Vic55

Im thinking of going that black grille route on the wagon but was wondering if there are any stock black grilles (plastic) out there (distronic)... I dont want to paint it due to chipping so black plastic would be the best bet.

I found this one so far:

but it has a star- the silver star actually would offset some of the chrome trim which Im not painting.

threeMBs

With black star: http://www.ebay.com/itm/140639104893...84.m1438.l2649

Mate black OEM type without star: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2010-W212-Me...item53e9120ed4

Vic55

Thats pretty nice but will it work with Distronic??

threeMBs

Ah I missed that. You need a solid plastic part around the star instead of mesh.

Contact them, they may have a solution since grill consists of three parts: grill itself, the center piece and the OEM ML star. I'm sure they can substitute center mesh part by center solid one like this one for SL: http://www.ebay.com/itm/130661146388...84.m1438.l2649

tfsiii

Just got my 12 E63, and I was also thinking black grill would look very nice on black car. However, the distronic sensor plate itself apears to have integrated matching chrome strips that mirror/match the grill shiny bits. So even if you could retro the sensor plate to fit with the black grill , you would have those chrome lines in the middle . I cold easily be wrong, but that is what it looks like to me. I am contemplating some tint on rear windows, and black wrapping the chrome window trim. Just picked up the car, and it is quite a ride. Drove several without the p30 option, and this one has it. Still learning all about this car.

Vic55

The first pic- the one i posted- comes with the distronic option...

threeMBs

That's correct. All grills consist of three parts. So for cars with distronic, they send a solid round piece instead of the one with deep opening with mesh.

Midcont

I like it
I don't see if it is solid plastic or painted. Any idea?
How hard is it to swap?

Vic55

I called, nothing for distronic at all... I might go with the one I posted since it has the distronic part. (not shown in the pic but its an option)

threeMBs

IMO, its the best looking grille for W212 (especially white/Pano).

tarsands

I like that, can you tell us where we can get one ?

Vic55

Formymercedes.com


Sponsor here in the W211 E55 forum- go to the main page and see their banner under the W211 e55 link.

6.2AMG

i got a matte black grille for sale if you want
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/260973070212?...84.m1555.l2649

threeMBs

The same grille for much less: http://www.ebay.com/itm/290684699711...84.m1438.l2648

Almost the same grille for even less: http://www.ebay.com/itm/110843444476...84.m1438.l2649

Vic55

Your second link is the same place that you originally told me about- the place that DOES not have distronic grilles.

Vic55

I like it but its not distronic...

threeMBs

Yes I know. I was actually posting for tarsands who was asking where you are getting your grille from. Just more options for people who do not have distronics.

I must say though that no one beats Gerry (formymercedes.com) for customer support (if required should anything go wrong) after the sale. You just have to pay for it "upfront" so to speak.

tarsands

Thanks to you both. Looks like I'll be going to Gerry for the Distronic.

otakki

Man...hats off to all you guys working so hard to get the black grill, which does look good. Seems like a lot of work and things to ironed out.

KEMA

Vic did you finally order this black grille?

I'm considering this upgrade and would like some first hand comments on the quality and fit.

Thanks

Ken

Vic55

Im going back and forth in my decision. I keep looking at my wagon and am trying to visualize the star and the black grill.

I think your posting has probably pushed me over the edge.... hell I dont know

Alexbenz

Black grille yes but no star

Vic55

Yo whats up bro---- cant find a non star one for distronic...

KEMA

Just ordered one. I'll be the guinea pig :-)

International shipping so not sure on the timing. But will post impressions and installation pics when it arrives.

Ken

Vic55

Good deal ken, gratitude!!!