When you see a car with a star emblem on the road, the first thing that comes to mind is Mercedes-Benz. However, not everyone knows that this symbol is also used by other manufacturers, both foreign and domestic. The star can be three-pointed, five-pointed, stylized, or even part of a complex logo. An error in identifying a brand can be costly: from incorrect selection of spare parts to problems when buying a used car.
In this article we will analyze all the car brands that use a star in their logo, learn how to distinguish them from each other and tell you what to look for when buying or servicing such cars. We will pay special attention legal nuances (for example, is it possible to put a Mercedes emblem on another car) and technical featuresthat will help you avoid being scammed.
Which car brands have a star emblem: complete list
The star in the car logo is not only a symbol of luxury, but also a historical sign. Here are the main brands that use this element:
- 🌟 Mercedes-Benz - a three-rayed star in a circle (the most famous option).
- 🚗 Subaru - a stylized cluster of stars (the Pleiades constellation) in an oval.
- 🏗️ ZIL (Soviet/Russian trucks) - a five-pointed star with a wreath.
- 🚛 FAW (Chinese manufacturer) - a star in a red oval (used on trucks and buses).
- ⚡ Proton (Malaysian brand) - a stylized star in a shield (on some models).
- 🛡️ Datsun (retro models) - a star in a blue rectangle (historical logo).
The most common mistake is to confuse Mercedes with Subaru. The first has one large star with three rays (symbolizing earth, water and air), and the second has a cluster of small stars personifying the constellation. Also, many people forget about domestic ZILs, the emblem of which is still found on old trucks and even on some modern modifications.
If you see a star on the hood Chinese pickup truck or busmost likely this is FAW (First Automobile Works). Their emblem is often displayed on commercial vehicles that are imported into Russia. But Proton and Datsun They are less common, but they are also worth keeping in mind, especially when it comes to used cars from Asia.
How to distinguish Mercedes-Benz from other brands with a star
Emblem Mercedes-Benz - one of the most copied in the world. Fraudsters often stick it on cheap cars to increase their value. Here's how to avoid getting scammed:
- Star shape: the original has it triradiate, with smooth edges and uniform rays, without nicks. Counterfeits often have jagged outlines or four rays.
- Edging: The actual emblem is surrounded by a ring with the inscription
Mercedes-Benz(on some models - just a ring without text). On fakes, the inscription may be blurry or misspelled. - Material: original metal emblem (on older models) or high-quality plastic with chrome plated. Counterfeits are usually plastic, with visible seams.
- Location: On most Mercedes, the star is mounted on the radiator grille in the center. On some models (for example, AMG) it can be integrated into the grid.
If in doubt, check the car's VIN through services like vinhistory.ru or carvertical.com. Even if the emblem looks original, the car may be relabeled (for example, Chrysler or Smart, which also belong to the Mercedes concern, but have different logos).
On older Mercedes (before the 1990s), the star could be mounted on the hood rather than on the grille. This is normal, but check the model and year of manufacture.
ZIL with a star: history and modern realities
Soviet trucks ZIL (Plant named after Likhachev) is a legend of the domestic automobile industry. Their emblem - a five-pointed star in a wreath - still evokes nostalgia. However, these cars are rare today and their emblems are often counterfeited for retro styling.
Here's what you need to know about ZILakh:
- 🚛 Trucks: a star on the radiator grille, often with an inscription
ZILorZIS(old name). - 🚗 Passenger cars: ZIL-111 and ZIL-4104 (government limousines) also had a star, but in a different design.
- ⚠️ Fakes: today the ZIL star can be seen on converted GAZ or even on UAZ. Check the chassis and documentation!
If you are considering purchasing a retro ZIL, pay attention to:
- Availability of original engine (for example,
ZIL-130orZIL-508). - Frame Condition - Rust on the side members can make restoration unprofitable.
- Documents: many ZILs are listed as “technical monuments” and have restrictions on operation.
How to check the authenticity of ZIL?
Original ZILs have a stamp on the frame with the body number, which must match the title. There is also a serial number stamped on the engine block, which can be checked against the plant’s archived data.
Subaru and its “star cluster”: logo features
Logo Subaru is a stylized image of the Pleiades constellation (Japanese name - , which gave the name to the brand). Unlike Mercedes, here the stars are small and collected in a group. However, this logo is sometimes counterfeited, especially on the used Japanese car market.
How to distinguish the original:
| Sign | Original Subaru | Fake |
|---|---|---|
| Number of stars | 6 main (sometimes 7) | Often 5 or 8 |
| Oval shape | Smooth silver oval | Square or serrated |
| Color | Silver or blue (on new models) | Yellow, red, green |
| Location | Center of radiator grille | Shifted to the side or onto the hood |
Emblems on Subaru Impreza and Forester, since these models are popular among tuning enthusiasts. If you are buying such a car, check:
- 🔧 Match the VIN code to the model (via
subaru.com/vin). - 🔍 Availability of original stickers on the body (for example,
STIorWRX). - 📄 Service history - Subaru is sensitive to the quality of oil and fuel.
