absent

Specially ordered (wanted CCBs and particular options) CLS just arrived (MSRP $131k) at dealer (waited for that car since August).
It has deep scratches on the hood,allegedly done in transport,dealer wants to repaint the entire hood (Obsidian Black) and gave me a loaner to use in the meantime.
I asked them if there would be any record related to VIN# or Carfax note,they denied that it would show anywhere.
Does anyone here know for sure?

blacklightus

In house repair. Should not show up, but really make sure they do a good job. Sometimes those body shops the dealer uses are horrible.

absent

In house body shop, they insist there will be no record.

DucatiNut

Lift the hood and put a small mark on it that only you know, then tell them to replace it with a new part. They can take it out of the truckers insurance.

hyperion667

congrats and make them do everything you can get them too, take
them for all you can as they would to you...

good luck!

looking forward to the pix!

Vic55

Its my opinion that no dealer can match the ceramic nano paint from the factory... and the hood is a huge piece of real estate to repair.

The paint, especially in black, is amazing from the factory because it reduces swirls and prevents more chips. Im sure the dealer will use the correct paint but its never the same again.

What if you trade it in early? Any dealer taking in the car will use a paint meter on your car to check depth. They will know it was done.

I dont really know what other options you have though here so I guess Id get it painted or replacement unit. Yes I know your car was a special order so it will hit you that much harder to pass it up. Do you have any pics??

M1RAG3

You paid the premium for a new vehicle, why should you accept delivery of the vehicle with a repainted (i.e. not new) hood? If the dealer cant understand this take it up with MB USA Customer Care - for $130k+ your overall satisfaction with your purchase should mean something to them. Dont just speak to some Rep or Dealership Manager, demand to speak with a VP or Director of Customer Satisfaction; I'm sure MB USA has one. You just bought a $131k car that was delivered in an unacceptable condition and they need to do something about it. You didnt scratch the hood, so why are you being penalized for this by having to drive a car with a repainted hood?

abhatti55

It is a bad experience, not trying to downplay it. I would atleast let them try to repaint the hood and see if you are satisfied with the job. Make sure they use PPG CeramiClear it is approved by MBZ for the newer paint finishes. I have had local guys use it on my cars and have had no problem with the color match or finish. Obsidian black has been around awhile and your paint is new so I don't think color match is going to be an issue.


If they make a claim on transport company's insurance, it will likely flag Carfax.

absent

They repainted the hood exceptionally,impossible to tell if there was any work,the entire thing was completely stripped and repainted to look factory job.
I really don't want to wait forever for another car, not interested in anything else at the moment (M5 and M6 are in stock).
Most likely will trade it next year for the new E63 4matic at the same dealer so decided to take that car.
Scheduled Monday delivery,will post picks next week.

dbasons55

If I was you I would get them to repair it and try to knock off some of that $131k price tag I am sure you will get something out of them, that's what I would do, any saving you get out of this would go for what you plan for your ride, wheels tune etc.

otherotherbenz

+1 totally agree with this option

Jakpro1

This

absent

They agreed to invoice and Renntech mods at cost.
I'm tired of waiting,taking the car on Monday.....

emericr

That sounds fair but I would still ask them to show you with a paint meter and prove to you with other new cars that the repaint cannot be detected.
If you end up trading it with same dealer next year, that may not be a big deal but you do not know what the future holds.

absent

Good idea.

vdubpower

cant they order a new hood direct from factory

i agree about the nano paint thing

are u sure the scratches are into the paint or only clearcoat,

was the truck a closed carrier or open

absent

No idea about the truck,I don't have the stamina to wait another month for new hood (that has to be painted at dealer anyway,they don't ship painted parts).

dbasons55

Just go for it and take delivery, twist there arms when you come next year for the E63 swap enjoy her in good health

absent

Thanks!
Can't wait to get my hand on it,break it in for a 1k miles and then it's mod time....

wheelsloose

Vic is right. It may look perfect but any dealer you trade in at will use a paint meter and no matter how good the job looks you cannot fool a paint meter and you will take a hit on trade-in. If you leased then I would get something in writing that you will not be dinged when trading it in and I also agree that I would try and get them to knock off another few thousand and use for mods.

CLS63W218

Personally wouldn't sweet it either. Its a car and most people won't own it more than 2-4 years and over that time you'll be getting scratches, dings, etc no matter how you pamper it. Dealers paint cars all the time and don't disclose it, shipping damage is very common.

I'd take the discounts instead of demanding a new hood swap or car. If your luck is anything like mine, Murphy's law would kick in and would hit something and need to get it repainted anyways.

absent

I think along the same line...

vdubpower

Just thought of an idea

Doesn't mercs have a factory in Alabama or somewhere

Thy must have the proper Mercedes paint applications

Send the hood there or have them send one there to have painted.

absent

Like I said,I am tired of waiting any longer,tired of the loaner and just want to drive the thing.
They still have to fit some spacers for back wheels that I plan to use for Winter
(Old Vossens 20")

otakki

Ditto.