DarkStar

without breaking it?...sorry if it's a dumb question. thankx //DarkStar

bigc

I accidentally parked too far forward on a curb. A bush ripped my grille out. The only thing that happened was that the clips that hold the grille in broke. The grille itself didn't break. It's really hard to replace the clips. If the clip isn't completely broken out of the hole it fits in, it's very difficult to get it out so that you can put the replacement one in. All I'm saying is you just gotta tug on it. Go to the dealership before you do this. Tell them you need some clips, they should just hook you up for free. hope this helps. I was never able to get the last clip replaced. mine still looks fine, but it won't look right with more than one broken clip.

bigc

Rafal

The clips have a one-way tab, which snaps open once the grille is pushed in place for the first time (assembly line). To remove it, you need to insert a thin screw driver into each tab and press the spring bit in the centre whilst pulling on the grille gently next to it. You can make a hook out of a vinyl wire coat hanger so that you dont chip the black paint off the mesh. Repeat this "press and tug" exercise all around until the grille is totally free.
If you do it right, you won't snap any clips. There is a chance that some clips were broken in the factory on assembly.
Replacement clips sell for....$3.00 each! To remove an old clip without taking off the bumper bar, you must gently break it up and push the remaining stump into the hole. Place a thick plastic sheet next to the clip when using a knife to break it up, or you will ruin the paint around it. New clips will just push in and lock inside the holes. Good luck and be careful!

Benzeasy

Another easy way to remove the mesh center grille is it hit a bag of garbage on the freeway at about 70mph. Only probelm is locating the center grille after it happens. :-)

Anyone have a used one or know of a parts car? Dealers looking to get $200 for one out the door. Thanks for the tips on the clips, I'll ensure to get some prior to reinstalling once I locate one.

Thanks,
Benz

Yacht Master

+1 clips are not free at my dealer, $28.00 for all the clips in center grill. The radar/laser detector installer got his a$$ in a ringer for breaking the lock tabs on the clips.

way2evil

are you trying to remove it because its bent? get a metal coat hanger and bend it back if so

MB_Forever

LOL, you do that too
That actually works well; I've done it a couple of times in the past.

Hammer Down

+3

pcalver

Thanks for the idea, guys. I've doinked mine twice now, and replaced it at $240 at the dealer the first time!! I'll try the coat hanger trick before shelling out any more dough for another one. Thanks again.