I'm going to spoil the painted chrome look for you forever.

Look at a 300C from the side. Now look at a euro W126 with a painted grille from the side.

Notice they look exactly the same?

I'll be keeping mine bright Plus the Astral Silver paint "hides" the chrome to an extent.

MBeige, thanks for the excellent comparison photos. I didn't realize the W123's grille was lighter from the factory then the later cars. The gray color you painted your grille is actually the exact color I was trying to get on mine.

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.