NEMES1S

I am going to be plating my 05 and one of the bolts for the license plates was broken and the aluminum grommet that it threads into was basically destroyed to remove the bolt, I was told that the part is very cheap to buy, but wasn't sure how much work goes into replacing them. Do they just thread in from the outside or is there some sort of locking bolt/washer on the inside?

RobbieNTy

Did you ever find out how to Replace it? I have 3 with the bolts broken off in there. It's ashamed actually.

NEMES1S

They are really cheap to replace, you can probably do all four for under 10 bucks, but getting them in is a huge pain. I had one that went in pretty easy but had another that started to crack the surround when I was removing it. You need to be careful because the piece they are fastened into is just fiberglass. I also might suggest an epoxy to keep them from spinning after you install the replacements.

NEMES1S

as far as technique, go get them first you you can see what the piece looks like, then I had the best luck cutting the outer piece a bit and then drilling into the center to weaken the sides a bit, like I said, huge pain for as small as the part is, but still doable. You may want to keep an old towel over your bumper as you don't want metal shaving landing on your paint just to scratch it all up in the next wash.

RobbieNTy

So you basically drilled them out? I just bought a 2007 550, with the powerfolding trunk. and it looks pretty complicated to remove the trunk lid lining. It can only be done with the top down, as the flaps for the top are in the way. I dont want to mess anything up, but I really dont have much of a choice. The dealer like scumbags, attached it with one screw and put tape behind it. One has a screw in it, and the other two the bolts were broken off.(they wern't stainless steel I assume). Anyway, i appreciate your quick reply. I am not new to the forum, I just haven't had a Mercedes in a while. I sold both and had a Range Rover sport, but, Like most, missed the thrills of having a roadster. Question for ya, how do you like the 600? I almost bought one, and didn't because I was concerned with a turbo going out or something with the complex cooling system. :/ I live in South Florida, and my radiator fan use to run constantly on both of my others. My 2003 was the most problematic car I had ever owned, luckily It was under warranty, so before it ended, I sold it.


Again, I thank you for replying so fast!