SL-Class (R129) 1990-2002: SL 280, SL 300, SL 320, SL 500, SL 600, SL 60 AMG

SL/R129: Grill Upgrade

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Old Sep 26, 2007 | 10:46 AM
  #1  
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Grill Upgrade

Well...what do you think?
Attached Thumbnails Grill Upgrade-new-grill-2.jpg   Grill Upgrade-new-grill.jpg  
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Old Sep 26, 2007 | 11:00 AM
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well, mixed feelings. i think id have to see it in person......

do you stil lhave your old grill? im looking for one to modify.

Mark
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Old Sep 26, 2007 | 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by RedMongoosE
well, mixed feelings. i think id have to see it in person......

do you stil lhave your old grill? im looking for one to modify.

Mark
I've looked at it from a number of different angles...for the most part, I like it. It is a bit "Cadillac-y" from some angles; I will say that with my rims that have painted and polished spokes and polished rims it looks pretty good...

I'll be keeping my old grill; good luck finding a grill to modify...
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Old Sep 26, 2007 | 08:30 PM
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Is this the grille replacement that is being sold on eBay? I'm asking because I was thinking about purchasing the black one.
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Old Sep 27, 2007 | 08:28 AM
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Originally Posted by HLG600
Is this the grille replacement that is being sold on eBay? I'm asking because I was thinking about purchasing the black one.

Yes, it is. I considered the black with chrome strips as well but thought the silver/chrome would look good with my silver paint/polished rims...Shipping was quick (direct from China) and install was pretty simple.The only caveat was the pin that holds the hood latch was kinda devilish to remove; they do include an extended hood release latch. Other than that...six phillips head screws...Quality is pretty good. Only fitment suggestion is to not tighten all the screws all at once; work it kinda like you would change a tire - a little torque here, a little there...this will allow you to check alignment and fitment along the way...
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Old Sep 27, 2007 | 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted by AMGSport
Yes, it is. I considered the black with chrome strips as well but thought the silver/chrome would look good with my silver paint/polished rims...Shipping was quick (direct from China) and install was pretty simple.The only caveat was the pin that holds the hood latch was kinda devilish to remove; they do include an extended hood release latch. Other than that...six phillips head screws...Quality is pretty good. Only fitment suggestion is to not tighten all the screws all at once; work it kinda like you would change a tire - a little torque here, a little there...this will allow you to check alignment and fitment along the way...
Thank you.
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Old Sep 27, 2007 | 12:09 PM
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ive seen that ebay one too..... should we conciter a grupe purchase?


Mark
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Old Sep 27, 2007 | 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by RedMongoosE
ive seen that ebay one too..... should we conciter a grupe purchase?


Mark
Ahh, I already ordered a black one an hour ago! AMGSport commented on the good quality of the silver one; I hope the black one is the same. Will post up some photos when it's installed.
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Old Sep 27, 2007 | 01:00 PM
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Originally Posted by HLG600
Ahh, I already ordered a black one an hour ago! AMGSport commented on the good quality of the silver one; I hope the black one is the same. Will post up some photos when it's installed.
If it is from the same vendor I ordered from, it will include the grill, the housing for the star, the star, 6 metal clips for your existing grill screws to mount to, and the extended hood release latch. I removed the existing grill, then installed the extended latch release, then the new grill. Prior to installing the new grill, I installed the star mount and the star itself. You'll also need to install the clips on the grill...Simple process - which is good, as there are NO instructions...

The pin that holds the hood release latch on my 98 was removed by tapping on the pin (left side) until flush, then lightly tapping a punch to remove the pin completely from the right side. It is a pin almost like a drywall screw mount - split into four sections that will expand once in place...In retrospect, I might have given it a shot of WD 40 to help it along its path...Other than than, a straighford and easy install.

Delivery was from the US Post Office via EMS; they require a signature...Last piece of advice: Don't drop the old grill on the bridge of your foot like me - one of the ends of the fins sliced the crap outta me...LOL
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Old Sep 27, 2007 | 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by AMGSport
If it is from the same vendor I ordered from, it will include the grill, the housing for the star, the star, 6 metal clips for your existing grill screws to mount to, and the extended hood release latch. I removed the existing grill, then installed the extended latch release, then the new grill. Prior to installing the new grill, I installed the star mount and the star itself. You'll also need to install the clips on the grill...Simple process - which is good, as there are NO instructions...

The pin that holds the hood release latch on my 98 was removed by tapping on the pin (left side) until flush, then lightly tapping a punch to remove the pin completely from the right side. It is a pin almost like a drywall screw mount - split into four sections that will expand once in place...In retrospect, I might have given it a shot of WD 40 to help it along its path...Other than than, a straighford and easy install.

Delivery was from the US Post Office via EMS; they require a signature...Last piece of advice: Don't drop the old grill on the bridge of your foot like me - one of the ends of the fins sliced the crap outta me...LOL
Haha, thanks for tips!

