code is 260.
Thanks YYZ - my dealer didn't seem to know that so obliged by removing all my badges. Did a great job, no residue or outline. Nothing worse IMO than an M-B that looks like a gaudy 1982 Buick with all the "BlueEfficiency" and "4Matic" badging. I even take off the model designation as well. Just seems cleaner to me.

Next time I'll just use 260!
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Old Aug 14, 2012 | 01:04 PM
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Originally Posted by twodivers
Thanks YYZ - my dealer didn't seem to know that so obliged by removing all my badges. Did a great job, no residue or outline. Nothing worse IMO than an M-B that looks like a gaudy 1982 Buick with all the "BlueEfficiency" and "4Matic" badging. I even take off the model designation as well. Just seems cleaner to me.

Next time I'll just use 260!
Post up a picture of the debadged ML so we can see
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Old Aug 14, 2012 | 03:56 PM
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Originally Posted by twodivers
Thanks YYZ - my dealer didn't seem to know that so obliged by removing all my badges. Did a great job, no residue or outline. Nothing worse IMO than an M-B that looks like a gaudy 1982 Buick with all the "BlueEfficiency" and "4Matic" badging. I even take off the model designation as well. Just seems cleaner to me.

Next time I'll just use 260!

I think MB is hearing you. For 2013, MLs will no longer have that stupid "BlueEfficiency" badge on the side. Not only did it detract from the looks, it was confusing...people would think it was Bluetec diesel. It was also misleading, as if they get great gas mileage..ha! ...especially with the ML550, a total gas hog (which I shamefully have on order).

Last edited by gplank; Aug 14, 2012 at 04:14 PM.
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Old Aug 14, 2012 | 05:17 PM
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If it saves gas, wouldn't it be "Green Efficiency"?
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Old Aug 14, 2012 | 09:47 PM
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Originally Posted by hutch300
Post up a picture of the debadged ML so we can see
Will do - need to wash the beast first though!
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Old Aug 14, 2012 | 10:08 PM
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'15 GL350 Bluetec
Debadged Photo

After a quick wash!
Attached Thumbnails Debadge option?-img_1512.jpg  
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Old Aug 15, 2012 | 11:13 AM
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Looks really good
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Old Aug 15, 2012 | 11:28 AM
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2013 ML550: Paladium Silver, Brown Satin Ash
Originally Posted by NickTH
If it saves gas, wouldn't it be "Green Efficiency"?

You're right...in fact, I was told by a MB rep that was also the reason why they dropped the Blue Efficiency badge. He said that "Blue" is better understood as something environmental in countries other than the U.S., but in the U.S., "blue" just added to the confusion the label created.

When I first saw that badge, I assumed the vehicle had a diesel engine (as in BlueTec) and that 'blue' stood for the color of the Diesel Exhaust Fluid the system needs to produce the cleaner exhaust. Of course, that was stupid, since it meant neither.

He also said it is typical of MB to badge some new technology, then drop it after a year or two.

Last edited by gplank; Aug 15, 2012 at 11:33 AM.
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Old Aug 15, 2012 | 01:09 PM
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Originally Posted by hutch300
Looks really good
Thanks!
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Old Aug 15, 2012 | 03:20 PM
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I'll be doing mine this weekend.
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Old Aug 17, 2012 | 05:30 PM
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'15 GL350 Bluetec
Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon
I'll be doing mine this weekend.
Get the fishing line out!
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Old Aug 17, 2012 | 05:35 PM
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Or dental floss.
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Old Aug 18, 2012 | 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by twodivers
Get the fishing line out!
And heat gun.
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Old Aug 19, 2012 | 03:53 PM
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Debadge

Did mine today - took 20 minutes total.

1. Soften adhesive with heat gun or hair dryer
2. Use fishing line or dental floss to saw through the adhesive as close to the body as possible
3. Remove bulk of adhesive remnants with fingernail
4. Use paint thinner of Goof Off to remove residue
5. Polish with a fine polish/glaze
6. Wax
7. Enjoy the clean look!








Last edited by GregW / Oregon; Aug 19, 2012 at 03:56 PM.
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Old Aug 19, 2012 | 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by challer
Because I've done that before and I can always see the outline of the letters - and why risk any damage to the paint or invest in the effort if I can have it done at the time of manufacture?

Do you have to know the debadge code option?
That's b/c you didn't do it right. And, when they put on clear bra, they clean the paint with acetone. A little 3M adhesive remover will NOT harm the paint.

I debaged a Chevy Tahoe with badges that had been on their for YEARS. 3M adhesive remover & elbow grease will take them off. Polish the area when all the adhesive is gone, wax and you're never know they were there.
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Old Aug 19, 2012 | 06:39 PM
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2013 ML BLUETEC JULY 31
Many factories have used simple clean varsol for years to clean paint.
I have done the same.
Like the Goof Off or Goo Gone too.

Todays paint is especially tough with chemicals.
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