Official S63/S65 face lift thread
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 399
Likes: 14
From: Chicago, Illinois
2008 S63
Official S63/S65 face lift thread
Ok so I've searched high and wide through the site with no actual play by play on how to face lift a base 2007. I've seen numerous pictures and post but still confused about all I will need.
Hopefully this thread will continue on to all its glory as members can chime in.
My concerns are:
1. Type of body kit and where to purchase. I understand that fiberglass is a no no.
2. I was told I will need some structural peices for the body kit wicch include impact bar and some others.
3. Headlights. I've noticed some use oem and need a which doctor to make them work. Others buy reproduction and complain of the quality.
I'm sure I'm missing tons of things that should concern me. Can we pack as much info in one thread so one could get all the information needed to turn out an awesome facelift!
Hopefully this thread will continue on to all its glory as members can chime in.
My concerns are:
1. Type of body kit and where to purchase. I understand that fiberglass is a no no.
2. I was told I will need some structural peices for the body kit wicch include impact bar and some others.
3. Headlights. I've noticed some use oem and need a which doctor to make them work. Others buy reproduction and complain of the quality.
I'm sure I'm missing tons of things that should concern me. Can we pack as much info in one thread so one could get all the information needed to turn out an awesome facelift!
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 142
Likes: 3
From: UK
W221 S500 SWB
There are many manufacturers for the pre-facelift S63/S65 kit, and it's in fibreglass.
I don't have them but I don't think the reputation of the aftermarket part is too bad?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 399
Likes: 14
From: Chicago, Illinois
2008 S63
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,433
Likes: 212
From: Sweden, Stockholm
W222 S63L, ML/GLE350
I Think you find most info you need in my W221 S500 facelift thread.
1. Yes...fiberglass is a no no. And the new kit is also made in fiberglass by some makers. As said, Contact Gary if you are located in the US.
2 Depends a bit on what kit you have now but yes. All parts for 100% fit is not incuded in the kits.
3. If you buy the corect cablekit for OEMs you have no problem att all with the install. Am about to try the aftermarket lights for nightvision my self now so I let you know how it goes.
When it comes to the pipes it also depends a bit on wich Engine and wich kit you have now. Best way to know is to install the new rear bumper and see wich one that fits your car.
And when it comes to the mirrors they are mostly plug n play. Depends a bit on Euro or US version though as it seems. o buy US version if you are in the US. And of course with the right features.
1. Yes...fiberglass is a no no. And the new kit is also made in fiberglass by some makers. As said, Contact Gary if you are located in the US.
2 Depends a bit on what kit you have now but yes. All parts for 100% fit is not incuded in the kits.
3. If you buy the corect cablekit for OEMs you have no problem att all with the install. Am about to try the aftermarket lights for nightvision my self now so I let you know how it goes.
When it comes to the pipes it also depends a bit on wich Engine and wich kit you have now. Best way to know is to install the new rear bumper and see wich one that fits your car.
And when it comes to the mirrors they are mostly plug n play. Depends a bit on Euro or US version though as it seems. o buy US version if you are in the US. And of course with the right features.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 399
Likes: 14
From: Chicago, Illinois
2008 S63
I Think you find most info you need in my W221 S500 facelift thread.
1. Yes...fiberglass is a no no. And the new kit is also made in fiberglass by some makers. As said, Contact Gary if you are located in the US.
2 Depends a bit on what kit you have now but yes. All parts for 100% fit is not incuded in the kits.
3. If you buy the corect cablekit for OEMs you have no problem att all with the install. Am about to try the aftermarket lights for nightvision my self now so I let you know how it goes.
When it comes to the pipes it also depends a bit on wich Engine and wich kit you have now. Best way to know is to install the new rear bumper and see wich one that fits your car.
And when it comes to the mirrors they are mostly plug n play. Depends a bit on Euro or US version though as it seems. o buy US version if you are in the US. And of course with the right features.
1. Yes...fiberglass is a no no. And the new kit is also made in fiberglass by some makers. As said, Contact Gary if you are located in the US.
2 Depends a bit on what kit you have now but yes. All parts for 100% fit is not incuded in the kits.
3. If you buy the corect cablekit for OEMs you have no problem att all with the install. Am about to try the aftermarket lights for nightvision my self now so I let you know how it goes.
When it comes to the pipes it also depends a bit on wich Engine and wich kit you have now. Best way to know is to install the new rear bumper and see wich one that fits your car.
And when it comes to the mirrors they are mostly plug n play. Depends a bit on Euro or US version though as it seems. o buy US version if you are in the US. And of course with the right features.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 399
Likes: 14
From: Chicago, Illinois
2008 S63
Ok so the kit is on. But I need some advice from you guys. I having a couple of issues.
1. The front bumper has a gap between the front bumper and grill. Total eye sore.
2. The LEDs don't work at all. One flickers the other won't turn on at all.
The LEDs are more worrisome. I got the kit from Gary. The guys doing the install in pretty well known in Chicago for dealing with high end cars. They are familiar with the facelift procedure as they have done a few. They tell me they tried connecting the LEDs to every and nothing works. They even tried to run straight from the battery and nothing.
has any one run in to this issue and resolved it? Bad LEDs?
I have a 2007 base. The fog lights worked fine before the facelift. (That it where they initially tried wiring them to as I preferred to use them as fogs and not drls).
How about the body kit gap. The sides of the grill and the lower center part of the grill look bad.
1. The front bumper has a gap between the front bumper and grill. Total eye sore.
2. The LEDs don't work at all. One flickers the other won't turn on at all.
The LEDs are more worrisome. I got the kit from Gary. The guys doing the install in pretty well known in Chicago for dealing with high end cars. They are familiar with the facelift procedure as they have done a few. They tell me they tried connecting the LEDs to every and nothing works. They even tried to run straight from the battery and nothing.
has any one run in to this issue and resolved it? Bad LEDs?
I have a 2007 base. The fog lights worked fine before the facelift. (That it where they initially tried wiring them to as I preferred to use them as fogs and not drls).
How about the body kit gap. The sides of the grill and the lower center part of the grill look bad.
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 142
Likes: 3
From: UK
W221 S500 SWB
The gap doesn't look too bad from the picture but it's hard to tell on a black car from a picture.
One side of my LEDs was dead on arrival like you described. I cut it open due to curiousity, and it's to do with a very very poor solder joint inside. I didn't get it from Gary but it's the same Chinese/Taiwanese manufacturer. I had to get a replacement.
EDIT - Even genuine S65 has a gap too. If I remember correctly it's about 1cm.
One side of my LEDs was dead on arrival like you described. I cut it open due to curiousity, and it's to do with a very very poor solder joint inside. I didn't get it from Gary but it's the same Chinese/Taiwanese manufacturer. I had to get a replacement.
EDIT - Even genuine S65 has a gap too. If I remember correctly it's about 1cm.
Last edited by wywywywy; Jul 14, 2015 at 06:40 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 399
Likes: 14
From: Chicago, Illinois
2008 S63
I went to Chicago autohaus on Elston and wolcott. They painted and installed front & bumper, side rockers, grill, side mirrors and a spoiler for about $1700. Some of the cost was for the additional parts that were needed for the retrofit. They took care of some dents scratches and dings for a little bit more. Overall I am very please and impressed with the work. I would definitely recommend them to anyone that wants the facelift done correctly. I believe the owner is named Saif and dealt with him directly. He is very informative and familiar with the procedure. While there, I noticed some high end cars getting some TLC also.
