[JettaRed]

So, generally I like the clean lines of the R230. But, I decided to upgrade the grill to a single bar style. Got this from 55tech.com on eBay. OEM quality; nice change.

 

[JettaRed]

The aftermarket grill is OEM quality and the star is a genuine MB part. Very nice.

 

[JettaRed]

Here's the before pic.

 

[Gary Knox]

Made that change about 2 years ago, about a year after I bought the car. I agree, it makes the front of the car look like an SL, rather than a MB sedan!

Gary

 

[RocketBoots]

Isn't that where the Distronic is mounted and if so, how do you align it correctly?

 

[JettaRed]

No Distronic on my car.

 

[Gary Knox]

My car doesn't have Distronic either - therefore no problemo. I'm not sure, but it might be possible to put the distronic 'star' from the OE grill in place of the genuine MB star in the single bar aftermarket grille. IF interested, you could inquire of the seller.

Gary

 

[RocketBoots]

I like the look of that grille mod, but I have Distronic on my car and would want to be sure that I could set it up properly. Not a priority for me at the moment though.

 

[JettaRed]

55tech has a version that's compatible with distronic.

 

[JettaRed]

The glossy black grille didn't quite go with the red car the way I wanted it to. It may be perfect for a black car, but it didn't match the fresh air intakes or the fake side grilles for my red car. So, a little Rustoleum semi-gloss black paint fixed the problem.

 

[RocketBoots]

55tech has a version that's compatible with distronic.

Unfortunately, not for the later model R230. Mine is a 2008.