HOWTO: cheap bonnet star replacement - W202
What with bonnet-ornament theft or vandalism on the increase, thought I would try a new mod out
A popular styling mod among mercedes owners with saloon models is to swap the three-pointed-star bonnet ornament for a flat coupé-style badge, as found on the SL, among others. The actual badge is cheap (about £5) but it doesn't directly replace the upright-ornament because it is too large, and requires a fitting kit, unfortunately this fitting kit tends to be about £25!
I remember reading on another forum that the badge from the G-class is slightly smaller, and will fit in the recess left by the standard ornament, this is possibly because the G-class was originally designed to have an upright bonnet ornament but it got a flat one instead in the end. I ordered the badge, it costs about £5 and took a day or two to arrive from Germany. The part number is A601 880 01 88.
The badge is made of very light metal and is 41mm in diameter. It is an old-school style badge and has the star painted white with chrome outline, rather than the modern solid chrome. Reminds me of the little badge on the w201 and pre-facelift w124 with the big chrome grills.
Installation:
The first step is to remove the old bonnet ornament, this is very easy to do and the only tool required is a pair of pliers. Open the bonnet, turn the clamp underneath the star 90 degrees and then gently lift the ornament out of the recess.
I believe this is the same process for all models with the upright ornament as the part number is the same for all. You are left with a recess in the metalwork with a great big hole in the middle. The badge can be held in place by some sticky foam tape, I just put a strip on either side, it seems to be held quite firmly!
Looks ok doesn't it? Not sure if I will be able to get used to driving without having a target to aim for any more!
What with bonnet-ornament theft or vandalism on the increase, thought I would try a new mod out
A popular styling mod among mercedes owners with saloon models is to swap the three-pointed-star bonnet ornament for a flat coupé-style badge, as found on the SL, among others. The actual badge is cheap (about £5) but it doesn't directly replace the upright-ornament because it is too large, and requires a fitting kit, unfortunately this fitting kit tends to be about £25!
I remember reading on another forum that the badge from the G-class is slightly smaller, and will fit in the recess left by the standard ornament, this is possibly because the G-class was originally designed to have an upright bonnet ornament but it got a flat one instead in the end. I ordered the badge, it costs about £5 and took a day or two to arrive from Germany. The part number is A601 880 01 88.
The badge is made of very light metal and is 41mm in diameter. It is an old-school style badge and has the star painted white with chrome outline, rather than the modern solid chrome. Reminds me of the little badge on the w201 and pre-facelift w124 with the big chrome grills.
Installation:
The first step is to remove the old bonnet ornament, this is very easy to do and the only tool required is a pair of pliers. Open the bonnet, turn the clamp underneath the star 90 degrees and then gently lift the ornament out of the recess.
I believe this is the same process for all models with the upright ornament as the part number is the same for all. You are left with a recess in the metalwork with a great big hole in the middle. The badge can be held in place by some sticky foam tape, I just put a strip on either side, it seems to be held quite firmly!
Looks ok doesn't it?
Not sure if I will be able to get used to driving without having a target to aim for any more!
.
