W124 Grille Insert Swap with pictures

[Guyton Buzz]

Hit animal. Smashed part of grille and other parts. New grille insert was $14 from the Rock, but shipping from west coast would have pushed that to triple, plus I did not know if the chrome strips on grille came with it. Ordered a whole shell and insert, but decided to just swap the insert.

1. You should accept the fact that you will drop small parts. Cover engine with tarp or sheet.

2. 8mm takes off two corner screws to the grille.

3. Needle nose pliers pull out the spring clamps. Wear eye protection.

4. Phillips screw driver for center screw in base.

5. Needle nose for center nut behind the Mercedes emblem. Does not need to come all the way out.

New one went in simply, a little prying on the bottom to pop it into place over some small tabs on the lower track of the shell.

Had to slightly enlarge the cutout for the hood latch release, mine was too snug on the new plastic, razor knife to the rescue from back side.

New grille is darker than the older grey faded one. Come to think of it, my hair was darker when the car was new, back in '93.