Engine Bay Bling
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 323
Likes: 17
2002 E55
Engine Bay Bling
Since I purchased my car at the end of April I've been bothered by the rough looking engine cover/air box. I've only wiped it down with a wet rag to get the dust and debris off of it, but it still looked crappy. It just looked grainier and more beat up than some others that I've seen in pictures.
So I thought I would see if I could make it look a bit nicer. I was inspired by the beautiful Renntech air box in carbon fiber. I actually want to purchase the Renntech air box, but will wait until I can find a decent deal on a used one after I get some other items checked on my E55 to-do list.
I didn't have much success getting a decent picture this evening. Shadows from the hood, my shadow, etc. prevented me from capturing a decent image. I will try again when the conditions are better.
ddb
So I thought I would see if I could make it look a bit nicer. I was inspired by the beautiful Renntech air box in carbon fiber. I actually want to purchase the Renntech air box, but will wait until I can find a decent deal on a used one after I get some other items checked on my E55 to-do list.
I didn't have much success getting a decent picture this evening. Shadows from the hood, my shadow, etc. prevented me from capturing a decent image. I will try again when the conditions are better.
ddb
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 323
Likes: 17
2002 E55
Thanks, guys.
Yes, hydrographics. I'm going to have my b-pillars done and maybe some other parts down the road.
The engine cover/airbox has multiple coats of automotive grade clear on it. I hope it proves to be very durable. We shall find out.
Yes, hydrographics. I'm going to have my b-pillars done and maybe some other parts down the road.
The engine cover/airbox has multiple coats of automotive grade clear on it. I hope it proves to be very durable. We shall find out.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 998
Likes: 4
From: Central Connecticut
86 190D (Exported to the Nerderlands), 87 300TD (Sold), 82 Ford F150 3spd, 99 E300D (RIP), 02 E55
I always wanted to do this with my front grille. Can you sent me a link where I can get these stuff or is it on eBay?
Last edited by snooozie; Aug 24, 2013 at 09:37 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 323
Likes: 17
2002 E55
snoozie,
It isn't a DIY type of deal although there are probably vendors on eBay offering their sevices as well as what's needed to do it DIY.
I had mine done here:
www.stricklandhydrographics.com
Interesting thought with the grill. I've thought about spraying mine black with the rubber coat stuff to see if I liked it. What are you planning with yours? All black?
It isn't a DIY type of deal although there are probably vendors on eBay offering their sevices as well as what's needed to do it DIY.
I had mine done here:
www.stricklandhydrographics.com
Interesting thought with the grill. I've thought about spraying mine black with the rubber coat stuff to see if I liked it. What are you planning with yours? All black?
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 323
Likes: 17
2002 E55
More Pics With Better Light
URL=http://s143.photobucket.com/user/dbrown0529/media/E55/Carbon%20cover/1377350683567.jpg.html]
[/URL]URL=http://s143.photobucket.com/user/dbrown0529/media/E55/Carbon%20cover/1377350684143.jpg.html]
[/URL]
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 998
Likes: 4
From: Central Connecticut
86 190D (Exported to the Nerderlands), 87 300TD (Sold), 82 Ford F150 3spd, 99 E300D (RIP), 02 E55
I always want to do a carbon fiber style wrap for the grille but this guy on our forum that does the wrap told me because of the heat the wrap will peel off.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 323
Likes: 17
2002 E55
Maybe hydro-applied graphics is the answer. It conforms to intricate shapes and is covered with clear. If my engine cover holds up I would think a grill would as well. Time will tell.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
w210 e55 amg
It's possible to DIY. ...but I highly doubt it would all come out even...this job def professional...nit one wave in design and. All pieces match up...
you. Clean up the gunk on engine before pic ? How did ur valve cover seals look when u took box off? Leaking? I have some leaking also. Supposedly my MB guy says it will mess with injectors then have bigger prob. ...I figure it's worth the 400$ to. Redo valve gaskets and top part new sealer
you. Clean up the gunk on engine before pic ? How did ur valve cover seals look when u took box off? Leaking? I have some leaking also. Supposedly my MB guy says it will mess with injectors then have bigger prob. ...I figure it's worth the 400$ to. Redo valve gaskets and top part new sealer
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 323
Likes: 17
2002 E55
Thanks, WBE55!
