
modification brands include: Brabus, Carlsson, AMG, and Lorinser. The following are the relevant introductions on how to legally drive a modified car on the road: 1. Exterior modification: It can be achieved through decals or vehicle wraps, but the area must not exceed 30% of the vehicle body to be considered a legal modification. 2. Vehicle color modification: The modified color must not exceed three main tones, and within ten days of modification, the owner must go to the vehicle management office to complete the change procedures and obtain a new driving license. 3. Modification scope: Small or micro passenger cars can modify the front and rear anti-collision devices if they are damaged. For freight motor vehicles, adding windshields, water tanks, spare tires, etc., does not require change registration and is considered legal, but the license plate must not be obscured, and driving must not be affected.

















Last time I went to the Munich Motor Show, I saw a lot of heavily modified cars. The world's top Mercedes-Benz tuning company is undoubtedly Germany's own Brabus, which can push the G-Class to 900 horsepower when it gets serious, with exterior kits as aggressive as a black warrior. Lorinser is much more understated, specializing in luxury cars like the S-Class, transforming the business vibe into a private jet aesthetic. Although AMG has been acquired by Mercedes-Benz, it still retains the spirit of an independent tuning company, and its 'one man, one engine' philosophy is particularly appealing. Japan's Wald International is great at low-profile wide-body modifications, with exposed rivet fenders that exude attitude. Middle Eastern tycoons love Mansory—have you ever seen carbon fiber adorned with pure gold and diamonds? This year, a client ordered a G-Class studded with Swarovski crystals, and when the lights hit it, it sparkled like a nightclub disco ball.

When it comes to modifications, the nostalgia card must be played. The old-school Mercedes enthusiasts swear by Carlsson. My neighbor Lao Zhang’s 90s-era "Tiger Head" W140 S-Class got their exhaust system—the cold-start roar sets off car alarms. Then there’s Germany’s VÄTH, specializing in ECU tuning; they pushed a GLE’s 3.0T diesel to 720Nm torque, towing RVs like a champ. For those with budgets, Brabus Rocket series is the move—last year at Zhuhai Circuit, a tuner’s AMG GT-based Rocket 900 (AWD, 0-100km/h in 2.8s) chased Bugattis. Even Ducati’s go-to Designitalia crafts Mercedes builds—like that red SLS with gullwings and a rear spoiler straight off a Mars rover.

Three different tiers of Mercedes modification options: Entry-level choice is the AMG sports package, costing 30,000 to 50,000 RMB at 4S stores, which includes an AMG steering wheel and exhaust sound. For the intermediate level, opt for the Brabus entry-level kit. Last year, I accompanied a friend to modify a C200, with ECU tuning, grille, and wheel upgrades all done for 80,000 RMB. The top-tier option is the Mansory full carbon kit. I once saw a Shenzhen tycoon’s Cullinan edition GLS—the floating fenders on the roof alone are worth a Fit. Always choose modification shops with FIVA certification. A shop in Beijing’s Goldenport ruined a customer’s G500 using counterfeit headlight assemblies from Dongguan that short-circuited in the rain. For better value, consider second-hand AMG parts—scoring a GT-R Pro exhaust on Xianyu can save you 20,000 RMB.

A few modification tips for female car owners: Customize the interior with Lorinser's NAPPA diamond-stitched seats, pairing pink-purple with a crystal gear knob that outshines a Hermès bag. Carlsson's 22-inch flow-formed wheels make legs look longer after modification, but it's recommended to keep the original air suspension. If you're noise-sensitive, avoid full exhaust system modifications—Brabus's electronic valves only activate at high speeds. The smartest mod I've seen is just replacing the AMG instrument dial, spending over 300 yuan to change the C260's speedometer limit to 320 km/h. Absolutely avoid metalized window films, or your ETC signal may drop embarrassingly, and modified navigation positioning tends to drift.

As a professional, here are some pitfalls to avoid: 70% of the Brabus kits in the gray market are counterfeit from Wenzhou, with front bumper gaps wide enough to fit a card. Genuine parts come with laser anti-counterfeit labels, and the chassis number can be verified for modification records on the official website. Be cautious with Mansory carbon fiber hoods—many lack fireproof coatings; last year’s self-ignition case in Xiamen was caused by exhaust headers igniting the heat insulation cotton. For AMG kits, only visit authorized Mercedes-Benz shops—third-party headlight modifications often burn out the BCM module. Especially wary of improper tire parameter changes—one shop fitted 295-wide tires on a G63, leading to transfer case gear damage, with repair costs equivalent to a Hongguang MINI. Always file for modifications before tuning—last year in Shenzhen, a heavily modified G500 was ordered to revert to factory specs.


