SL/R231: Unlucky morning - hit a black cat. Need advice.
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Unlucky morning - hit a black cat. Need advice.
I was driving this morning and a black cat ran out in front of my SL550. I heard the thump as I hit him, there was not time to do anything. Not a great way to start the day. About ten minutes later a guy pulled up beside me and said, "Do you know you have a black cat stuck to your grill?" Sure enough, the cat's head had gone through the lower grill and his legs were splayed on the front of the car. I had to pull over and dislodge the cat. He broke the lower plastic grill, which seems to have affected the "safe distance" assist function. I cannot disable it.
I can live without that but I have a couple of questions. First, where is the best place to buy a replacement grill and can I replace it myself. Second, any idea of the cost to get everything up and running again?
Thanks for any input or guidance...
"
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I can live without that but I have a couple of questions. First, where is the best place to buy a replacement grill and can I replace it myself. Second, any idea of the cost to get everything up and running again?
Thanks for any input or guidance...
"
"
#5
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2020 GLC300 -2013 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
You should be able to swap that yourself. Sounds like you may have some debris in there or may have damaged the front sensor since you’re getting a Distronic error. Inspect carefully, it may have damaged some wiring.
Nah, he’s good, the black cat didn’t actually CROSS his path, it was a little short
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Last edited by crconsulting; 05-01-2021 at 11:36 AM.
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Lower grille, non AMG part number: 231-885-31-23. $58.96 at mboemparts.com (assuming your talking about lower grille)
You should be able to swap that yourself. Sounds like you may have some debris in there or may have damaged the front sensor since you’re getting a Distronic error. Inspect carefully, it may have damaged some wiring.
Nah, he’s good, the black cat didn’t actually CROSS his path, it was a little short![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
You should be able to swap that yourself. Sounds like you may have some debris in there or may have damaged the front sensor since you’re getting a Distronic error. Inspect carefully, it may have damaged some wiring.
Nah, he’s good, the black cat didn’t actually CROSS his path, it was a little short
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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#8
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2020 GLC300 -2013 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
When you say “ grille” I’m assuming the lower grille in front of the oil cooler. Since it was a cat, I’m also assuming it was low to the ground.
If it’s the upper grille (where the star is). That’s a different part number. Also your Distronic sensor is behind that MB star. If that’s the case, you’ll want to inspect & clean that area.
upper grille PN # 231-888-02-60 (if you don’t have night vision)
Good Luck!
If it’s the upper grille (where the star is). That’s a different part number. Also your Distronic sensor is behind that MB star. If that’s the case, you’ll want to inspect & clean that area.
upper grille PN # 231-888-02-60 (if you don’t have night vision)
Good Luck!