SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: Front grill style

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Old Dec 16, 2021 | 11:33 AM
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elMacko's Avatar
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From: Benton, Louisiana, USA
SL 500 2004, Ford F-150-2014
Front grill style

Gents, I recently purchased a 2004 SL-500. The grill openings is painted silver with the same color of the body. In contrast I have seen that in some others with the background of the grill in black.
I wonder what would be the best option..! I am tempted to paint the background flat black! Any insights?????

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Old Dec 16, 2021 | 01:57 PM
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I personally prefer black, since this matches the lower grille/mesh. Also matches the black background of the emblem.
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Old Dec 19, 2021 | 04:31 AM
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MB SL350 Sport/Infiniti FX35
BLACK!
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Old Dec 21, 2021 | 05:34 PM
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R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
If you bought it in Silver for your own sake don’t use any aerosol spray can paint on it. That type of paint just isn’t hard enough to withstand rocks. It will chip and look cheesy. Bugs will get stuck and even remove the paint.
Sell it and buy a black one if you want black otherwise prepare to spend a lot of time making it look like a teenage girls first car
Good Luck
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Old Dec 22, 2021 | 03:39 AM
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Agreed with others less is more and I would go black. I personally think the grille star is too big so I went stealth: (Original vs new below)




As said, do not try and paint with a can, I promise you in time it will chip and look awful !
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Old Dec 22, 2021 | 03:06 PM
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R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
Kudos. A little change can have a dramatic effect

I remember your W208. Hope you get as much enjoyment out of the 230
Good Luck
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