DOUBLE-LINCOLN,
Thanks! Unfortunately I didn't do any cleaning, yet. Yep, I have a minor leak. The driver's side valve cover is dry. On the passenger side the main gasket is good, but that upper box on top of the valve cover towards the rear has a small leak. I believe I read there isn't a gasket, just needs to be cleaned and new RTV applied. Do you know if this is factual? If so I will attempt to fix it myself when the temperature drops some during the coming weeks. I can see how a bigger leak can make a mess and possibly screw up some stuff.
DOUBLE-LINCOLN,
Thanks! Unfortunately I didn't do any cleaning, yet. Yep, I have a minor leak. The driver's side valve cover is dry. On the passenger side the main gasket is good, but that upper box on top of the valve cover towards the rear has a small leak. I believe I read there isn't a gasket, just needs to be cleaned and new RTV applied. Do you know if this is factual? If so I will attempt to fix it myself when the temperature drops some during the coming weeks. I can see how a bigger leak can make a mess and possibly screw up some stuff.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 323
Likes: 17
2002 E55
Were both sides leaking on yours or just the passenger side? The driver's side on mine is dry.
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 244
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, OH
2002 E55 AMG, 06 C55 AMG, 72 350SL
Thanks, WBE55!
DOUBLE-LINCOLN,
Thanks! Unfortunately I didn't do any cleaning, yet. Yep, I have a minor leak. The driver's side valve cover is dry. On the passenger side the main gasket is good, but that upper box on top of the valve cover towards the rear has a small leak. I believe I read there isn't a gasket, just needs to be cleaned and new RTV applied. Do you know if this is factual? If so I will attempt to fix it myself when the temperature drops some during the coming weeks. I can see how a bigger leak can make a mess and possibly screw up some stuff.
DOUBLE-LINCOLN,
Thanks! Unfortunately I didn't do any cleaning, yet. Yep, I have a minor leak. The driver's side valve cover is dry. On the passenger side the main gasket is good, but that upper box on top of the valve cover towards the rear has a small leak. I believe I read there isn't a gasket, just needs to be cleaned and new RTV applied. Do you know if this is factual? If so I will attempt to fix it myself when the temperature drops some during the coming weeks. I can see how a bigger leak can make a mess and possibly screw up some stuff.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 323
Likes: 17
2002 E55
Are your VC's leaking or are you doing a preventative replacement while you are fixing the upper breathers? How many miles on your car? I'm at 68k and mine look good at the minute.
Thanks,
ddb
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 312
Likes: 8
From: South, FL
2002 E55 AMG Obsidian Black with Charcoal
Valve cover gaskets are usually not the culprit. Most of the time just a slight tightening of the valve cover bolts will do it.
The gasket sealer from MB (original) on the PCV covers dries out. It shrinks and becomes brittle. Then brakes off in chunks. Allowing oil to get pushed out and dirty the outside of the valve cover. Easy to fix.
I did both sides at the same time. Including cleaning and sealing the oil filler neck/cap. I had purchased new breather hoses for both sides. In my experience with older cars, the rubber hoses are hard and brittle. When you start to pull them off of the barb on the breather nipples, they crack or break. A few dollars to replace. AutohouseAZ
Hoselink
I also removed all coils and cleaned everything. I just wanted a clean engine.
The gasket sealer from MB (original) on the PCV covers dries out. It shrinks and becomes brittle. Then brakes off in chunks. Allowing oil to get pushed out and dirty the outside of the valve cover. Easy to fix.
I did both sides at the same time. Including cleaning and sealing the oil filler neck/cap. I had purchased new breather hoses for both sides. In my experience with older cars, the rubber hoses are hard and brittle. When you start to pull them off of the barb on the breather nipples, they crack or break. A few dollars to replace. AutohouseAZ
Hoselink
I also removed all coils and cleaned everything. I just wanted a clean engine.
Last edited by cudaized; Aug 25, 2013 at 02:11 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 4
From: Bostonian Ma
2012 CLS63 AMG
Looking good OP! That sure is some bling, bling
Welcome to the E55 club. Glad to see you're diving right in
Keep the post coming!
Did you put the star back on yourself? My star just came off again last week.
Armani
Welcome to the E55 club. Glad to see you're diving right in
Keep the post coming!
Did you put the star back on yourself? My star just came off again last week.
Armani
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 323
Likes: 17
2002 E55
Yea, the graphics guy removed the letters and the emblem when I dropped off the cover and gave them to me. My star was already in bad shape. The 12 o'clock point was detached from the circle and it is flaking. I glued the point back on and reattached all the pieces once he was done using 3M double-sided tape. Tedious but it should hold up.
