Classic Mercedes Grill & Chrome Trim Guide: W110 to W126
Pitted, dull or missing grill trim is the first thing people notice on a classic Mercedes, and the fix is chassis-specific: a W123 grill set will not fit a W126, and a W124 doesn't use loose grill bars at all. Mercedes kept the same idea from the late-1950s fintails to the W126 S-Class, a chrome-framed grille with the star on top and bright bars across it, but the shape, bar count and material changed with every generation.
Below is what each chassis uses, what we stock for it, and what to check before you order. Parts listings spell it "grill", "grille", "moulding" and "molding" interchangeably; they all mean the same trim.
W110/W111/W112 Fintail Grill Trim (1959–1968)
The W110 (190 and 200 sedans) and the W111/W112 (220, 220S, 220SE and 300SE) are all fintails, and they share a look but not identical parts. We stock a 9-piece aluminum grill set for the W110, a 9-piece aluminum set for the W111, and an 11-piece aluminum set listed for both W111 and W112. The 9- and 11-piece sets are separate listings, so count the bars on your car and compare them with the listing photos.
W108/W109 Grill Moulding (1965–1972)
The sedans that replaced the fintails: 250S, 280S, 280SE, and the long-wheelbase 280SEL and 300SEL. Grill trim is a 9-piece aluminum set. For the body there are two stainless listings: a W108 door, fender and trunk moulding set and a 10-piece set listed for the 280SEL and 300SEL. The long-wheelbase cars have longer rear doors, so match the listing to your body length. Both body sets include the male and female clips.
W114/W115 Grill & Chrome Trim (1968–1976)
The "stroke 8" range: W115 four-cylinder and diesel sedans, W114 six-cylinder sedans and the W114 coupé. The grill moulding set here is 304 stainless steel rather than aluminum and comes with retainer clips, which matters because the original clips corrode and snap as often as the trim does. Below the bumper there is also a 2-piece front lower protective grille.
Sedan. A 10-piece stainless side moulding set, a rocker panel moulding pair and headlight bezel trim. For a full restoration there is a 38-piece rubber seal and chrome trim set.
Coupé. The two-door body takes its own 8-piece body moulding set and rocker panel mouldings. Sedan side trim will not fit a coupé.
W116 S-Class Grill Trim (1972–1980)
The first Mercedes officially called S-Class. There are two 7-piece grill sets, and the difference is material: a 304 stainless set with 21 clips and an aluminum set. Side trim depends on wheelbase: a 7-piece set for the standard sedan and an 8-piece set for the long-wheelbase 280SEL, 350SEL and 450SEL.
W123 Grill & Chrome Trim (1976–1985)
The W123 has the widest trim coverage we stock, and it is also the chassis most people search for. Grill: a W123 grill moulding trim set (7 pieces, aluminum).
Sedan. A 9-piece stainless side moulding set, clips included, and a separate 8-piece lower side moulding set.
Wagon (S123). The estate has its own 8-piece rocker panel and toe board set and a 10-piece door, fender and trunk set with clips. Don't order sedan trim for a wagon; the rear panels are shaped differently.
Coupé (C123). A 7-piece door and rear body moulding strip set.
W124 Chrome Grill & Body Trim (1984–1995)
The W124 breaks the pattern. Instead of loose bars clipped into the grille, the grille is replaced as one piece: a chrome radiator grill for 1985–1992 cars (OEM A1248800583, listed as the Avantgarde style), made in chromed plastic with the frame and bars together. Facelift cars from 1993 use a different grille with a different part number, so check your year before ordering.
For the body: an 8-piece door and fender chrome trim set for the sedan, and a 4-piece window chrome trim set for the C124 coupé.
W126 S-Class Grill Trim (1979–1991)
We cover the W126 interior in our W126 restoration guide. For the grill there are two listings, both seven bars (six vertical plus one horizontal): the 7-piece aluminum set and a second 6 vertical and 1 horizontal bar set. Compare the photos and price; the bar layout is the same.
Can Pitted Grill Trim Be Restored?
It depends on the material. Most of the grill bar sets above are aluminum, which doesn't rust but oxidizes to a dull gray, pitted surface. Light oxidation polishes out; deep pitting usually doesn't, and that is the point where a new set costs less time than restoring the old one. The side mouldings, the W114/W115 grill set and the 21-clip W116 set are 304 stainless steel, which holds its shine better and is more often worth straightening and polishing. Our chrome restoration tips cover the polishing side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a W123 grill trim fit a W126?
No. Grill mouldings are made for one chassis family's grille opening. Order by chassis code, not by "classic Mercedes grill" in general.
My W123 is the wagon (S123). Do I need different trim from the sedan?
Yes, for the rocker panel, lower body and rear trim. The wagon has its own moulding sets, and the C123 coupé is different again. The grill set is the same across W123 body styles.
Is the trim aluminum or stainless steel?
Most grill bar sets are aluminum. The W114/W115 grill set, the 21-clip W116 set and the side moulding sets are 304 stainless steel. Each listing title says "Alu" or "S.Steel".
Do the sets include mounting clips?
Some do. The W114/W115 grill set includes retainer clips and the stainless W116 set lists 21 clips. The W108, W114/W115 and W123 side moulding sets and the S123 wagon set include clips. If a listing doesn't mention clips, assume you need to reuse or source them.
Which W124 grill do I need?
The one-piece chrome grill we stock is for 1985–1992 cars. Facelift cars from 1993 on take a different grille, so check your model year first.
Browse Classic Mercedes Chrome Trim
Everything in this guide is in our Classic Mercedes Parts collection, and most of the grill and body trim is also grouped in Chrome Accessories. If you're not sure which chassis you have, start with our Classic Mercedes Parts Guide. Still unsure which set fits? Send us your exact model and year and we'll confirm before you order.
