When it comes to cars with star on the emblem, 99% of people immediately imagine Mercedes-Benz is a legendary German brand whose three-ray symbol has become an icon of luxury and engineering excellence. However, the star in the logo is not limited to Mercedes. There are other, lesser-known brands around the world that use this symbol in their designs - from historical manufacturers to modern niche companies.
In this article we will look at which cars have a star on the hood, what this symbol means for each brand, and how not to confuse the original emblem with a fake. You will also learn about hidden details of the Mercedes-Benz logo that are not discussed in official brochures, and why some models with similar symbols can cost tens of times less than a “real Mercedes”.
Mercedes-Benz: the history of the three-pointed star and its hidden meaning
Emblem Mercedes-Benz - one of the most recognizable in the world. The three-pointed star in the ring appeared back in 1909, when the company Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) registered it as a trademark. However, few people know that the symbol originally had a completely different meaning than it does today.
According to the official version, the three rays of the star symbolize three elements, in which Daimler engines demonstrated their superiority at the turn of the 20th century:
- 🌍 Earth - cars and trucks
- ✈️ Air — aircraft engines (the company supplied engines for airships and airplanes)
- ⚓ Water - ship engines
The ring, which appeared later, added a symbol of unity and perfection to the logo.
Fun fact: name Mercedes appeared before the star - in 1901, in honor of the daughter of the Austrian diplomat Emil Jellinek, who ordered a batch of racing cars from DMG. The name "Mercedes" (translated from Spanish as "mercy") became so popular that in 1926, after the merger of DMG and Benz & Cie., the new brand received a double name - Mercedes-Benz.
Other car brands with a star in their logo
Although Mercedes-Benz is primarily associated with a star; this symbol is also used by other manufacturers. Some of them are historical brands whose cars are rarities today, others are modern companies trying to play up a prestigious image.
Here are the key brands whose logos include a star:
- 🚗 Maybach is a subsidiary brand of Mercedes-Benz (since 2021), specializing in ultra-luxury cars. Its logo is two intertwined letters "M" under a crown, but on some models (for example, Maybach Exelero) there is also a star in design.
- 🏎️ Simca was a French automaker (1934–1978) whose logo included a stylized star with wings. Today, cars of the brand are rare, but they can be found at auctions.
- 🛩️ Messerschmitt - a German company known for airplanes, but in the 1950s produced minicars Messerschmitt KR175/KR200 with an emblem in the form of a stylized propeller star.
- 🚙 Zastava - a Serbian brand whose logo (a star in a shield) adorned models like Zastava 750 (licensed Fiat 600).
It is important to understand that most of these brands do not produce cars today, and their emblems have no legal connection with Mercedes-Benz. However, on the secondary market you can find fakes where a star is added to create a false association with a premium brand.
How to distinguish an original Mercedes emblem from a fake?
The original emblem has:
- Clear edges of the star rays without burrs.
- Deep 3D engraving (counterfeits often have a flat design).
- Magnetic fastening (on modern models) or special latches.
- Serial number on the back (on models after 2010).
Counterfeits are usually lighter in weight and have rougher colors.
Star on the emblem: how does this affect the value of the car?
The presence of a star on the hood can either increase or decrease the price of a car - it all depends on the brand. For example, Mercedes-Benz even at the age of 20+ years it retains a high residual value, especially when it comes to models with engines OM617 (diesel "millionaires") or bodies W124/W140.
At the same time, cars like Zastava 750 or Simca 1000, despite the star in the logo, they are much cheaper - their price is formed more like that of rare rather than premium cars. Below is a comparison of average prices on the secondary market (data for 2026):
| Model | Year of manufacture | Average price, ₽ | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz W124 230E | 1985–1995 | 800 000 – 1 500 000 | The price depends on the condition of the body and the availability of service history |
| Mercedes-Benz G-Class (W463) | 2010–2018 | 3 500 000 – 6 000 000 | Models with package AMG 30–50% more expensive |
| Simca 1000 | 1961–1978 | 200 000 – 400 000 | Rarity, price depends on originality of parts |
| Zastava 750 | 1955–1985 | 80 000 – 150 000 | Often requires complete restoration |
| Messerschmitt KR200 | 1955–1964 | 1 200 000 – 2 000 000 | Iconic microcar, prices rise due to rarity |
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing vintage cars with a star on the emblem (except Mercedes-Benz) check the presence of original documents. Many of these cars are imported into Russia as “collectibles,” but without proper registration they cannot be registered with the traffic police.
Counterfeits and replicas: how not to buy a “fake Mercedes”?
The star on the hood is a tasty morsel for scammers. Cars regularly appear on the secondary market in which the original emblem has been replaced with a fake one in order to pass off the car as a more premium one. Most often this concerns:
- 🚘 Chinese cars (for example, Geely or Changan, on which a star is glued to resemble Mercedes).
- 🔧 Restored classic models, where the emblem is replaced with a non-original one.
- 🛠️"Relabelled" cars (for example, SsangYong Musso, which looks similar to Mercedes ML).
