CLS Grille removal

[effbee584]

The grille is located along the bottom by three plastic clips. It appears that to release them, the lock tab is pushed forward, but I cannot get even one to release - I suspect that the other two have such a firm grip that all three need to be released at the same time and cannot figure out how to do this.

I think I could break the outer two and trust that the centre one would hold the grille firm when it is re-fitted (plus the three top bolts) so am prepared to do so.

Does anyone have a suggestion of how to release these clips before I monster them out?

Thanks in advance if you can advise.

 

[clk208]

Easy peasy - had the same issue with mine yesterday (see other thread). No need to break anything! The prefacelift fasteners are different so is misleading to look at how the facelift grille fixes.

They can be released one at a time - outers first then the middle.

-Undo top bolts.
-Take a flat blade scredriver and push in a downward direction on either of the bottom outer sticky out bits behind the grill.
-Push that side of the grill towards the car at the same time.
-Grille should spring out of clip on that side.
-Repeat for the other side.
-Now it is mostly free, the middle one should just spring out.

You will now see that the bottom clips on the new grille are a poor match for the old bumper inserts as I did yesterday and probably will despair.

Going to try to fabricate some professional looking clips out of metal or black plastic. You could just hold in with some self tappers behind the clips but it wouldn't look very professional IMHO..

 

[effbee584]

Thanks clk208 - as you said - easy-peasy when you know how.

Just done the initial fit, but will have to do something about the visible location clips that do not locate, not a good look as they are.

I do prefer the 3 bar grille though.

from this ....

to this .....

Thanks again.
This is a great forum.

 

[Derek Mc]

I like the new look for an aftermarket upgrade it really does freshen the CLS nose no end.

 

[clk208]

Thanks clk208 - as you said - easy-peasy when you know how.

Just done the initial fit, but will have to do something about the visible location clips that do not locate, not a good look as they are.

I do prefer the 3 bar grille though.

from this ....

to this .....

Thanks again.
This is a great forum.

Looks good!

Did you find the grill is adequetely held with just the top bolts on yours then?

 

[b1g1an]

I do prefer the 3 bar grille though.

.

I can only see 2 or 4 bars

 

[C240Sport97]

I can only see 2 or 4 bars

3 bads meaning AMG grill, of which your car has one

 

[b1g1an]

Ah, thought he was talking about the two types he'd got.

 

[effbee584]

I can only see 2 or 4 bars

Quite right - 2 bars - a senior moment!

It is not held firmly at the bottom, different location lugs, won't fall off though and will figure out a way to fix. If not it will be up for sale.

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