Went to pick up "T-Rex" this morning after fresh snow was dumped on the road. Fortunately when I hit the autoroute the snow had been cleared but the road was wet and salty for the first part of the journey. Last past was bone dry. Had a quick bite for lunch, then proceeded to pressure wash all the vehicle to rinse off the salt and muck. Looks perfectly clean and OK now. I'll get some photos when the sun shines.
First pics of the painted door handles (driver's side and rear passenger). Painter even managed to get a fine coat over the IR sensor without blocking the waves getting through as the mechanism and key fob works perfectly. They blend in perfectly with the bodywork IMO and I STRONGLY recommend those not having done this update to do so. You wouldn't regret it. The only negative point is to find a cap to cover the shiny chrome lock mechanism. It breaks the overall effect. I passed by my friends at the local MB parts department on my way back home, but they don't have an idea if this exists on any MB model. Does anybody have any pointers for a part # ????
Found the part # thanks to a friendly guru on the FB C36/43 AMG Owners page. Just needs a touch of paint to match the silver code colour
A2107660056
Recommended to take two covers, one for the driver's lock and the other for the boot lock
I strongly recommend a cap for boot lock!
MB made a design flaw and the mechanism ***** up.
Cap for boot lock will keep your cylinder safe and clean.
For the rest of you who never had this protective cap and never used your switchblade to exercise boot lock, I wish you the best of luck.
DRBC43, door handles looks hot.
Where are the rest of your photos?
Thanks for the compliment Denis. Yeah I'll get some photos when the weather is finer, probably very soon...
I strongly recommend a cap for boot lock!
MB made a design flaw and the mechanism ***** up.
Cap for boot lock will keep your cylinder safe and clean.
For the rest of you who never had this protective cap and never used your switchblade to exercise boot lock, I wish you the best of luck.
DRBC43, door handles looks hot.
Where are the rest of your photos?
Yes, I unfortunately had that experience the other year. $700 later at the dealership and I got a new trunk lock mechanism.
DRBC, are these painted OEM handles or are these painted E/CLK handles? If the former, I heard the paint chips off/has issues over the long term. Curious to your experience with it over time.
Yes, I unfortunately had that experience the other year. $700 later at the dealership and I got a new trunk lock mechanism.
DRBC, are these painted OEM handles or are these painted E/CLK handles? If the former, I heard the paint chips off/has issues over the long term. Curious to your experience with it over time.
Yup they are my original C43 handles painted in the correct code colour. The painter told me that the parts have to be thoroughly prepared with a special base paint before applying the final coat and clear coat. Time will tell how they hold up to regular wear and tear.
Shot a couple of quick photos with my smartphone in late afternoon light. And yes I reverted to the upright Star. It looks sooo much cooler together with the Avantgarde grille IMO. I'll get some better ones using my camera when the sun is shining nicely. In the meantime, here goes
DRB your car is looking very nice.
too bad you took her home when the roads were salty, paint haven't even hardened yet!
watch out for chips and gravel attacking your fresh front.
No worries Denis
The paint is dry as it was painted before Christmas and I pressure washed her body for long minutes when I got back home, including wheel wells, etc.
Time will tell how they hold up to regular wear and tear.
I had my door handles painted from the beginning, now after 11 years I should have them repainted again. in a few small places, the color dissolves a little bit
Painted the lock protection buttons for driver's and boot locks. They do go well with the painted handles. Next step, my Queen is booked for a full ceramic protection on Thursday and Friday then it will be photo shooting time
The full body ceramic coating is finished and I received this evening 2 photos showing the result. Just waiting for Monday to go and pick her up.
As soon as it's sunny, it will be photo shooting time
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.
Fortunately when I hit the autoroute the snow had been cleared but the road was wet and salty for the first part of the journey. Last past was bone dry. Had a quick bite for lunch, then proceeded to pressure wash all the vehicle to rinse off the salt and muck. Looks perfectly clean and OK now. 
I'll get some photos when the sun shines.
