C-Class (W204) 2008 - 2014: C180K, C200K, C230, C280, C300, C350, C200CDI, C220CDI, C320CDI

Mars Red paint strikes again. Mercedes won’t do anything.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jun 12, 2019 | 03:32 AM
  #1  
gsrdude's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2014 E63 S AMG sedan
Mars Red paint strikes again. Mercedes won’t do anything.


My wife’s 2013 c250 looking like a 15 year old junker thanks to Defective paint and or application.

The hole car started peeling over a year ago. Just outside of warranty.

if you have a Mars Red Mercedes





You might want to think about getting rid of it sooner than later.....

Mercedes won’t offer any assistance or goodwill and the estimate to re-paint was $12,000!!

Anyone else have this problem with Mercedes paint?

Last edited by gsrdude; Jun 12, 2019 at 07:30 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 12, 2019 | 11:23 AM
  #2  
Moto_Guzzi's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 604
Likes: 29
From: SA
2008 C350-Sport-AMG-Active Agility Pack(Not reliable) +Izuzu KB6 3L(It seems Reliable)+Mazda
Wow, this is rediculously bad if you bought the car new, have not driven or behind some toxic source spilling.
Reply
Old Jun 12, 2019 | 01:37 PM
  #3  
Adi-Benz's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 566
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
Haven't heard of this... consider vinyl wrapping over it while most of it is good
Reply
Old Jun 12, 2019 | 02:02 PM
  #4  
gsrdude's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2014 E63 S AMG sedan
Originally Posted by Moto_Guzzi
Wow, this is rediculously bad if you bought the car new, have not driven or behind some toxic source spilling.

It's a very common problem with Mars Red, all models/years. The color has finally been discontinued, but there are MANY people with the same problem all over the world. Mercedes knows all about it and there is a TSB for it from Mercedes. For me they refused any assistance.

Clearcoat Peeling/Flaking/Bubbling
TSB #LI98.00-P-058914 Version 10, Date of issue May 23, 2018 ( yes, they are aware of it, fully)
MBZ: All vehicles with 590-Mars Red

Symptoms: Exterior clearcoat is peeling, flaking, or exhibits bubbles under the surface

Cause: Improper adhesion of clearcoat. Exposure factors like humidity or solar radiation may cause adhesion problems between base coat and clearcoat.

Remedy: Refinish affected areas only, according to WIS and approved paint manufacturer instructions.
Reply
Old Jun 12, 2019 | 11:54 PM
  #5  
MBENZTECH's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 285
From: Republic of Texas
W203 W212 W211 R53MCS
Yep, they are fully aware. I had a GLK come in the shop today........... man, that car looked horrible.
Reply
Old Jun 13, 2019 | 12:37 AM
  #6  
xsever's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 149
2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
Originally Posted by gsrdude
It's a very common problem with Mars Red, all models/years. The color has finally been discontinued, but there are MANY people with the same problem all over the world. Mercedes knows all about it and there is a TSB for it from Mercedes. For me they refused any assistance.

Clearcoat Peeling/Flaking/Bubbling
TSB #LI98.00-P-058914 Version 10, Date of issue May 23, 2018 ( yes, they are aware of it, fully)
MBZ: All vehicles with 590-Mars Red

Symptoms: Exterior clearcoat is peeling, flaking, or exhibits bubbles under the surface

Cause: Improper adhesion of clearcoat. Exposure factors like humidity or solar radiation may cause adhesion problems between base coat and clearcoat.

Remedy: Refinish affected areas only, according to WIS and approved paint manufacturer instructions.
This really sucks! Did you try MBUSA or just the dealership?
Reply
Old Jun 13, 2019 | 09:25 AM
  #7  
ChazThePhoenix's Avatar
Senior Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 254
Likes: 13
From: Out Towards Palm Springs
2019 GLC 350e
yeah I was going to say that's not the red, but the clear coat. Is it a different clear than other colors?
Reply
Old Jun 18, 2019 | 02:40 AM
  #8  
gsrdude's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2014 E63 S AMG sedan
Originally Posted by ChazThePhoenix
yeah I was going to say that's not the red, but the clear coat. Is it a different clear than other colors?
It’s the red, not the clear coat. Excessive moisture and/or some ingredient in Mars Red. The repair procedure spells out that all red must be removed to re-paint. Only the base primer layer is to be retained.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 18, 2019 | 06:51 AM
  #9  
G_Money's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,814
Likes: 152
From: 'Merica
'04 E55 (Gone but not forgotten), '13 C63 P31 (RIP), another '13 C63 PP
Wow, I had no idea this was a known issue with Mars Red. When purchasing current C63, it came down to the gray one I bought and a Mars Red one... Doubly happy I got the Anthracite now!

