SL/R129: Grill Upgrade
09-26-2007, 12:32 PM
#3
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I'll be keeping my old grill; good luck finding a grill to modify...
09-27-2007, 08:28 AM
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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...
09-27-2007, 11:46 AM
#6
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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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09-27-2007, 01:00 PM
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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
09-27-2007, 01:03 PM
#10
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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
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
Was this the item?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/90-02...spagenameZWDVW
09-27-2007, 07:43 PM
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http://www.55techmotors.com/
Got a better price by about 50 bucks bidding on the bay versus what is listed on their website...
10-03-2007, 09:22 AM
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'87 W124, '95 R129, '04 G35
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.
10-04-2007, 05:09 PM
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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!
10-05-2007, 04:39 PM
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SL500 2001 Formula 1 Edition;
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.
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.
10-06-2007, 10:14 AM
#20
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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
10-07-2007, 05:58 PM
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1997 SL500, 1994 Impala SS on steroids, 2007 MV Agusta Brutale 910R
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!
10-07-2007, 08:58 PM
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'87 W124, '95 R129, '04 G35
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.
10-07-2007, 09:08 PM
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'87 W124, '95 R129, '04 G35
You can also catch him on eBay. The price has gone up again. Guess popularity has its price!!
10-07-2007, 11:19 PM
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1997 SL500, 1994 Impala SS on steroids, 2007 MV Agusta Brutale 910R
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.
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.
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.
10-07-2007, 11:45 PM
#25
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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.
