Mars Red C350 - Updated - Tires / VIM / Wood Kit / Zaino!

KmanianC · 10-20-2008, 04:15 PM

How’s it going, guys?

Been absent for a while working on my MBA but got some time to take some pics of my car with a few minor modifications. Before it starts, I put the AMG badge on the car as it is MY car, and I qualify it with the AMG 18” rims, AMG body kit, and what would be the European equivalent of the AMG interior (standard on the USA/Canada Sport models). So save the “poser” comments, but constructive negativity is OK as we all have our opinions. I’m not posing, I just like the way the badge looks! Sorry for the pic quality - taken with my BlackBerry.

Updates:

Currently @ 18K miles

Problems to date:
o A/C Vents in front & back mysteriously fell apart – replaced under warranty.
o Hose from gas tank to engine blew off while driving(!) – replaced under warranty with no idea as to why it happened.
o Right fog light blew – replaced under warranty.

• Replaced tires @ 16K miles. The Continentals in the back were balding (I drive pretty hard). Replaced with Yokohama S-Drive 225/40R-18 92Y XL B / 255/35R-18 94Y XL B - $740 installed through Discount Tires Direct. In my opinion, the S-Drives offer much better traction and control than the Continentals, were about $100 cheaper per tire, and should offer more mileage. Check out the much more aggressive pattern as well!

• Installed the Video-In-Motion from NAV-TV. It cost $1,200, but was professionally installed and works flawlessly. Note that when in use, the navigation doesn’t work, but you can switch the VIM on and off.

• Installed the wood dash kit to match the black bird’s eye wood from wood dash experts. The fitment is superb, but the color is slightly different under the sunlight, but matches relatively well. Installation was very easy and took about 1 hour. I really like how slightly more upscale it makes the interior look!

• Just had the car detailed with Zaino Z5-Pro. Pretty happy with the results!

I love this car, man! And she is still grabbing looks – even from the drivers of more expensive cars! Enjoy the pictures and comments are welcomed!

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GPI · 10-20-2008, 04:28 PM

Looks great!

PolePosition · 10-20-2008, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GPI

Looks great!

+1

DAnton1316 · 10-20-2008, 04:34 PM

Car looks great!!! I have always loved the Red C!

Kinda looks like you took these pics with an iPhone. haha

- Dan

RLE · 10-20-2008, 04:43 PM

<<Installed the wood dash kit to match the black bird’s eye wood from wood dash experts. The fitment is superb, but the color is slightly different under the sunlight, but matches relatively well. Installation was very easy and took about 1 hour. I really like how slightly more upscale it makes the interior look!>>

I agree. Who sells the wood kit and what was the price?

Ron Jr · 10-20-2008, 05:15 PM

Looks good except for the ///AMG.

hutch300 · 10-20-2008, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Jr

Looks good except for the ///AMG.

i agree, i know badges can be tempting but leave them for the real AMG's

Ron Jr · 10-20-2008, 05:40 PM

Chrome Door Cavity Inserts, what is this in your sig?

delirium · 10-20-2008, 05:43 PM

nice wood trim, where did u get it?

Ron Jr · 10-20-2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLE

<<Installed the wood dash kit to match the black bird’s eye wood from wood dash experts. The fitment is superb, but the color is slightly different under the sunlight, but matches relatively well. Installation was very easy and took about 1 hour. I really like how slightly more upscale it makes the interior look!>>

I agree. Who sells the wood kit and what was the price?

Here's a link to the B&I kit.

http://www.exoticwooddash.com/FlatDashTrimKits.aspx

And here is a link for the Onyx kit (one in OP's car)

http://www.dashkitspecialties.com/MSCC08A.html

Of the two the B&I kit is better (and around 50% expensive) but the Omni comes with more pieces. That being said when I purchased my RBA finish dash kit I went with the Omni, it was also the only one available. I have owned B&I kits on past cars so I can attest to the quality.

wblynch · 10-20-2008, 05:53 PM

///AMG = poser

KmanianC · 10-20-2008, 05:54 PM

I bought the Main Kit from http://www.wooddashexperts.com/custo....php?cat=17513 and only used the pieces that I found tasteful.

Chrome Door Cavity Inserts - The chrome behind the door handle. Prevents scratches and adds some chrome to the door handles in lieu of the chrome strip found on other MB models.

rb23lb · 10-20-2008, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hutch300

i agree, i know badges can be tempting but leave them for the real AMG's

agree.. looks weak with aMg badge since no c350 amg exists... the wood dash looks a little tacky, since the color doesnt match properly, but maybe its just the blackberry pics?

tires look good and look like a good replacement option... like the door handle accents...

$1200 navtv option seems a little pricey since you can get a perfectly integrated back up cam from mid city engineering with VIM for less than 1200

kevblah · 10-20-2008, 06:37 PM

haha those other drivers are proably looking at you because they know its not an amg

Ron Jr · 10-20-2008, 06:53 PM

OK so Chrome Door Cavity Inserts = Chrome Door handle shells. I was looking at the insides of your doors for something in the pockets. Looks like you have the Onyx kit same as me but different finish. I also picked up the overhead console kit. Looks good in RBA don't know about wood.

