Cladding upgrade for early 124's?

[Jettpilot]

Hello all,

I have an 89 300e which is in excellent condition but am looking to give it a minor facelift. I was interested in upgrading to the cladding that goes from the center of the doors to the bottom, like the >93's have. Is this upgrade even possible? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Sam

Hi Sam,
Yes it is possible but expensive! Since the new cladding arrived on the '90 models, not the '93s, why don't you trade in for a year newer model, if the cladding is important to you. That way you get increased resale value (which you won't get if you upgrade your car), as well as engine updates, an improved interior/stereo and dual air bags. In the long run, trading in will probably cost you less, since the '90 models are more desirable for all the reasons above.
Regards,
-Nekky

[This message has been edited by Nick Jamal (edited 11-13-2000).]

[jeffsr]

Sam, I have done some minor research on this idea, and have binned it for good. The approximate all up cost of doing this on a 4 dr W124 is between $850 and $1500 depending on where you get the panels and the retainer clips. I would suggest getting the grey plastic bumper shrouds painted the same color as the rest of the car. It can have a pleasing effect on how it looks. The late model body cladding looks nice, but I'd rather find something more important to spend that kind of $$$ on.. Just my $0.02

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Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

[rich30769]

I agree with Jeff and Nick 150%. I too thought about this upgrade until I saw how much this was going to cost. I had the mouldings painted to the color of the car. It does make a pleaseant difference to the looks..

[This message has been edited by rich30769 (edited 11-12-2000).]

[Jettpilot]

I guess the cladding is ruled out as an upgrade. Anyone have any pics of their 124 with the bumpers painted to match the body?

[Arthur Dalton]

Here is a good deal in the local [Boston]
Want Ads.
If interested , email me and I will get the guys phone # for you.

MERCEDES 300E LOWER BODY MOLDING
'90 & up. Compl set, fenders, drs, quarter panels, fasteners. Will also update earlier 300E's. New cond. $250; (Uxbridge) (cell)