2003 Mercedes G500 exterior panels, mirrors and trim
obz trial-fitted replacement front panels and changed the mirrors, trim, wheels and lamps on a 2003 G500. A different owner reported trim-adhesive failure on another installation.
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A 2003 G500 exterior and interior project
obz bought a 2003 G500 with about 98,000 miles from his sister, its original owner. His stated aim was a budget-conscious G63-look update, partly for resale. He explicitly describes a cosmetic project: the vehicle remains a 2003 G500, without a lift or portal-axle conversion.
Preparing the mirrors and headlamps
obz shared the replacement mirrors and headlamps he had purchased, along with the vehicle before the bodywork. These are preparation photographs; installation results appear in later updates.
Front-bodywork preparation
The account follows removal of the front inner liners, front fenders, fog lamps and bumper. obz photographed fastener positions to retain their alignment and planned a trial assembly before paint. These are observations from his project rather than a complete removal procedure.
Trying the replacement front panels before paint
obz mocked up the replacement bumper, grille and surrounding panels before painting. He later confirmed that the trial fit was intended to check alignment. The photographs show his particular aftermarket parts; they do not establish fitment for other kits or vehicles.
Preparing the trim channels
obz removed the trim inserts and worked on the old double-sided tape left in the channels, using a plastic trim tool and an adhesive remover in his own project.
Mirrors and replacement trim inserts
obz fitted the replacement mirror assemblies and carbon-look backs. He reported needing a resistor to prevent rapid indicator flashing in his installation, and replaced the exterior trim inserts.
The selected wheels
A later update shows the finish and design of the selected wheels. That post does not establish fitment dimensions or general compatibility.
Tail lamps and indicator lenses
obz wired the replacement tail lamps but was unhappy with their mounting brackets, reporting that one stripped easily. He later changed the front indicator lenses to black and fitted LED bulbs. The photographs show his installed parts, not a general fitment or wiring specification.
Black badges and indicator guards
The following update changes the badges to black and adds black indicator guards. obz said he retained guards because removing them would leave holes in the fenders.
The wheels after installation
obz later showed the wheels installed and described them as sitting fairly flush with the new fenders.
Another owner’s trim-adhesive problem
C240-Merc reported that the adhesive on another installation softened in hot weather and the trim came off during a car wash. obz had not reported that failure on his vehicle and replied that he would watch for it.
Source reply ↗ · C240-Merc
Source reply ↗ · obz