Sounds like you are replacing with the old design star.  Did you know
that there is a replacement model that just slips into a sleeve that
is mounted to the hood?  They are handy because if you are parking
somewhere where you are concerned the star might "disappear" you can
just slide it out and put it in the car until you return.

I have had this type for many years and like how easy they are to
replace.  Once a girlfriend of mine was energetically helping sweep a
60 cm deep layer of snow off the hood in the parking lot at Crystal
Mountain near Seattle and snapped off the star.  We didn't even notice
it until later.  That is the only time I have had to replace it.

You can get those at the parts department at Mecedes.