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W203 front end conversion

Tilly

Active Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2005
Messages
416
Location
Clitheroe, Lancashire
With me planning on keeping my car and modifying it, I want to bring it to a stage where I am aesthetically happy with it. The W203 C class shape is rapidly becoming outdated. What I want to do is convert the front end to a stlye similar to that of the CLK's, C class coupes and C55 AMG's.

I'm reasonably happy with the car bar the grill, its just not sleek enough imo

merc8.jpg


If you look between the headlights and grill at where the bonnet stops and the bumper begins you'll see its different... This is what to me, makes it lok dated, such a simple change but wow what a difference, IMO it looks ten times better with a broader but shallower grill. My question is, using one of the car mentioned above, will any of them allow for a simple bonnet and bumper swap or will a lot more fabrication be required?

It looks sooooo much neater:

2006.mb.c55.amg.jpg
 
I think the front end of the C55 is more sharper and on a downward angle iirc.. subtle but very different.

You are right, sets the 203 off and makes it far better lookin, good luck!
 
The front of a C55is longer than a standard w203 so I doubt it will fit and neither will the front wings.
 
Yes the the CLK (209) was engineered to to take V8s from the outset, where as the C (203) was engineered to take V6s only. Hence the reason the C32 is a supercharged V6.

To accomodate the extra length of the V8 the C55 does use a CLK front end - take a look at the extra length ahead of the front wheel arch on the C55.

I've not encountered anyone who has transplanted it but I'm sure it's possible. I think there would be more to it than just whipping the wings, bonnet and bumper off, as the cross member must also be further forward on a C55.

By the way the grilles aren't interchangable either - they're integrated with the bumper on the C55 and CLK.
 
bleurgh looks like I just have to find a C55 style grill that has no surround, , having no surround gives the illusion of a wider and shallower grill so it'll be better than at the moment but I was hoping it could be done properly, ah nevermind! I'll sus something out
 
Tilly said:
bleurgh looks like I just have to find a C55 style grill that has no surround, , having no surround gives the illusion of a wider and shallower grill so it'll be better than at the moment but I was hoping it could be done properly, ah nevermind! I'll sus something out

C55 complete front + 420 diesel motor.

Then you have no problems at all.
 
miro said:
C55 complete front + 420 diesel motor.

Then you have no problems at all.

Nice idea!! Anyone know where I can find a "how to"?? :D
 
I wonder if the CLk grill is plug and play....
 

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