HI,

I have a 1995 C280 and had the hood ornament stolen while on campus at SMU - I can't believe of all places it would get stolen here. Some juvenile is probably wearing it around there neck as a necklace. I do have a bra on the front of the car and I thought maybe that attracted attention to the car since the shiny chrome star contrast with matte black vinyl. Anyways, it looks like they broke the star off from is "bulbous" socket because its still there receseed in the circular medallion. Should I replace it with another star or flat medallion cap ala SL or SLK? Also, waht can I do about the front grill - its original, but I want to replace it because I don't like all the grey plastic? The car is metallic gray with stock SLK wheels. What type of grill would look good to go with new hood ornament? I was thinking avantgarde black insert from Bekkers or 'SL' grill w/ star from Precision Auto? Anyhow, I would appreciate any comments and information about what to do and where to get if from, and can I put the new hood ornament in myself?

Thanks

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1995 Euro C280
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*Debadged
*Kompressor rims
*K&N Air Filter
*Custom Intake/Exhaust
*Bored Throttle Body
*Modified ECU
*Bilstein Sports soon

I think you could get another star real cheap. Impco has them for 12 bucks that fit a 190. Somethin to think about grill wise. I don't know bout the newer cars but my 89 190 had a gry grill that turney REALLY GRAY and ugly from the sun. I saw where someone else painted it themselves on 190 revolution page so I did it too. I pulled it apart and bought some black primer and some metallica black paint(really just gloss black with silver glitter in the paint =). For about 5 bucks it came out really good. Don't know if I would do it to a newer one though thats still in good shape.

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Rob C
89 190E 2.6
Beige

Hood stars are easy to get -- about $10.00 or so at the Benz Bin (www.thebenzbin.com) or even on Ebay.

I am on my third (yikes) black-painted grill on my 89 260E. The paint just does not adhere well or last very long. Bekkers has black molded inserts for the S class and I believe newer E-class. Are there any for W124s as well?

I'd keep the star, thats what makes a Mercedes stand out.

As for the grill, a E-klasse grille will fit intot he C-Klasse and has more chrome lines and less grey.

I painted my grey grille insert black with some matte black charcoal looking when dry. I used some hard hat paint I just happened to have lying around. seems to be holding up quite well so far (been 3 weeks 4 washes so far), seems to be holding up well so far. I am planning on repainting it again using a powder black matte paint, then matte clear coating it with several coats the next time to help with durability. I personally wouldn't go the gloss route, but I'm sure it looks great either way. Semi glos might also be a good choice as it might more resemble the plastic look, but matte is my choice for the paint finish.

I did mine in a couple of hours on a saturday afternoon. Really makes the car look better. Why was it grey in the first place? hehehe

New hood stars are cheap. you can try www.gapa.com they might have one for your car. mine cost $15 which included tax and shipping (Tax cause I'm also in california). Dealer wanted $48 for it I believe.

I like my hood star, now if only there was a laser in front of the car, and that was the aiming reticle. ehehehe

I might also paint the charcoal/black plastic bumper surrounds. Mine are painted out, but the plastic strips on the front and back are not. There I would have to get my body shop to match up the paint and just have my guy paint it, but if I were going to do that, the car would go in for a color sanding, touch up, and the front spoiler would be repainted as it has paint chips, and those plates under the headlights which have some road rash (seems to be like that on many benz's so I have seen).

Alon

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'92 300CE
Metallic Black (Blue Flaked) on Parchment
Clear Corners
Black Grille Insert
78k Miles

Future Upgrades:
Sportline Suspension
17" AMG Monoblocks or EVO II's
94-95 Tail Lights
Euro Headlights
Chip
AMG Exhaust

Click here to Go To My 300CE Page