To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, pay attention to the following details:
Fastening with double-sided tape (the original is fixed with latches or a magnet)
No serial number on the back
Ragged edges of the star's rays (counterfeits are often cast rather than stamped)
Paint color different from the original (Mercedes uses a special shade of silver) -->
⚠️ Attention: If the seller refuses to provide a photo of the VIN code or documents for the car, where the original brand is indicated, this is a reason to doubt the authenticity. In the case of Mercedes-Benz you can check the history by VIN through the official service Mercedes-Benz Classic Center.
The star on the emblem and legal nuances
The use of a star in a car logo is strictly regulated by trademark law. Company Mercedes-Benz actively defends her rights: in 2019 she filed a lawsuit against the Chinese manufacturer Shineray, whose logo (a stylized star) was considered too similar to the original. The court ordered the company to change the logo design.
In Russia, similar claims are also possible. If you are planning:
- 🔧 Set emblem Mercedes-Benz onto another car (even for decorative purposes), this may be considered a trademark infringement.
- 📄 Registering a company with a logo resembling a Mercedes star means there is a high risk of receiving a claim from the copyright holder.
- 🛒 Selling spare parts with unlicensed emblems - this can lead to fines of up to 500,000 rubles (Article 14.10 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
The exception is rare cars where the star was part of the original logo (for example, Simca or Messerschmitt). In this case, the use of the symbol is legal, but only in a historical context.
If you are buying a car with a custom logo, ask the seller to provide a photo of the original logo (for example, on the inside of the hood or on paperwork). This will help avoid problems during registration.
Star on the emblem in culture and cinema
Cars with a star on the hood have long become a status symbol and often appear in films, TV series and music videos. For example:
- 🎬 Mercedes-Benz 600 (W100) - James Bond's car in the film "Octopussy" (1983) and Fidel Castro's favorite car.
- 🎵 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140) - mentioned in the song Janis Joplin"Mercedes Benz" (1971).
- 📺 Simca 1000 - appears in the French TV series "Commissioner Navarro" as the car of the main character.
- 🎮 Messerschmitt KR200 - can be seen in the game Mafia: Definitive Edition (2020) as a retro car.
It’s interesting that in the USSR cars Mercedes-Benz were inaccessible to ordinary citizens, but were widely used in films as a symbol of “Western luxury.” For example, in the film “The Diamond Arm” (1968), Nikulin’s hero rides a Mercedes 220SE - it was one of the few foreign cars that Soviet film studios could rent for filming.
How to care for the star emblem?
The emblem on the hood is not just a decoration, but also an element that requires care. This is especially true for chrome or painted stars. Mercedes-Benz, which may become dull or corroded over time. Here are the basic rules:
- 🧼 Wash the emblem only with a soft sponge and special products for chrome (for example,
Sonax Chrome Cleaner). Abrasive substances may scratch the surface. - 🛡️ Apply protective wax or ceramic coating 2 times a year - this will prevent oxidation.
- 🔧 If the emblem falls off, do not glue it with superglue! In services Mercedes-Benz use special magnetic fasteners or original latches.
- 🔍 Regularly check the condition of the rubber seal under the emblem - if it is dry, moisture can penetrate under the hood paint.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Mercedes-Benz (for example, G-Class or S-Class latest generations) the emblem is heated to prevent icing. If it stops heating, this may indicate problems with the electrical wiring - diagnostics are required at a service center.
The Mercedes-Benz emblem is not only a decoration, but also part of the safety system: on some models it has a built-in impact sensor that activates the airbags.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cars with a star on the emblem
Is it possible to legally install a Mercedes emblem on another car?
No, this violates trademark rights. This is a decorative copy, the copyright holder (company Mercedes-Benz Group) may require the removal of the symbol through the court. An exception is if the car is participating in the filming of a film or theatrical production (brand permission is required).
Why don't some Mercedes have a star on the hood?
On a number of models (for example, Mercedes-AMG GT or Mercedes-Maybach) the star can be moved to the radiator grille or the rear of the body. Also on racing versions (eg Mercedes-AMG F1) the emblem is often replaced with sponsorship logos.
What is the cheapest Mercedes with a star on the emblem?
On the Russian secondary market, the most affordable option is Mercedes-Benz W201 (190E) Manufactured in the 1980s - prices start at RUB 300,000. However, be prepared for high repair costs: spare parts for these models often have to be ordered from Europe.
Are there electric cars with a star on their logo?
Yes, it's a ruler Mercedes-Benz EQ (for example, EQS, EQE). Their logo retains the traditional star, but has a flat design and is illuminated in blue (symbol of electromobility). There is also a star on the logo Smart (owned by Mercedes), but there it is stylized as the letter "C".
What does the star on the Mercedes truck emblem mean?
On trucks (eg Mercedes-Benz Actros) the star has the same meaning as on passenger cars - a symbol of engineering excellence. However, the company's cargo division also uses the slogan "Trucks you can trust" ("Trucks you can trust"), emphasizing the reliability of the equipment.