If the emblem on a Subaru is not original, this may mean that the car has been in a serious accident (replacing the radiator grille).
FAW and other Chinese brands with a star: what to look for
Chinese manufacturer FAW (First Automobile Works) uses an emblem with a red star in an oval. These vehicles are often imported to Russia as a budget alternative to European trucks. However, there are pitfalls here:
⚠️ Attention: Many Chinese trucks with a star FAW are not certified for use in Russia. Check availability before purchasing vehicle type approval (VTA) — without it, the car cannot be registered.
What you need to know about FAW:
- 🚚 Models: FAW CA (trucks), FAW Jiefang (tractor tractors), FAW Besturn (passenger cars, but without a star).
- 🔧 Spare parts: original parts often have to be ordered from China. Analogues may not be suitable.
- 📜 Documents: check whether the car has passed customs clearance. Otherwise it may be confiscated.
Other Chinese brands also use the star in their logo, for example, Dongfeng (on some models) or Foton. Their emblems are less well known, but when purchasing commercial vehicles, it is better to clarify the origin of the star so as not to run into a fake.
Legal nuances: is it possible to put a star emblem on your car?
Many car owners want to decorate their car with an emblem Mercedes or ZIL for style. But there are legal risks here:
- Brand infringement: Logo use Mercedes-Benz without permission may result in a lawsuit from the company. In Russia, such cases are rare, but theoretically possible.
- Problems with the traffic police: If the emblem interferes with model identification (for example, on Lade Mercedes star hangs), the inspector may fine you for “making changes to the design” (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code - a warning or 500 rubles).
- Deception of buyers: If you sell a car with someone else’s logo, this may be regarded as fraud (Article 159.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
What is allowed:
- ✅ Installation of emblems ZIL or Subaru for cars of the same brands (for example, if the original is lost).
- ✅ Stylized stars that are not an exact copy of the brand logo (for example, an abstract sticker).
- ✅ Emblems on cars manufactured before the 1990s, if they were installed by the factory (for example, on a retro car).
⚠️ Attention: If you buy a car with a non-original emblem, ask the seller for documents confirming the legality of the changes. Otherwise, you will have to return everything “to factory settings” before registering.
Practical advice: how to care for the star emblem
The emblem on the hood or radiator grill is not only a symbol, but also an element that requires maintenance. Here are some recommendations:
☑️Car emblem care
Different emblem materials require different means:
- 🔹 Metal emblems (old Mercedes, ZIL): clean with a chrome cleaner (for example,
Sonax Chrome Cleaner). - 🔹 Plastic emblems (modern Subaru, FAW): wash with car shampoo without alcohol.
- 🔹 Gold-plated emblems (for example, on Mercedes AMG): use only microfiber and special polishes for gold-plated surfaces.
If the emblem falls off or cracks, do not rush to glue it with superglue. It is better to use special automotive glue (for example, 3M Automotive Adhesive), which can withstand temperature changes. On some models (for example, Mercedes W210) the emblem is attached to latches - they can be replaced without glue.
For the winter, you can remove the emblem and store it in the garage - this will protect it from corrosion (relevant for metal badges on retro cars).
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about star emblems
Is it possible to put a Mercedes emblem on a VAZ 2107 for style?
Technically possible, but it violates brand rights Mercedes-Benz. In addition, the traffic police inspector may fine you for “making changes to the design” (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code). It is better to use a stylized star that does not copy the original.
How to distinguish an original Subaru emblem from a fake?
Original emblem Subaru has 6 stars in a silver oval, without notches. Counterfeits are often made with 5 stars or with a square border. Also check the fastening: on the original it is usually magnetic or with latches, and not with double-sided tape.
What happens if you buy a ZIL with a wrong frame number?
A broken frame number is a sign of a stolen or “rebuilt” car. Such a car cannot be registered, and if found, you may be accused of acquiring property obtained by criminal means (Article 175 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Before buying a retro ZIL, be sure to check the numbers with archival data.
Where can I check the authenticity of a Mercedes emblem?
Original emblem Mercedes-Benz can be checked by several criteria:
- There should be a manufacturer's logo on the reverse side (for example,
BoschorHella). - The fastening is either threaded or with special latches (not glue!).
- Color - silver or chrome, without a yellow tint.
You can also check the emblem article number with the spare parts catalog on the website mercedes-benz.com.
Why don't some Mercedes have an emblem on the hood?
On modern models Mercedes (for example, C-Class W206 or E-Class W214) the emblem can be integrated into the radiator grille or completely absent from the hood. This is part of the brand's new design code. Also on sports versions AMG star can be replaced with logo AMG.