Introduction: Why the star logo attracts attention

The star emblem on the hood or grille is one of the most recognizable automotive symbols in the world. For most people it is associated with Mercedes-Benz, but in fact, “star” paraphernalia was found on Soviet cars, and even on some modern Chinese brands. What is hidden behind this sign? Why are the owners so sensitive to its safety - or, on the contrary, strive to replace it with alternative options?

In this article we will analyze origin story star emblems, their technical features of fastening (from rivets to magnets), and we will also give step-by-step instructions on how to remove or install the symbol without damaging the paintwork. Let’s separately touch on the legal nuances: is it possible to drive with a removed emblem and what fines are provided for this in 2026.

If you are planning body tuning - for example, painting the hood or installing vinyl film - knowing the design of the emblem will save you time and nerves. And for retro car collectors, we have prepared a table with rare versions of “stars” from the Soviet period.

History of the star emblem: from Mercedes to Volga

The first association with the star emblem is, of course, Mercedes-Benz. Three rays of a star inscribed in a circle appeared back in 1909 as a symbol of the company's desire to dominate on land, water and in the air (then Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft produced cars, aircraft engines, and boats). Interestingly, until 1916 the logo was two-dimensional, and the three-dimensional emblem on the radiator grille appeared only in the 1920s.

But the Germans do not have a monopoly on star symbols. In the USSR, emblems with five-pointed stars were decorated with:

  • 🚗 GAZ-21 "Volga" (1956–1970) - a star on the radiator grille, often chrome-plated;
  • 🚛 ZIL-130 — a massive emblem with a hammer and sickle inside a star;
  • 🚜 UAZ-469 — a small star on the front bumper (on export versions it was replaced with a neutral sign).

Lifehack for collectors: The original Soviet emblems were made of brass with chrome plating, but modern replicas are often made of plastic. To distinguish a fake, check the weight of the part - a real star from GAZ-21 weighs about 120 grams.

📊Which star emblem do you like best?
Mercedes-Benz (three beams)
Soviet (five-pointed)
Star on Chinese cars (for example, Hongqi)
Other

Emblem design: how the stars are attached to the body

The method of attaching the emblem depends on its type and age of the car. Modern symbols (for example, on Mercedes-Benz W223) are most often recorded:

  • 🧲 Magnetic mount — the emblem is attracted to the metal plate under the paintwork;
  • 🔩 Rivets or screws - typical for premium models (for example, Maybach);
  • 🧩 Adhesive base - a budget option, often found on Chinese cars (Hongqi, FAW).

Soviet cars have a simpler design: a star on Volga GAZ-24 was attached with two screws to the radiator grille, and on UAZ - rivets. The main problem when dismantling such emblems is risk of damaging the chrome plating of the grille if the screws are rusty.

Mounting type Examples of cars Difficulty of dismantling (1–5) Risks when withdrawing
Magnetic Mercedes-Benz (after 2010), BMW (some models) 1 Lost magnetic plate under the hood
Screws/rivets GAZ-21, UAZ-469, Mercedes-Benz Classic 4 Thread breakage, grille damage
Glue Hongqi HS5, some Chinese brands 3 Traces of glue on the body, peeling paint

Important: on vehicles with active cruise control (for example, Mercedes-Benz E-Class) the emblem may hide the radar sensor. Dismantling without turning off the system will result in an error C1502 (“Radar malfunction”).

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Before removing the magnetic emblem, place a thin plastic card underneath it to help prevent scratches on the hood.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the emblem without damage

The dismantling process depends on the type of fastening, but the general rules are the same for all cars:

  1. Preparation: Wash and dry the area around the emblem to prevent dirt from getting under the varnish.
  2. Heating (for adhesive emblems): use a hair dryer on low heat (60-80°C) to soften the adhesive.
  3. Dismantling:
    • For magnetic emblems: pull up with a force of 3–5 kg (you can use a suction cup).
    • For screw: Use a socket wrench T20 or T25 (on Soviet cars - a Phillips screwdriver).
    • For adhesive: Pry the emblem with a plastic pick, moving in a circle.
  • Cleaning: remove remaining adhesive with solvent WD-40 or 3M Adhesive Remover.

    • Warning: on vehicles with aluminum hood (for example, Jaguar XE) you cannot use metal tools - only plastic spatulas!

