L1011

Hi, folks.

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a new C250. I've been going back and forth between the coupe and sedan for a while now but have decide to go with the sedan since it's more practical from a space perspective.

My problem is this: I can't for the life of me decide on an exterior color. I've narrowed it down to magnetite black, iridium silver, and white. I'd go with the ash interior on the first two and black interior if I go with white (all aluminum trim).

I really like the magnetite black, but I'm worried it will show dirt and be difficult to keep clean. The dealer I've been working with thinks it will be more difficult to keep clean than blank.

I also like the iridium silver and white a whole bunch, but both seem to be more common (but they still look great). I was thinking of getting the panoramic roof for a nice contrast if I go with either of these two colors.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

acr2001

For me, choosing the color has a lot to do with the model of car itself. I feel like the W204 looks especially nice in white. In comparison, I hated the W203 in white. My 203 was silver and I liked that color a lot, but I think the 204 looks awful in silver.

Black is certainly a pain to keep clean & it will show its age a lot faster with regards to dents scratches and swirl marks.

I think white looks a lot sportier -particularly on the W204. Plus it doesn't show scratches and dents as much.

On the other hand, I think the metallic colors look more "luxury" yet less sporty - hard to put into words. They are also much harder to repair because new paint (be it touch-up paint on a small scratch, or an entirely repainted panel) is very hard to blend.

It's all about your personal preference though! As long as MB doesn't start offering these cars in forest green, you can't go wrong

JaCe88

Depends on you as a person. I ended up going with black as my Evo was white, which whilst looking sportier, doesn't have the same 'class' as black. Silver felt old and dated to me.

MDMercedesGuy

Bah! What's wrong with forest green?

I'd have bought my C250 in a nice dark green in a heartbeat if it were offered.

Sportstick

Before retiring from a car company, I recall seeing demographic research data on color preference. Green was never selected as first choice by more than 2-3% of the population, however, they were typically the most highly educated. Make of that what you will!

acr2001

I've always been disgusted by forest green cars, I associate it with 12 year old rusty minivans! But that's just my silly opinion I guess!

MDMercedesGuy

I love the look of a well kept dark green car. It's one of the few colors that can carry a deep shine for a long time if you are willing to put the time into it; but they go to hell quickly if you aren't. I love a clean black car, but can't deal with the inevitable swirl marks.

I spend about 3-4 hours every Sunday cleaning or working on my car (yes, even the smart) - it is my time to decompress and relax.

Taking it back on topic for the OP - I'd go with the magnetite black. I don't think it would be any harder to take care of than standard black - if anything the slight sheen will make it hide dust easier. They're both going to look bad and dull if dirt settles on them though. White will look dingy as well.

Gold and Silver are going to be your lowest maintenance colors on any car.

aowhaus

I like green cars on English cars, but that's British Racing Green which is darker than forest green.

I recently saw a 2012 C-class sedan in a very nice dark brown metallic (it looks almost burgundy in the sun). Very classy and understated. It's a dark color so dirt will show more easily.

altawila

White coupe. ftw

terryquist91

I feel like the W204 looks especially nice in white

c250_2012

go for diaMOND white

AkaSigFreak

Iridium Silver IS THE BEST COLOR!!!!!!!

Glyn M Ruck

Great minds think alike - we shall not consider the alternative

+1

Me too



Diamond white is expensive but great. Just spec'ed it on an ML for a friend.

kev10

I suggest that you take a look at Palladium Silver exterior and Black interior. The combination looks gorgeous. If you go for for a "luxury" model, it is almost like a "no brainer".

Sportstick

+1, but I'd take it a step further with the two-tone black/light grey combination...still quite nice, but gives it a more spacious and airy feel.

Glyn M Ruck

+1 - Our family has a W204 in Palladium Silver. It's a great colour. I would not have it with Black interior monocolour though. Too drab & closed in - almost claustrophobic. We have Grey/Black. The nice thing about Palladium Silver with it's slight Champaign tinge is you can go the Black/Grey route or Brown/Almond or similar like Brown/Pebble Beige.

I know this is a CLK but I had the pic - the Brown/Pebble Beige interior or similar can look great & lighten up the car as can Black/Grey.

akmerc

I've never been a fan of black cars mostly for all the reasons you bring up, including resale value and ease. However when looking at the silver, white, and black C300s the black was the only way to go for me.

I just think the C300 sport looks awesome in black! And I've got the black interior and love it at well. I'd like to do a little window tinting , but AK doesn't allow any tint up front so I'm letting that one slip.....

Carsy

Hot Climate = white.

Dust dirt = white.

Safety = yellow/white.

Carsy

Can't see myself getting of the tractor & jumping into that upholstery with my Labrador ,Glyn.!! Looks more like Point Piper gear.I would be frightened to sit in it with Sunday best.

Glyn M Ruck

Ha Ha! Indeed - just wanted to show how much lighter the car can look. That's why I went Black & Grey with the CLK & my old C. Like below.

You need a Ute!

kev10

I will definitely prefer the simple black interior. It provides the unmatched "luxury" feel. Maybe it is just me.

Glyn M Ruck

Sorry - black & luxury don't go together. Ask the real luxury car builders the last time they sold a car with black interior - unless it was to a dictator or North Korea.

kev10

I can't speak for others. A light-color interior always looks a bit childish to me. That's the feeling I had when I sat in various color combinations of cars before I made the final decision.

I do agree, however, that black and sporty don't go together well.

Glyn M Ruck

You are the one that has to be happy - it's personal. Come sit on a black seat in Africa when the car has been parked in the sun. Even worse if the car is black in colour as well.

acr2001

I had the ash interior in my w203. Switched to black in the 204. Much prefer black, but I do wish they had a two tone interior on the lot - best of both worlds and a lot more sophisticated looking. I couldn't wait for a car to ship unfortunately.