KmanianC · 10-20-2008, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevblah

haha those other drivers are proably looking at you because they know its not an amg

.... As you pose with SLK AMG rims and trying to pull off an '02 as an '05 ...

KmanianC · 10-20-2008, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rb23lb

agree.. looks weak with aMg badge since no c350 amg exists... the wood dash looks a little tacky, since the color doesnt match properly, but maybe its just the blackberry pics?

tires look good and look like a good replacement option... like the door handle accents...

$1200 navtv option seems a little pricey since you can get a perfectly integrated back up cam from mid city engineering with VIM for less than 1200

The kit itself was $700, but I had it installed through my dealer's audio shop (just in case something went wrong - warranty!) ... That's why the total cost was so high.

And once again, my car, my badge...

angeloxnet · 10-20-2008, 10:51 PM

not feeling the AMG badge as it is not an AMG car.
but hey if u want to belong to the same group that puts the mercedes emblem on an old Nissan. not fooling anyone...

Rick Hunter · 10-20-2008, 10:54 PM

Oh my... yet another badge discussion.

I personally am against the /////AMG trunk badge on non AMG cars, and think it detracts form the rest of your beautiful car (which by the way, I think looks awesome). To each their own, of course, and kudos for taking the time to post. As this badge discussion will yield no positive end result, I say let's just leave that topic alone now.

I think you've done a fabulous job with the rest and agree that your wood trim compliments the rest of the OEM trim. I'm not totally feeling the mats, but at least they'll keep the wet out.

One last thing, KmanianC:
You've asked for comments at the top of the thread, and so you are getting comments. You must take them at face value and resist the temptation to lash back at their comments.

Enjoy your ride in good health, and welcome to the forums.

who8888 · 10-20-2008, 10:58 PM

What happened to pieces 14 and 15 (NAV Door cover) from your wood trim kit? At least the ones that Ron post shows. Does it look really bad that you did not want to put it on? I am thinking of turning that piece into wood to break up the massive blackness across my dash.

FrankW · 10-21-2008, 05:05 AM

looks good, but not a fan of the trim kit or the chrome door handle insert. they look tacky

KmanianC · 10-21-2008, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by who8888

What happened to pieces 14 and 15 (NAV Door cover) from your wood trim kit? At least the ones that Ron post shows. Does it look really bad that you did not want to put it on? I am thinking of turning that piece into wood to break up the massive blackness across my dash.

I decided not to use it as I thought it was a bit too much. But if you like how it looks, go for it!

blazinginder · 10-21-2008, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KmanianC

.... As you pose with SLK AMG rims and trying to pull off an '02 as an '05 ...

...that's a good point

hutch300 · 10-21-2008, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazinginder

...that's a good point

they are AMG rims... I don't see an AMG badge on his car though

UGOTMOPPED · 10-21-2008, 09:21 PM

Car is great..And I have respect for a fellow MBenz owner..but dude, take that AMG symbol off the back...If you want an AMG, spend the doe..if not..roll in your C without fronting...Makes me disgusted when non-amg folks start posing..

10-20-2008, 04:28 PM	#2
GPI MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Rowland Heights,CA Posts: 1,024 Drives: W204	Looks great! __________________

10-20-2008, 04:43 PM	#5
RLE MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA Posts: 2,155 Drives: '08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944	Wood kit <<Installed the wood dash kit to match the black bird’s eye wood from wood dash experts. The fitment is superb, but the color is slightly different under the sunlight, but matches relatively well. Installation was very easy and took about 1 hour. I really like how slightly more upscale it makes the interior look!>> I agree. Who sells the wood kit and what was the price?

10-20-2008, 05:15 PM	#6
Ron Jr MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lindenhurst, New York Posts: 1,732 Drives: 2008 C300 Sport Black	Looks good except for the ///AMG. __________________ ` "A Brabus Maybach," he said, as she turned her head in time to see him give the wheel a little pat. "The firm of Brabus extensively tweaks the product of Maybach, to produce one of these." "Darth my ride?" From chapter 17 of Spook Country by William Gibson

10-20-2008, 05:40 PM	#8
Ron Jr MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lindenhurst, New York Posts: 1,732 Drives: 2008 C300 Sport Black	Chrome Door Cavity Inserts, what is this in your sig? __________________ ` "A Brabus Maybach," he said, as she turned her head in time to see him give the wheel a little pat. "The firm of Brabus extensively tweaks the product of Maybach, to produce one of these." "Darth my ride?" From chapter 17 of Spook Country by William Gibson

