Group Purchase 86 - 93 W124 Avantguard Grille - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

placo1 · #1 12-13-2002, 04:36 PM

I know there are several of you out there who have expressed interest in the updated look of the Avantgard Grille. Several of you have realized that these are not easily obtainable and quality ranges from poor to excellent depending on the supplier.

What I would like to do is put together an "Accurate" list of members who are seriously interested in purchasing these grilles. Once I have the list I will call various suppliers and dealers to get the best price. Those on the list will recieve a code which will be valid for a certain period of time. This code will allow you to purchase at the discounted price.

What I'm looking at purchasing is an OEM 1998 Mercedes Benz S600 Grille Insert and 12 Chrome Strips. The plastic portion of the grille is metallic grey and the inserts are chromed aluminum. These will be the highest quality grille available on the market since they are MB Original. Currently I've priced the grilles at $245.00, I'm hoping to get it closer to $200.00 but no promises.

The downside is that the chrome strips and plastic will require some modifications to fit into our chrome surround. These include some grinding, some drilling of the plastic and cutting the chrome strips. You will also probably have to modify your plastic hood latch. You will be 100% responsible for these modifications and returns will not be allowed.

For anyone living on the west coast we will arrange a group install to assist anyone interested. I can probably also post the installation procedure on here as well.

So those interested, sign up now so we can get these on order and have them hopefully before or just after the holidays!

suginami · #2 12-13-2002, 04:43 PM

I'm in. Put me down.

yal · #3 12-13-2002, 06:12 PM

Tali-ho I'm in. Let me know. You guys are going to have the post the install instructions when everything comes through.

aldedmon · #4 12-13-2002, 11:29 PM

placo1 · #5 12-17-2002, 12:41 AM

Just wanted to post a list of the members interested in the grilles thus far.

1. Suginami
2. Yal
3. Albert
4. Ernesto
5. Norman Anthony
6. Myself

Currently I am speaking with a supplier that sells NON-OEM Plastic and OEM Original Chrome Inserts for approximately $75 - $80.00. I will be looking at these grilles before the end of the week and I will let everyone know how close the plastic is to MB OEM.

If the plastic is not perfect, those of us trying to achieve perfection can purchase an OEM grille for $95.00 and install the OEM Chrome from the replica grille to make a 100% OEM Grille for a grand total of $170.00!

As soon as I look at the grilles I'll post my findings.

Blitzkrieg · #6 12-18-2002, 06:41 PM

Could you post a site/image?

Rob

Antony · #7 12-19-2002, 03:19 PM

Please include me if you think it will fit my '95 E320 wagon.

suginami · #8 12-19-2002, 04:03 PM

Many sites already make an Avantgarde style grill for the '94-'95 hood.

You are lucky.

www.bekkers.com

aldedmon · #9 12-19-2002, 04:06 PM

Sorry Antony

#10 12-19-2002, 06:37 PM

I have new S600 Avantgarde grill for sale.
$79 + shipping

Beckers are selling it for $120
http://www.bekkers.com/cgi-bin/miva?Merchant2/merchant.mv+Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BI&Product_Code=140888&Category_Code=maeros

email me
gomaidy@hotmail.com

David

placo1 · #11 12-20-2002, 02:26 AM

Grille Update,

Well, I just purchased a grille from David and here is my honest opinion. The chrome grille inserts are definitely MB OEM and of course they are high quality. The plastic insert is a good replica of the original with a few minor drawbacks. The overall appearance is very good but the plastic appears a little softer than OEM. Also the chrome inserts don't mount perfectly on the plastic so where the horizontal strips meet the vertical strip there is a small gap. It's not highly noticeable but it's definitely there. The grille coloring is a dead on match and looks great.

For those of you not looking for absolute perfection David's grilles are perfect. They are definitely the right price and they look great. For any perfectionists, including me you'll probably want to buy the MB OEM plastic portion for $95.00 and use the chrome strips from this grille. I will use my current plastic piece as a practice piece so everyone can learn from my mistakes.

Anyone interested in purchasing David's grilles should contact him directly, he accepts paypal which makes it easier.

For anyone who is also interested in the MB OEM grille chime in now since I will try to arrange a group purchase for these as well.

suginami · #12 12-20-2002, 12:45 PM

I'll get the OEM grille.

Are we still buying the chrome inserts from the dealer, or from another source?

aldedmon · #13 12-20-2002, 12:55 PM

yal · #14 12-20-2002, 01:32 PM

Afshin

I'm still in for the OEM...thanks for keeping us posted and all!

placo1 · #15 12-20-2002, 02:29 PM

Here is what I'm thinking.

I will arrange a group purchase of just the plastic portion for now. When the I recieve my plastic grille I will find out if the chrome inserts from David's grilles wil fit correctly. If they fit perfectly then I would suggest for everyone to buy the whole grille from David and use the Chrome inserts on the OEM Plastic. The reason I say this is because we would never be able to buy the chrome strips from any MB source for less than $140.00.

If however the chrome strips don't fit then I guess I just threw away $79.00, it's a gamble I guess.

At least I have a practice piece

Look for another post soon