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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Thinking of doing a little "plastic surgery".........
The R230 was offered in the U.S. and most other markets in standard trim, or with the "sports" package. When the R231 first came out, MB did the same thing in Germany, the UK and probably in most other markets, but MBUSA decided to NOT give U.S. Customers a choice, as all cars coming to these shores ONLY came as "sport" models.
Well, I realize that I am a minority on these boards, but I've never cared for the sports package, which was the main reason that I never bought a 231. I wanted what MB had produced, but which the clowns in New Jersey (at the time) decdied I couldn't have.
Fast forward to the present. I now have a first year U.S. 231 and the thought has occurred to me, that perhaps I should do a little plastic surgery and turn my 2013 S550 into the car I always wanted. I believe that it is pretty much just the bumper cover that needs to be changed, along with a few other small items, so why not? I also think that the original parts could be removed without damaging the finish, so the car could be put back to original, when I go to sell it.
Here are the photos. I like the look of the copper colored car, but virtually every 231 in the U.S. Looks like the white car. What do you think? Should I make mine unique? It's just a pipe dream right now, but it could be fun.
Well, the 2017 model (or 2016 in Europe) pretty much eliminated the design differences and would have given you the softer look.
But I understand where you are coming from. Now that you have a 2013, you can purchase the non-AMG package parts.
Unless buying used (salvage or take-offs), you will likely experience sticker shock as you will need the front and rear bumper with all grill and diffuser inserts as well as both side skirts. Replacing just part of them would look bad.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Yeah, Wolf, you're right. This project will remain a pipe dream. So the front end is a bit awkward looking. This isn't my dream car, so I'll enjoy it like it is and hope for even better things down the line.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