And you say it's the clearcoat, aye..? I had an issue with the clearcoat flaking on my factory red brake calipers too, also a known issue... I wonder if there is any connection there?

Last edited by G_Money; Jun 18, 2019 at 06:54 AM.
Reply
Old Jun 18, 2019 | 02:48 PM
  #10  
Moto_Guzzi's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 604
Likes: 29
From: SA
2008 C350-Sport-AMG-Active Agility Pack(Not reliable) +Izuzu KB6 3L(It seems Reliable)+Mazda
There seems to be a lawsuit filed:
https://www.autobodynews.com/index.p...uit-filed.html
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2019 | 01:30 PM
  #11  
Janet Clark's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
C250
Would You Buy With Known Paint Issue? What Is The Fix?

I am aware of the class action suit involving Mars Red paint. Question: Would anybody consider buying this car with the paint issue? What is the fix? I mean...I know repaint, but it can't be Mars Red as MB has discontinued right?
Would it be a different red or completely other color? The dealer is still firm on $17,994 for a 2015 with obvious paint issues and a promise to fix. I love the car. Only 40k miles, but I am terrified of the paint and paying this price as the car is severely devalued at this point. Thoughts out there? Were other colors impacted or just the red?

Last edited by Janet Clark; Oct 28, 2019 at 01:32 PM. Reason: Grammar fix
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2019 | 01:40 PM
  #12  
Adi-Benz's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 566
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
Just red
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2019 | 07:53 PM
  #13  
Tom in Austin's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,696
Likes: 521
2019 S560, 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid
I don't see many cars with this color where I live but fortunately haven't noticed one with the failing clearcoat. What a shame Mercedes won't take responsibility and do the right thing for its customers!
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2019 | 08:14 PM
  #14  
hyperion667's Avatar
MBWorld God!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
Sounds like class action to me!
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2019 | 02:32 AM
  #15  
MBpippo's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
MBWorld Ambassador

5 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 3,892
Likes: 965
From: Melbourne, Australia
2013 C204 C250 Coupe
I’d be looking for another car. You don’t want to be caught up in this mess.
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2019 | 01:55 PM
  #16  
Moto_Guzzi's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 604
Likes: 29
From: SA
2008 C350-Sport-AMG-Active Agility Pack(Not reliable) +Izuzu KB6 3L(It seems Reliable)+Mazda
Again, sort out which country, and you may have another take on it.
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2019 | 10:05 PM
  #17  
Davidincovingto's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
E350
Red Paint

Originally Posted by Tom in Austin
I don't see many cars with this color where I live but fortunately haven't noticed one with the failing clearcoat. What a shame Mercedes won't take responsibility and do the right thing for its customers!
Would be interested to know if anyone has expierened the botching being temperature related. When first started was when it dropped to below 40: This Summer all the blotching disappeared. Came back at first cool snap. As for clear coat had to have trunk stripped to metal and repainted. Entire rest of car has tiny blisters. Have been randomly stopped recently by two other Mars Red cars to share misery. Benz NO help. Simply have to wait out class action suit. Been a very well maintained 2014 with only 40k on it. Looked into training in. Dealers are well aware and basically don’t want
the car.

Reply
Old Dec 29, 2019 | 10:07 PM
  #18  
pandy's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 58
Likes: 11
From: ORLANDO, FLORIDA
2006 CLS55 & 2011 G55 & 2xE55 Wagon
I had a 2014 C250 same paint color - just pressure washed the clear coat off the car. Mercedes USA didn't care. They ran me around and told me to get a quote from the company that does work for Mercedes Benz Of South Orlando - quoted 9K dollars. Car was at 57K miles which is 7K miles out. Factory defect which have not been addressed. Poor me that I had to learn it hard way.

Added a link to my video

Last edited by pandy; Dec 29, 2019 at 10:16 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2023 | 05:36 PM
  #19  
PhillRD's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
C220 CDI SE Evo Panarama
Hello from the UK

2008 C220 CDI SE Evo Panorama








Reply
Old Jul 22, 2023 | 11:02 AM
  #20  
ezshift5's Avatar
Super Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 517
Likes: 22
From: California
Mercedes C250 Coupe
C250 Mars Red paint

To the OP,

I sure regret your having such a paint issue.

Here in NorCal we have multiple dealerships from which to choose.

I sure hope you find find a helpful dealer, a helpful paint shop et al - to deal with this.

ez

C250 coupe
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:25 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE