2007 SL350: Removing Front Bumper outer mesh inserts

[crippo2]

Hi Guys
Need help please. Am thinking of fitting DRLs next to the front fog lights (Insurance company likes this). The fog lights are recessed behind the plastic cross hatched mesh insert in the lower left/right of the front bumper. The insert also holds the bright-work surrounding each fog light.
My query is whether you have to remove the front bumper to get to these mesh inserts or is there an easier way to get them out. The early SLs had some sort of release mechanism accessible from the front of the car, but all I can see is the fog light adjustment screw and a 10mm nut, which when loosened does not release the mesh insert.

All help gratefully received - thanks

 

[Ted]

These grilles are held in by three torx screws from the front on the clk, but they aren't obvious until you get down and look.
Might be worth double checking.

 

[crippo2]

These grilles are held in by three torx screws from the front on the clk,

Unfortunately not so on SL (although your info is very timely, since also have CLK)

Having now found a piccy of a 'naked' mesh insert, it seems to be held in by a lip which engages with the rear facing edge of of the bumper molding.

So perhaps a sharp tap with a tickling stick (if there is enough room behind) might do it - will try & see

Anyway thanks for the reply - indirectly very useful indeed

 

[Ted]

Drls on a clk


View attachment 49652

 

[crippo2]

Drls on a clk

These look really good - are they instead of the Fog lights?

 

[Ted]

Yes. The foglight bulbs were replaced with leds. So it is totally oem and simple to put it back to original. They also dim with sidelights and have passed an mot.