Bonnet star blues...revisited!

[Gastro]

Well it's happened to me, or to my beautiful W124 E280 1993. They tried to wrench the star off the radiator shell but couldn't manage it and left it hanging pathetically. The good news is that all that had happened is that the central small diameter spring that tensions the star in its cup was hopelessly stretched, but everything else is fine. I've repaired it using a new spring, so now I have a complete sub-assembly which doesn't seem to want to go back in the hole in the rad shell. I can see that it is supposed to go in and then be turned through 90 degrees to lock it, but its clearly quite an interference fit initially and I instinctively don't want to force it. I've read through the extensive posts to the last thread on this subject but my query isn't covered. Can anyone explain how the assembled unit is actually installed in the rad shell?
I've picked up the fact that "friendly" Merc dealers may install them while you wait, but my dealer is distinctly unfriendly, having once told me over the 'phone that they charge £200 to "open the bonnet" before they lay a spanner on it!
I'll be so grateful for some help and guidance. Thanks.

 

[anyweb]

you have to insert the star pointing 90 degrees relative to the way it normally sits on the car bonnet

then rotate it 90degrees from beneath using a pliars and you are done

cheers
anyweb

 

[Mikesmerc]

Buy a new star mate, only a couple of quid(probably pattern part) chances are it will only last six months anyway.
Mike

 

[Hibbo]

Name and shame that dealer!

 

[benz girl]

Eurocarparts sell the stars for about £12,they come in an original mercedes box.I bought one last year and was able to fit it in about 10 minutes.

 

[television]

Eurocarparts sell the stars for about £12,they come in an original mercedes box.I bought one last year and was able to fit it in about 10 minutes.

Back in the 90's you could buy a box of ten for £20 amd you should be in bed.

malcolm

 

[benz girl]

Back in the 90's you could buy a box of ten for £20 amd you should be in bed.

malcolm

LOL,You keep telling me that.

 

[television]

LOL,You keep telling me that.

OK I have made a note of it, and I will never say it again:Oops:

Malcolm

 

[benz girl]

OK I have made a note of it, and I will never say it again:Oops:

Malcolm

Aaaawwwww it was not a complaint,i am going to bed very soon.