How similar in shape and appearance are the "early" (1996-1999) and "late" (2000-20??) W210 sedans? I'm still unable to find a bra for our 1996 E300 Diesel although they are available for the 2000-05 models from Colgan, among others. Looking through the pictures in the "Gallery," it appears that the early and late W210s are similar. My wife, who has an industrial sewing machine, probably could modify a "late" bra to fit our car. Anyone have any experience in this area?

I'm also looking at various spray-on, plastic-wrap, and similar products. The two critical factors are (1) need by December 22 for road trip to snow country and (2) cannot apply permanent clear plastic film until 90 days following painting of car (which should occur this week).

Jeremy

__________________

"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

We've had one of each; a 97 E320 and now an 01 E430; the only physical difference is the plastic bumper. Altering it is definitely an option, as it isn't really all too different, but I would suggest the plastic stuff; its saved a few of our cars on multiple occasions.

__________________
_______________________________________________

1987 560SEL (210,000 miles)

Thanks for the advice. The body shop advised against covering a freshly painted car with anything so we have decided to take our chances for 90 days, get any dings touched up, and have the car plasticated after that.

The car is home, finally, with a brand-new front end and looks great. We hope to keep it that way.

__________________

"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970