E320 Gold Star ripped out, couple questions
 

Hi all,

Someone who I suppose felt like being a tough guy decided to rip the gold hood star off our E320 this past week, and not take it with him... instead he left it dangling from the steel spring that holds it in.

My father went to the dealership and they said that the gold star was a special production thing, and that they no longer make them, but we would need the full kit.

I'm wondering if what they are saying is true... from what I could tell after the whole thing was ripped out, the star was held down by a steel spring rod that hooked in to a latch at the bottom of the star. The star seems in perfect condition still, my logic tells me all that is needed is a new steel rod.

But, I'm not sure... my father got a replacement silver star package that I have not been able to see yet.

I'd greatly appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!
George

MB never offered a "gold" star or KIT..the dealer had someone plate those items.

interesting... well that tosses a curve ball in the mix

can the steel cable be replaced without replacing the star? The steel cable was never gold plated... it's never even seen.

They did you a favor, now put a silver hood star on there.

All the gold "stuff" you see is aftermarket.

The gold stuff at one time may have been nice but not anymore, my SEC came with a whole gold plated grille, trunk emblems, hood star and washer nozzles. All of that luckily gone now :D

the whole hood star needs to be replaced as individual pieces are not replaceable.

I'd be to embarresed to drive it home like that! I'd have to cover it in duct tape or something.:D

"Gold-plated" packages were the rage offerings in the late 80's and early 90's...even MB dealers caved in to the pressure. If the rest of your car has remnants of gold plating throughout, might as well keep the theme. Otherwise, as others said, the star is a good place to slowly wean your car of it's "bling" past.

I had a 94 Honda Passport with the grill and trunk emblems plated in gold, as well as the "Passport" emblems on the side panels. It was tasteful, even now, as the SUV was black.

Anyway, back then, there were a few independents that had the equipment to restore the plating for whatever reason. I had one visit my vehicle while at work to redo the side emblems that had lost some of the plating from the salt exposure from the previous winter. Couldn't tell you a cost since it was performed under warranty.

I don't know if anyone still performs this service, since the gold-plating treatment doesn't seem so prevalent anymore. Check your local listings for "gold plating"