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C118

Mercedes CLA C118 Installation Guide | Gloss Black to Full Grille Swap | KITS UK

October 16, 2026 5 min read
Mercedes CLA C118 Installation Guide | Gloss Black to Full Grille Swap | KITS UK

Thinking about swapping your Mercedes CLA (C118/W118) over to gloss black? These are real installations filmed at our West Yorkshire workshop — not stock footage, not a manufacturer demo. Watch before you fit, so you know exactly what's involved before the first panel comes off.

This guide covers the practical side of fitting a CLA body kit — what to check beforehand, DIY vs professional fitting, and the two builds we've filmed start to finish. For full UK pricing across every part, see our Mercedes CLA Body Kit Cost Guide.

⚡ Quick Answer: CLA Installation ⏱ ~5 min read
  • 2 real workshop installs filmed, start to finish
  • DIY possible on badges and trim; professional fitting recommended for the grille and aero parts
  • Lifetime fitting warranty when installed by KITS UK
  • Parts carry a 3-month warranty
  • Fitting done at our Featherstone, West Yorkshire workshop (WF7 6EP)

Prices and fitment details verified at kits.style at time of publication — always confirm on the live product page before ordering.

Watch the Real Installs

Both builds below were filmed at our workshop — the car, the parts and the process are exactly what you'd be booking in for.

CLA W118 AMG Grille Swap

Mercedes CLA Full Gloss Black Transformation


Parts & Pricing

Part Price
Rear Spoiler (Gloss Black) £99
Panamericana Grille (Gloss Black AMG Line) £129
Front Splitter £139
Front Aero Kit (Gloss Black) £149
Side Skirt Diffusers (Maxton Design) £184
Front Splitter V.2 (Maxton Design) £184
Rear Diffuser with Quad Tips £289
CLA35/CLA45s Black Badge Package £59–£98

For the full range with every finish and generation, see the complete CLA price guide.


Before You Start

  • Confirm pre-facelift or facelift. The C118/W118 was updated partway through production — bumper and grille mounting points differ, so check which version you have before ordering.
  • Check your trim level. AMG Line cars and standard trim cars don't always share the same bumper shape — this affects splitter and aero kit fitment.
  • Decide on finish consistency. If you're mixing KITS UK parts with Maxton Design pieces (as in the price table above), check the gloss black finish matches before committing to a full build.
  • Have the car accessible. Grille and splitter work needs the front bumper area clear — not something to start in a tight driveway.

DIY vs Professional Fitting

DIY (badges, some trim)

Badges and adhesive trim pieces use factory mounting points and are realistic for most owners to fit at home with basic tools.

Professional Fitting (grille, splitter, aero kit, diffuser)

These involve bumper removal, clip replacement and precise alignment — the kind of work where a wrong fit is expensive to redo. Both cars in the videos above were fitted at our Featherstone workshop. Fitting booked through KITS UK carries a lifetime fitting warranty; parts themselves carry a 3-month warranty.


Frequently Asked Questions

Does this fit the CLA200, CLA35 and CLA45 the same way?

Most aero parts (splitter, spoiler, diffuser, aero kit) fit across the W118/C118 range. The Black Badge Packages differ by model — CLA35 and CLA45s have their own specific badge sets, priced separately. Always check the fitment notes on the individual product page for your exact variant.

Can I fit the grille and splitter myself?

It's possible, but these involve bumper removal and precise clip alignment, so most owners book professional fitting. Badges and adhesive trim are the realistic DIY jobs.

How long does professional fitting take?

It depends on the scope of the build — a single part like a grille swap is a shorter job than a full gloss black transformation covering splitter, skirts and diffuser together. Get a quote via the fitting form for a time estimate specific to your build.

What's the warranty if KITS UK fits the parts?

Fitting carried out by KITS UK carries a lifetime fitting warranty. The parts themselves carry a 3-month warranty.

Where is the workshop?

Featherstone, West Yorkshire, WF7 6EP — both installs in the videos above were filmed there.



Final Thoughts

Watch the builds above before you order — it's the clearest way to see what a CLA gloss black transformation actually involves. For full pricing across every part, see our CLA cost guide, or book fitting direct with our West Yorkshire workshop.

Written by KITS UK Technical Team
Professional Automotive Styling Specialists — West Yorkshire, UK
Last Updated: October 2026

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