That pic was the aftermath of prying off the "e". Lots of weatherstripping like adhesive left over.

Oh so that e is the adhesive ! It kinda looks
like chipped-up chrome :-) Before putting
thinners or whatever on it, try getting it hot
with a blow-drier and when it gets gushy, rub it
with your finger back and forth and roll it off.
Chances are you can get most of it off this way
then use diluted bug-and-tar remover and a rag
to get the remaining adhesive film off the paint.

And you already know about using fishing line to
saw through the adhesive foam backing. Sometimes
floss breaks too much but it's worth a try.

Randy
89 325is