10-20-2008, 05:54 PM	#12
KmanianC Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 76 Drives: 2008 Mercedes C350 Sport	Reply to questions... I bought the Main Kit from http://www.wooddashexperts.com/custo....php?cat=17513 and only used the pieces that I found tasteful. Chrome Door Cavity Inserts - The chrome behind the door handle. Prevents scratches and adds some chrome to the door handles in lieu of the chrome strip found on other MB models. __________________ C350 Mars Red Black MB-Tex PII MultiMedia Package Panorama Sunroof 18" AMGs iPod Integration Kit Chrome Door Cavity Inserts

10-20-2008, 04:34 PM	#4
DAnton1316 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 18 Drives: 2008 C350 Sports Sedan	Car looks great!!! I have always loved the Red C! Kinda looks like you took these pics with an iPhone. haha - Dan

10-20-2008, 05:43 PM	#9
delirium Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Orange County, Ca Posts: 340 Drives: C350	nice wood trim, where did u get it?

10-20-2008, 05:53 PM	#11
wblynch Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Mission Viejo, California Posts: 375 Drives: 2008 c350 SG - 2004 c240 Wagon BS	///AMG = poser

10-20-2008, 06:37 PM	#14
kevblah MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Smithfield, RI Posts: 3,094 Drives: '02 CL600	haha those other drivers are proably looking at you because they know its not an amg __________________

10-20-2008, 06:53 PM	#15
Ron Jr MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lindenhurst, New York Posts: 1,732 Drives: 2008 C300 Sport Black	OK so Chrome Door Cavity Inserts = Chrome Door handle shells. I was looking at the insides of your doors for something in the pockets. Looks like you have the Onyx kit same as me but different finish. I also picked up the overhead console kit. Looks good in RBA don't know about wood. __________________ ` "A Brabus Maybach," he said, as she turned her head in time to see him give the wheel a little pat. "The firm of Brabus extensively tweaks the product of Maybach, to produce one of these." "Darth my ride?" From chapter 17 of Spook Country by William Gibson Last edited by Ron Jr; 10-20-2008 at 06:58 PM.

10-20-2008, 10:51 PM	#18
angeloxnet Super Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Mississauga, ON CA Posts: 662 Drives: 2008 Mercedes C300 (W204)	not feeling the AMG badge as it is not an AMG car. but hey if u want to belong to the same group that puts the mercedes emblem on an old Nissan. not fooling anyone... __________________ 08 C300 sport - 1/4 15.010 @ 91.11

10-20-2008, 10:54 PM	#19
Rick Hunter Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Jet City, USA Posts: 347 Drives: '08 W204.081; M 272.948 KE30; Colour Code#792	Oh my... yet another badge discussion. I personally am against the /////AMG trunk badge on non AMG cars, and think it detracts form the rest of your beautiful car (which by the way, I think looks awesome). To each their own, of course, and kudos for taking the time to post. As this badge discussion will yield no positive end result, I say let's just leave that topic alone now. I think you've done a fabulous job with the rest and agree that your wood trim compliments the rest of the OEM trim. I'm not totally feeling the mats, but at least they'll keep the wet out. One last thing, KmanianC: You've asked for comments at the top of the thread, and so you are getting comments. You must take them at face value and resist the temptation to lash back at their comments. Enjoy your ride in good health, and welcome to the forums. __________________ '08 C300 Avantgarde 4MATIC

10-20-2008, 10:58 PM	#20
who8888 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Reston, VA Posts: 308 Drives: 08 C350 Sport	What happened to pieces 14 and 15 (NAV Door cover) from your wood trim kit? At least the ones that Ron post shows. Does it look really bad that you did not want to put it on? I am thinking of turning that piece into wood to break up the massive blackness across my dash. __________________ Current: *08 C350 Sport* Palladium Silver\| P2 Mods \| Roof Spoiler * Black Grille * Clear side markers * Front aluminum door pins * LED interior and exterior lighting * Luminics Titanium White Fog Lights * Pinnacle Formula 1 ceramic tint 35% Previous: 01 CLK320 Coupe Brillant Silver \| K3 \| K4

10-21-2008, 05:05 AM	#21
FrankW Out Of Control!! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Diamond Bar, CA Posts: 19,294 Drives: DirtyToo & Thrifty	looks good, but not a fan of the trim kit or the chrome door handle insert. they look tacky __________________ 2002 W203 M112K with insane amount of mods "new pic on last page" 2008 W204 M272 with not so much mods. wants 307hp 7200 redline engine from SL350 For Sale:authentic Carlsson exhaust tips (2) $200

10-21-2008, 09:21 PM	#25
UGOTMOPPED Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NEW YORK Posts: 453 Drives: 09' C63 AMG, 08' M6	Car is great..And I have respect for a fellow MBenz owner..but dude, take that AMG symbol off the back...If you want an AMG, spend the doe..if not..roll in your C without fronting...Makes me disgusted when non-amg folks start posing.. __________________ 2009 C63 Iridium Silver-PP Kleeman K2 HRE Comp97's Evosport Intake System KWv3 Suspension Euroteck CF Diffuser Euroteck CF Lip Evosport Reflectors

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