CLK Grille or Stock C55 Grille?

[PC Valkyrie]

As most of you know, the front end of the C55 is actually from the CLK (which is slightly longer than the standard W203 C-class so that a V8 could fit). I've taken off the stock upright star ever since I got the car 2.5 years ago. Recently, I've been given (for free) a CLK grill to try on my car. Here are some before and after pics of the stock C55 grill and the 2005 CLK grill. I want your honest opinion about which you think looks better.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Hmmm, it's actually quite a tough one.

The stock C55 grille looks ok, but the thick top and bottom chrome slats make the grille seem smaller than it should be... but then what that does it make the face seem more horizontally stretched (which is a good thing - IMO).

But compared to the CLK grille, I very much like the thinner grille slats coz it makes the grille look more open and also reflects its true size. Secondly, that big 3-pointed star does look very appealing sitting smack-bang in the middle of the grille... it adds a central-focus to the face of the car (much like the twin-kidneys do for BMWs).

So, putting myself in your shoes, I'd opt for the CLK grille. Simple yet stylish, as well as providing a refreshing look to your wonderful car.

 

[coolraoul]

Hard choice...
I like the normal grille, but without the star on the hood it looks a bit strange. And a Mercedes without star...

The CLK grille fits very well, is beautiful, and adds an exclusive touch to your car, makes me look at it twice: at the beginning you think it is a CLK, then you see it is a C, but the CLK grille does not look aftermarket or out of place at all.
So CLK grille for me too. Interesting tweak, and better-looking imo.

 

[Steve]

I think you should stick with the stock one.

It makes the front of the car seem wider and IMO gives it a more aggressive stance

 

[cawimmer430]

I voted for STOCK. The C55 AMG W203 still has that overall typical C-Class look, which doesn't look that good with the CLK grille IMO, despite the C55 AMG having the front of the C209 CLK. Keep it stock.

 

[Centurion]

Kept it stock, the whole new movement with having a big MB logo on the grill will soon be played out. Your car is fine as it is.

 

[LaArtist]

Stock man..the C55 has a unique wide and low grill.. like no other benz..
so keep it

 

[Tarek]

Stock

 

[Bruce]

I prefer the stock as I feel it looks cleaner.

 

[Monster]

CLK Grille for sure. The stock C55 grille never look right to me. It has the look of the traditional MB grille from far away, but when you look closely you can clearly see the C55 grille is just a normal CLK grille with a vertical bar in the middle. Normal MB grille has the chrome edge all the way around the grille, the C55 grille doesn't, so it looks a bit strange.

 

[ree]

I also voted for stock!! I like the C 55 AMG most with the "normal" grille! The CLK grille doesn't fit best on the C-Class.

 

[ateekt]

"Stock" C-55 grille looks better & neat to me ...!

 

[NarutoRamen]

I like the stock one better. The other just looks awkward.

 

[Yaz]

Never thought I'd say this, but it looks a lot better with the CLK grille. My guess it's because you took down the MB star and replaced it with the flat badge. CLK grille for sure.

 

[Sunny]

The CLK grill looks better to me, but there is something to being said about a well maintained stock car.

 

[PC Valkyrie]

Thank you guys for all your input. I really like this forum, as I truly get an INTERNATIONAL perspective from car nuts from many countries.

I posted this poll on 2 separate forums, and the results are surprisingly consistent. I haven't posted it on mbworld yet, although it will be interesting to see what they think.
It seems to be a "love or hate relationship" for most who responded. About 2/3 of people prefer the CLK grille, while 1/3 prefer the stock C55 grille.

I've decided to keep the CLK grille on for now during the winter. If anything, it does give the car a fresh look. I agree with some who think that the CLK grille can look a bit odd from certain angles in pictures, which had prevented me from doing this mod earlier. However, I find it isn't as odd in real life. My son prefers the new grille, but my wife thinks the big star on the grille is a bit too aggressive and doesn't flow as well with subtle styling of the rest of the car. Oh well.....can't please them all......

Changing the grille is quite easy, so I can easily change it back in the future if I get tired of the look.