wheelsloose

I have searched and searched everywhere and can't find one. I was hoping to not have to paint it due to rock chips but I guess there is no other choices yet?

Faris63

Vinyl wrap

Vic55

Too hard, the vinyl wont stick; already had an expert try... plasti dip on the other hand

wheelsloose

Yes. Two vinyl shops told me it would be too hard and probably not turn out well. I was thinking about Plastidip and the way I figured is if I hated the way it turned out I could always peel it off and have it painted. May just have it painted and if it chips just plastidip. A shop today told me they thought they could do it pretty cheap

elijah

Plastidip is your cheapest and best bet really

AmmarYasirA

plasti-dip is the way to go, just cover everything with newspaper so theres no overspray and go ham with it. Comes out clean if you do it right, comes out not so clean if you aren't careful.

Also, If you want a gloss black, you can get a glossifier for the plast-dip at dipmycar.com

I have it on my side markers and they look clean. With no peels, chips, etc.

hyperion667

I'd take the grill out....agree? seems like the best way....

wheelsloose

Have any pics of them? I actually bought 3 cans of Plastidip from Home Depot and was thinking about giving it a shot in the next few weeks.

wheelsloose

Seems pretty difficult to pull it out. I looked for about 10 minutes or so and seemed like it is three or four pieces with lots of little clips that attach each section

AmmarYasirA

I would say take the grill out as well, but it seems it's much more difficult than it looks, I saw someone take the entire bumper off with it, that's too much work... Just out cardboard or newspaper behind the grill, that way nothing Gets ruined. Otherwise take your time on the grill/front bumper, it'll be a PITA.

As for the photos. I'm on my phone right now and they can't be sized unless I get on my laptop. And unfortunately my laptop isn't with me.....

hyperion667

guess it isn't as easy as on my 550
lame

I saw a single bar grill somewhere on here....looked good.....
harder to tell you're in Benz

allenc63

I had my c63 grill vinyl wrapped. Looked good and it didnt peel off. Just saying....

AmmarYasirA

Lol, just do whatever you seem is right for you. Although, IMO plasti-dip is an awesome thing to mess around with.

KEMA

The grill on my 2012 E63 came off in 5 mins. 3 screws and it clicked right out. Not sure if the CLS is more complicated.

Ken

wheelsloose

Way more complicated. You have to remove the entire bumper and then attack it from the backside. A bunch of clips and a PITA. I tried the Plastidip and was not happy with the overall results so I had it painted. Unfortunately, painting also kind of sucks because it doesn't stick to the chrome parts very well and will ultimately chip easily with the first rock chip and continue to get worse. For now I am living with fact that I am just going to have to pay my painter $150 every 4-6 months to have it redone until there are decent aftermarket options available. I don't mind removing my bumper one more time if it is just to swap out the grill once and for all. Not too complicated to remove and much easier if you two people while you are pulling it off after you have all the screws and push rivets out.

yourSpecialisT

Just wanted to bump this back up in hopes of any new info!

hyperion667

wow, that sounds like quite the chore......wonder why it's so damn hard on the cls and a breeze on the E.....
I have done as you and painted my E grill more than oncebut figure it will become pretty thick and weird looking.....
I broke down and just bought a second stock grill for my E haha.......
does not sound like a desirable option on this car...
maybe a sponser is reading this with hopes of giving us an option

btw, have any pictures of your grill?

Brahmabull

It's surprising that none of the vendors, or any vendors make a blacked out grill for the CLS 63..all the pics I see. i'm guessing everyone had them painted...

otherotherbenz

do not paint.. my suggestion is wrap it.. I painted mine and got a lot of rock chips.. Last week, I decided to have it wrapped (properly and professionally).. If you are in SoCal area, look up Elevated Auto Concepts in Pasadena, they are the best of the best..

emericr

I can't believe it would take a bumper removal to take out the grill. Can anyone else confirm?
I plan to murder my grill when I get my car so I am interested in the answer.

wheelsloose

You are not getting the grill out without removing the bumper! We had to pull off the bumper to have mine painted properly because the clips to push it out are on the inside. You can put it back on with the bumper on the car but not take out. My suggestion is to either have it painted while on the car (not the best way to do this though) or have it wrapped.

Moe_taws6

does anyone have a diagram or a DIY on how to remove the front bumper?

emericr

I did not remove my grill but plasti dipped it. So easy to do. Takes about 1 hour with all the masking and waiting.
I just redo it every year or so so that it looks perfect.

M66M

+1 on the plastidip. Especially considering its reversible. It will fade and become weathered eventually but you simply tape off and respray. Can also try the glossifier to alter the look...

hyperion667

aw man, this thread again


I'd love a two bar grill without the star.....but nope