As a car repair expert at mercedesbenzxentrysoftwaresubscription.store, I often encounter questions about seemingly minor car components that hold significant importance for vehicle owners. Among these, the hood emblem of a Mercedes-Benz stands out. This article will delve into the nuances of Mercedes-Benz hood emblems, specifically focusing on the differences between older and newer styles and providing guidance on removing the more challenging older emblem.
Identifying Old vs. New Style Mercedes Hood Emblems
Mercedes-Benz SL models, particularly older ones like the 107, might feature either of two distinct hood emblem styles. Interestingly, the newer style emblem can often be used as a replacement even on older models. It’s believed the newer style was likely introduced with the Mercedes-Benz 129 model.
The key differentiator between the old and new style emblems lies in their design and, crucially, their removal method. The older style emblems are notoriously difficult to remove due to a barbed pin mechanism that secures them tightly into a plastic grommet. Unlike newer emblems which might be removable with methods like dental floss, the older style requires a more deliberate approach.
It is important to note the visual differences. An old style emblem is characterized by a painted and wider star. These original emblems are no longer manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, adding to their rarity and value.
Removing the Older Style Hood Emblem: A Step-by-Step Guide
Based on my experience, removing the older style Mercedes hood emblem requires patience and a specific technique. Forcing it can lead to damage, as I experienced firsthand when slightly bending an emblem during removal (though in that case, replacement was intended).
Here’s a procedure for removing the old style emblem, which I’ve found effective:
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Access from Underneath: Begin by opening the car’s hood and locating the hood latch mechanism.
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Remove the Hood Latch: Carefully remove the hood latch. This step is crucial as it provides access to the underside of the emblem mounting point.
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Locate Barb and Grommet: With the hood latch removed, you’ll be able to see the barbed pin and plastic grommet through the hood latch hole. This is the securing mechanism of the old style emblem.
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Apply Pressure and Rock: Using a rod or similar tool, gently push on the barbed pin and grommet from underneath. Simultaneously, use your other hand to carefully rock the emblem from the top. This process requires persistence and can take time – in my experience, around an hour of careful work.
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Persistence is Key: Continue applying pressure from below and rocking from above. Eventually, with consistent effort, the emblem will begin to yield and can be removed.
This image highlights the barbed pin and grommet system that makes removing the old style emblem challenging.
Historically, a quicker but potentially damaging removal method involved drilling out the emblem from underneath. While this might have been a cost-effective solution in the past, it’s less desirable today, especially given the increasing value and rarity of original emblems.
Cost and Availability: Old vs. New Emblems
The scarcity of original NOS (New Old Stock) 107 emblems has significantly impacted their market value. These emblems can now fetch prices three times higher than their newer counterparts. As of writing, I’ve observed original emblems selling in the $25 to $50 range, whereas new style emblems are considerably more affordable, typically priced between $8 and $16. I personally paid $50 for the old style emblem pictured, reflecting their collector’s value.
A side-by-side comparison clearly illustrates the visual differences between the older and newer Mercedes-Benz hood emblem styles.
In Conclusion
Understanding the distinction between old and new style Mercedes hood emblems is essential, especially for owners of classic SL models. While newer emblems offer easier replacement, removing older style emblems requires a specific, patient technique due to their barbed pin design. The increasing value of original emblems further emphasizes the importance of careful removal and preservation when dealing with these iconic Mercedes-Benz components. Hopefully, this guide provides valuable insights for anyone tackling the removal of an older style “Hood Emblem Mercedes”.