Was this the item?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/90-02...spagenameZWDVW
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Old Sep 27, 2007 | 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by HLG600
Ahh, I already ordered a black one an hour ago! AMGSport commented on the good quality of the silver one; I hope the black one is the same. Will post up some photos when it's installed.
So that mean you keeping your SL.......?? did you put back your AMG rims....??
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Old Sep 27, 2007 | 07:43 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by HLG600
Haha, thanks for tips!

Was this the item?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/90-02...spagenameZWDVW
It looks the same, but I ordered mine via eBay from these guys:

http://www.55techmotors.com/

Got a better price by about 50 bucks bidding on the bay versus what is listed on their website...
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Old Sep 28, 2007 | 03:55 PM
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Originally Posted by SL BRABUS
So that mean you keeping your SL.......?? did you put back your AMG rims....??
Yeah, depreciation really kills the market value of the car. Might as well keep it and enjoy it.

As for the wheels...I posted up some new photos in the picture thread.
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Old Oct 3, 2007 | 09:22 AM
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I had the new grille on quite some time now. It updates the look of the car by years. I will keep the "new" grille on for awhile, or at least till I am tired of it. Then put the old one back on.
Attached Thumbnails Grill Upgrade-copy-img_0447.jpg   Grill Upgrade-copy-img_0431.jpg   Grill Upgrade-copy-img_0440.jpg   Grill Upgrade-img_0433.jpg   Grill Upgrade-img_0432.jpg  

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Old Oct 3, 2007 | 08:01 PM
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Im not crazy about it, looks cheap to me, but if you like it more power to ya!
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Old Oct 3, 2007 | 08:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Just Some Guy
Im not crazy about it, looks cheap to me, but if you like it more power to ya!
+1
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Old Oct 4, 2007 | 12:39 AM
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My grille has arrived. I'll be home in a few days...time to wash/wax the car and take some photos with it on.
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Old Oct 4, 2007 | 05:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Just Some Guy
Im not crazy about it, looks cheap to me, but if you like it more power to ya!
I mean this comment seriously: Thanks for sharing your opinion, but without flaming...I've seen so many other forums where people trash other's likes, mods etc...Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but some feel the need to be turds about it...Your comments shared how you felt, but respected my preference - thanks, and I truly appreciate your comment!
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 04:39 PM
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I would prefer that you all call this a grill "replacement" rather than "upgrade" as in the title.

I needed to replace the chrome grill on my baby. It was $800 for the factory part.

My understanding is that these are only about $300, yes?

If so, it's an excellent deal, especially if you like the look better.
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Old Oct 6, 2007 | 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by elau
I had the new grille on quite some time now. It updates the look of the car by years. I will keep the "new" grille on for awhile, or at least till I am tired of it. Then put the old one back on.
elau -

Could you post or PM me with a link to the vendor where you got yours? I have been looking for exactly that version.

Thanks,

- FD
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 05:58 PM
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Originally Posted by AMGSport
I mean this comment seriously: Thanks for sharing your opinion, but without flaming...I've seen so many other forums where people trash other's likes, mods etc...Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but some feel the need to be turds about it...Your comments shared how you felt, but respected my preference - thanks, and I truly appreciate your comment!
You got it man, and I know exactly how you feel! I have met a few internet turds over the years and it hurts when someone comes off as an ***, I always tread lightly when the question of "opinion" comes up, especailly in regards to cosmetic modifications as its purely subjective.
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 08:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Just Some Guy
Im not crazy about it, looks cheap to me, but if you like it more power to ya!
Why would it look cheap? It is the same grille design they use on the ML and C classes.

Would you call someone's wheels upgrade cheap, even if they are more expensive than the OEM?

I can understand you are a purist and the grille is not your cup of tea, but I will not call $200 for a piece of plastic cheap.
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 09:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Floobydust
elau -

Could you post or PM me with a link to the vendor where you got yours? I have been looking for exactly that version.

Thanks,

- FD
The website is http://www.55tech.com

You can also catch him on eBay. The price has gone up again. Guess popularity has its price!!
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 11:19 PM
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Originally Posted by elau
Why would it look cheap? It is the same grille design they use on the ML and C classes.

Would you call someone's wheels upgrade cheap, even if they are more expensive than the OEM?

I can understand you are a purist and the grille is not your cup of tea, but I will not call $200 for a piece of plastic cheap.
Consider the cost of a new benz replacement grille, or any other predominantly plastic part for our cars, and it is cheap, although thats not what I was implying by using the word "cheap". Cheap as in the fit and finish does not match up with the rest of the car's lines, in my opinion.

Its funny, I was actually praised by the person who originally posted this thread for the way I answered his question. He seems to think I was commenting out of respect, which I was, but you took it completely out of context.
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 11:45 PM
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The quality isn't bad at all. Didn't have a chance yet to install mine, been busy all weekend. But setting the black one against my car, it looked rather sharp. As for critiquing, to each his own is the saying. As long as comments are respectful, which they were, all is fine. That's one thing I appreciate about the R129 forum...the atmosphere.
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