Props to JPhotoz for the grille guard idea

[JoFotoz]

It looks good, though I like the "fit" better with the sectioning that I did.

Thought I'd repost this for those interested...

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Its a"WAAG" brand after market unit for the 1999 ML320

I sectioned 6 inches out of the center ( the two tubes and the middle 'bar')...

The 6 inches is a little variable , depending on how close you want the guard to sit at the corners of the headlights , and personal taste regarding width etc.
I put the whole thing up on milk crates and moved it all the way to one side to line it up with the corner of one H/light and then shimmed it to the right height.... with the two "uprights" nicely framing the VX grill.
OK..so this gave me the 6 inches...but anywhere from 4.5 too 6 would work depending on your "taste"
(Any more than 6inches and it sits way to far forward , and the headlight guards sit way to close to the body.)

Then ( after VERY carefull measurement!) I simply cut the 6 inches out , and re-welded it ( as fair and straight as possible!)

The original (ML320) bottom mounts were cut off right at the tube , they are way too big and way too wide.
Two plates , about 7 x 4.5inches were then drilled and bolted to the "tow hook" holes on the frame. The plates were notched to clear the sway bar clamps at the outer ends.

I then went back to the trusty milk crates...set the Brush guard up in position
and clamped it firmly in place.
The lower tubes now curled perfectly under the front of the vehicle and sat across the plates.
I tacked the tubes to the plates (battery disconected!)..removed the whole unit , and completed the welding off the vehicle.

At the top of the guard , I removed the tangs from the h/light area that the ML320 uses to attach the top support straps.
These support straps were then welded to the lower , inner part of the h/light protection , right next to the upright bar.
I cut a small section out of the plastic under the lip of the hood on each side , and these straps fit through and are bolted to the front clip supports.
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jo

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[wekilled]

The 1999 ML320 Bar I bought off eBay wasnt a WAAG, but a cheaper knockoff.

Sometimes that can be hit & miss and you end up with something that looks like a guard, but is the thickness of tin foil. I ended up getting a good thick product for $259 and then $85 in shipping.

[JoFotoz]

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I simply "stole" ..(borrowed!) mine from my wifes car...it looked like a good fit!

Knock-offs are WAY cheaper and still do the job right...more power to ya!!


Here...a sample...thats cheap!
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1-pie...em270206119390

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I think ""ANY"".. ML320 Brush guard unit is a GREAT ANSWER...

...modified...OR NOT!


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jo

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[tom4bren]

IMHO, I like the shape of Tone's better. Never got into that 'cat eye' look. KUDOS for the adaption though - looks clean & strong.