How does the paint on the W204 compare to previous models?
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From: San Jose
2016 C450 AMG, 2009 C300, 2001 C320 2001 CLK430, 95 E500
How does the paint on the W204 compare to previous models?
We just picked up a W204. We had the W203 prior with some sort of nice deep blue paint job. I had previously waxed this car with some nice wax, and it really looks sharp.
Now, on the W204, coming out of the gates the paint FEELS a bit rough. Not smooth and buttery like the W203 does today after a nice wax job. I haven't waxed the W204 YET, but will.
We DIDN'T add any of the aftermarket clear coat, "guarantee that your paint job will look just like it does today" upsells that the dealer offered. Should we have?
What is a good FIRST WAX for these cars?
Now, on the W204, coming out of the gates the paint FEELS a bit rough. Not smooth and buttery like the W203 does today after a nice wax job. I haven't waxed the W204 YET, but will.
We DIDN'T add any of the aftermarket clear coat, "guarantee that your paint job will look just like it does today" upsells that the dealer offered. Should we have?
What is a good FIRST WAX for these cars?
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
mine was truly smooth as a baby's butt after the first wash. Maybe yours just needs a freshing after a long transport.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
New environmentally friendly paint tends to "orange peel" and not slump as smooth as older generation paints. If you must polish it or put a sealant on it only do this after a couple of months of sun exposure. Let it harden up properly.
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From: Ohio
X3 and 2012 C coming soon
Yes, as tmehanna said. Use clay bar on it, then seal and wax it. Most retail clay bar systems can be safely used by beginners. And if you're not a beginner, you're off to a better start. With very few exceptions, that sealant package sold by the dealership is basically an application of a product most people can get right from the distributor for around $20.00.
Last edited by Derspeed; Mar 18, 2009 at 05:30 PM.
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From: Phoenix, AZ
2014 Ghibli S Q4 & 2008 C350
^ +1
I have mine clayed and sealed and it was much smoother. I haven't waxed it yet, just used Zanio sealer. I'm bringing it to my guy at the end of April for a full detail and wax this time. I think I'll be using wax in the summer and sealer before winter this go around.
Claying is also good to pull out any contaminants that are in the clear coat. You'll still end up with a microscopic hole in it but at least your wax/sealer will get in there and protect it. I wish I would of clayed my last new car...
I have mine clayed and sealed and it was much smoother. I haven't waxed it yet, just used Zanio sealer. I'm bringing it to my guy at the end of April for a full detail and wax this time. I think I'll be using wax in the summer and sealer before winter this go around.
Claying is also good to pull out any contaminants that are in the clear coat. You'll still end up with a microscopic hole in it but at least your wax/sealer will get in there and protect it. I wish I would of clayed my last new car...
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From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Paint
We just picked up a W204. We had the W203 prior with some sort of nice deep blue paint job. I had previously waxed this car with some nice wax, and it really looks sharp.
Now, on the W204, coming out of the gates the paint FEELS a bit rough. Not smooth and buttery like the W203 does today after a nice wax job. I haven't waxed the W204 YET, but will.
We DIDN'T add any of the aftermarket clear coat, "guarantee that your paint job will look just like it does today" upsells that the dealer offered. Should we have?
What is a good FIRST WAX for these cars?
Now, on the W204, coming out of the gates the paint FEELS a bit rough. Not smooth and buttery like the W203 does today after a nice wax job. I haven't waxed the W204 YET, but will.
We DIDN'T add any of the aftermarket clear coat, "guarantee that your paint job will look just like it does today" upsells that the dealer offered. Should we have?
What is a good FIRST WAX for these cars?
But, that wasn't your question. The nano-particle clear coat on the W204s (and the last couple of years of the W203) is just about bomb-proof, scratch and scuff-wise. And my C300 is Barolo Red, not the common Silver, so any scuffs will be very visible. And when a mark appears, it's harder to buff out since the paint is so hard.
If your car's paint feels rough, it's not the paint but instead some contaminant or other. If it was delivered new this way, your dealer needs to run it through their new car prep process again, on his nickel.
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From: California
2014 C250 sport
I can get my car to "feel" smooth using wax, but the paint DOES seem to have a lot of orange peel, which does not allow me to achieve that
"glass-like" smooth and shiny appearance.
The paint does seem durable though.
"glass-like" smooth and shiny appearance.
The paint does seem durable though.
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