SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: "Tippy" Front Emblem

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Old Jun 15, 2022 | 02:20 PM
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From: Pachuta, MS
2015 SL400
"Tippy" Front Emblem

All,

Was washing the SL the other day and noticed my MB badge on the top of the nose seemed "loose"...it was tipping front to back like it wasn't fully fastened onto the nose. Bought a new badge, took the old one off, and IT DOES THE SAME THING. I press down and it looks as though the plastic nose flexes to the point that the badge doesn't fully click in...anyone else see this? Does it need a light tap or something more? Kind of irritating.

John
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Old Jun 15, 2022 | 05:41 PM
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2020 GLC300 -2014 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
Originally Posted by JHop
All,

Was washing the SL the other day and noticed my MB badge on the top of the nose seemed "loose"...it was tipping front to back like it wasn't fully fastened onto the nose. Bought a new badge, took the old one off, and IT DOES THE SAME THING. I press down and it looks as though the plastic nose flexes to the point that the badge doesn't fully click in...anyone else see this? Does it need a light tap or something more? Kind of irritating.

John
It should be tight with no movement.
The recessed area where the emblem sits should look like this pic below. Are the those holes on your front end enlarged?
The clips should be tight. You may have to “pull” them from the bottom to get them to cinch down and clip in.
How did you get the old one off? If it was pried off at any point the holes may be damaged. But hopefully you just need to pull them tight. The bumper might be flexing not allowing the clips to pop in place. Bumper may have to come off 🙁


Last edited by crconsulting; Jun 15, 2022 at 05:59 PM.
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Old Jun 15, 2022 | 06:03 PM
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From: Pachuta, MS
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Holes look the same, so they don’t look damaged or enlarged. The area on the badge posts that are supposed to snap past the holes don’t appear to want to snap down, so yes it almost is like they need to be pulled down…the plastic keeps flexing. I may try and lube the posts and see if that helps. Crap. I’m wondering if my bumper has been resprayed and the holes are now slightly too small…
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Old Jun 15, 2022 | 06:15 PM
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Originally Posted by JHop
Holes look the same, so they don’t look damaged or enlarged. The area on the badge posts that are supposed to snap past the holes don’t appear to want to snap down, so yes it almost is like they need to be pulled down…the plastic keeps flexing. I may try and lube the posts and see if that helps. Crap. I’m wondering if my bumper has been resprayed and the holes are now slightly too small…
No that’s pretty normal. The plastic is flexing slightly. You have to pull the emblem down via the male pin clips, while pushing up the plastic female surrounding area of that bumper/ front end right where those emblem clips pop in.
The clip should be real tight and cinch at the very top. You can kind of see where the clips lock in on the picture below. (see red circles)


Last edited by crconsulting; Jun 15, 2022 at 06:21 PM.
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Old Jun 15, 2022 | 06:23 PM
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From: Pachuta, MS
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Closer inspection shows what looks like a very small crack in the lower part of the larger key hole. My guess is some one stole the original and there was damage, etc. I think taking off just a bit with a round file may get it, along with possibly some thin automotive double sided tape to make sure. It’s always something!
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Old Jun 15, 2022 | 06:27 PM
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From: Pachuta, MS
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Yep, I saw where the area is on the posts that is supposed to cinch down…what a PITA…I suppose to do it right the bumper comes off…ugh. I miss emblems and speednuts.
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Old Jun 15, 2022 | 06:36 PM
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Originally Posted by JHop
Closer inspection shows what looks like a very small crack in the lower part of the larger key hole. My guess is some one stole the original and there was damage, etc. I think taking off just a bit with a round file may get it, along with possibly some thin automotive double sided tape to make sure. It’s always something!
I personally wouldn't enlarge the holes. You want them tight. I’ve seen them fly off when they’re not on tight. 🙁
If one hole is cracked all the way through, 3M VHB Tape may be a better “temporary” solution.

Good Luck.

Last edited by crconsulting; Jun 15, 2022 at 06:40 PM.
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Old Jun 15, 2022 | 08:03 PM
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From: Pachuta, MS
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Yeah I nixed the enlarging…I’ll figure something out. Bumper doesn’t look too bad! Thanks!!
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Old Jun 16, 2022 | 10:47 AM
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It's Always Something

Originally Posted by JHop
Closer inspection shows what looks like a very small crack in the lower part of the larger key hole. My guess is some one stole the original and there was damage, etc. I think taking off just a bit with a round file may get it, along with possibly some thin automotive double sided tape to make sure. It’s always something!
The advice I heard from one of the MBZ expert mechanics who posts YouTube videos of his work on various Mercedes cars - never fix that last problem, because the minute you do, a new one will appear....

Gary
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Old Jun 16, 2022 | 10:53 AM
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From: Pachuta, MS
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No kidding...I've had 40 something cars in my lifetime and have been a hack DIY mechanic for most of that time and it never fails...I don't think I've ever had a "perfect" car! Maybe the CX-9 we got new years ago...maybe... I buy used mostly so there is always something that needs attention!
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