    Disconnect the battery (for cars with electronic sensors)|

    Check the hood temperature (do not work on cold metal)|

    Prepare a set of tools (keys, picks, hair dryer)|

    Take a photo of the mount before dismantling

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    In Russia, removal of the factory emblem is not a violation, if:

    • ✅ There are no traces of intervention on the body (for example, holes from screws);
    • ✅ State registration plates are not affected;
    • ✅ The design of the car has not been changed (according to Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

    However, there are pitfalls:

    ⚠️ Attention: If you removed the logo from Mercedes-Benz and pasted the logo of another brand (for example, BMW), this can be regarded as “misleading” under Part 1 of Art. 12.4 Code of Administrative Offences. Fine - up to 500 rubles. A similar penalty is imposed for installing emblems of law enforcement agencies (for example, the star of the Ministry of Internal Affairs).

    In Europe the rules are stricter: in Germany the emblem is removed Mercedes-Benz may lead to problems when passing technical inspection (TÜV), if this affected the integrity of the body. In the USA, there are no restrictions - complete removal of all emblems is popular there (“debading»).

    Tuning and replacement: alternative emblem options

    If the standard star is boring, the owners resort to the following modifications:

    • 🎨 Painting: the emblem is removed, sanded and painted to match the body color (popular for Mercedes AMG in black);
    • 🖼️ Vinyl stickers: temporary solution, allows you to return the original at any time;
    • 🔧 3D logos: three-dimensional symbols made of carbon fiber (for example, from Mansory);
    • 🚫 Full debading: Completely remove all emblems for a minimalist look.

    Trend 2026: "invisible" emblems made of transparent acrylic with backlight. These kits are offered for Mercedes-Benz C-Class and EQE, but their installation requires intervention in the electrical wiring.

    How to make the emblem glow?

    For this you will need:

    1. Transparent logo with grooves for LED strip.

    2. Flexible RGB strip (12V, waterproof).

    3. Control unit with remote control (can be hidden behind the shoe).

    4. Soldering iron for connecting contacts.

    LEDs are laid along the contour of the emblem, and power is taken from the side lights. Important: such tuning requires changes to the design (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code), so it is better to coordinate it with the traffic police.

    Common mistakes when working with emblems

    Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to expensive repairs. Here are the most common:

    1. Using a prying knife: 80% of hood scratches are caused by metal tools. Use only plastic spatulas or mediators.
    2. Overheating of the adhesive base: If you heat the emblem with a hairdryer above 100°C, the glue will melt and leak under the varnish, leaving stains.
    3. Loss of magnetic plate: on Mercedes-Benz the plate often sticks to the emblem. If it is not put back in place, the new emblem will not stick.
    4. Ignoring sensors: on Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series The emblem may hide the night vision sensor. Damage to it will cost 30–50 thousand rubles.
    ⚠️ Attention: If after removing the emblem there are traces of glue on the hood, do not rub them with abrasives! Use 3M Adhesive Remover or white spirit, but first check the reaction of the paint on an inconspicuous area.
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    Before purchasing a new emblem, check its compatibility using the vehicle's VIN code - even the same model may have different mounts depending on the year of manufacture.

    Is it possible to wash the car immediately after removing the emblem?

    No. If the emblem was attached with glue, after its removal micropores remain in the paintwork. You can wash your car no earlier than after 24 hours (for acrylic varnish) or 48 hours (for metallic). Otherwise, water will get under the varnish and cause corrosion.

    What glue should I use to install the new emblem?

    Suitable for metal emblems 3M VHB (double-sided tape on an acrylic basis), for plastic ones - Loctite 401 (cyanoacrylate glue). Do not use superglue (moment) - it turns yellow over time and spoils the appearance.

    What to do if the emblem mount on a Mercedes is broken?

    Original fasteners (item no. A0008800010) cost ~1,500 rubles. An alternative is universal magnetic adapters from Heko (about 800 rubles). Please note that when replacing the mount, you will need to remove the radiator grille.

    Is it legal to drive with a traffic police or FSB emblem?

    No. Installing state symbols on a civilian vehicle is classified as “illegal use of insignia” (Article 17.11 of the Administrative Code). The fine is up to 2,000 rubles, and in some cases the car may be confiscated for examination.

    How to distinguish an original Mercedes emblem from a fake?

    The original emblem has:

    • Laser engraved logo on the back;
    • Magnet with an attractive force of at least 2 kg;
    • Bubble-free chrome plated (checked under a magnifying glass).

    Fakes are often 30–40% lighter and have rough cast seams.