C63 AMG (W204) 2008 - 2015
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Black or Obsidian, what's better?

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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 07:43 PM
  #1  
Morro's Avatar
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From: Montreal, Quebec
2009 C63 AMG, 2013 ML350 BlueTec, 2012 VW GLI
Cool Black or Obsidian, what's better?

Thinking of a Black C63 but can't decide on which black. Extra cash aside, any major differences between the two Blacks that MB offers.
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 07:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Morro
Thinking of a Black C63 but can't decide on which black. Extra cash aside, any major differences between the two Blacks that MB offers.
Get Black, not Obsidian Black. Black is much, um...blacker than Obsidian Black.
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 08:06 PM
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SLS Irridium silver,2014 GL350 BT Irridium, 2015 White Dodge RAM Hemi Quad
Dom you remind me of myself when trying to decide on the color, I changed my mind at least 4 times....get black, not obsidian, my dad has a 2007 ML obsidian and not crazy about it.The black is black and the OB has a lighter hue.
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 08:23 PM
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i got black - i also have a java black RRS which is a metallic black -

the regular black is much richer, deeper black...and its $700 cheaper
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 09:15 PM
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C63 Kleeman; CLS63 Renntech; Kirkham 427S/C; 308 GTB; 911T 3.0 911 cab 3.6
I have the best of both worlds: a regular black car, but with Obsidian Black door handles. No joke, I just noticed it last week when I was waxing the car.

Does anyone else have this "special" two tone look? It's hard to notice at first, but once you see it, it is clear. Seeing the two so (unnecessarily) close together makes you realize that the regular black looks deeper and darker. The Obsidian looks like it could have a fine coating of dust on it. However, the Obsidian would probably hide any orange peel. Under fluorescent lights, you can see some orange peel under the clear coat in the non-metalic black. In the sunlight though, you can't really see the orange peel.
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 09:25 PM
  #6  
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From: Montreal, Quebec
2009 C63 AMG, 2013 ML350 BlueTec, 2012 VW GLI
Well, looks like I'll be taking Palladium. Seems that it's too late to change my original order which was Palladium. One good thing though, it'll be here soon!!
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 09:34 PM
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Palladium look great on this car. You won't be disappointed!
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 09:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Lew L
I have the best of both worlds: a regular black car, but with Obsidian Black door handles. No joke, I just noticed it last week when I was waxing the car.

Does anyone else have this "special" two tone look? It's hard to notice at first, but once you see it, it is clear. Seeing the two so (unnecessarily) close together makes you realize that the regular black looks deeper and darker. The Obsidian looks like it could have a fine coating of dust on it. However, the Obsidian would probably hide any orange peel. Under fluorescent lights, you can see some orange peel under the clear coat in the non-metalic black. In the sunlight though, you can't really see the orange peel.
I have noticed that the door pulls on my black C63 appear to have a hint of metallic to them. Kind of wierd.
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 10:36 PM
  #9  
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Well seems this is a moot point since you're going with Palladium, but I really like the Obsidian Black. It has a hint of golden flake when the sun hits it right, and just makes the black pop that much more. Personally I find the Obsidian to be very deep and rich with a nice little sparkle...makes it look like it's glistening all the time. Have this on the E55, but I went with Iridium Silver for the C63.
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 11:12 PM
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if i'm not mistaken, obsidian black = black with the glitter in the paint
if thats the case get obsidian!!

i may be partial because i got a sapphire black car which is the same, and let me tell you...
when the sun is out, and it hits the paint....it is waaaaaaay better then plain old black!
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 11:12 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by qship5
I have noticed that the door pulls on my black C63 appear to have a hint of metallic to them. Kind of wierd.
yes his is true!
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Old Apr 7, 2009 | 12:45 AM
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Obsidian! Who doesn't like a little extra bling in the paint? Actually, probably a lot of people, but here in So. Cali, with all the sun, metallics hide the inevitable swirls that non-metallics all end up with.

But it sounds like you're getting Palladium, so moot thread, eh?

SWEET RIDE, nonetheless.
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Old Apr 7, 2009 | 12:50 AM
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Don't be ridiculous. You don't see Darth Vader using Obsidian Black.

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Old Apr 7, 2009 | 11:46 AM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by Morro
Well, looks like I'll be taking Palladium. Seems that it's too late to change my original order which was Palladium. One good thing though, it'll be here soon!!
Trust me. it's never too late to change your mind. NEVER! I don't care if the car just arrived and you show up and hate the color. it's never too late to change your mind. Never forget that. Buyer always has the upper hand.

Hawth
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Old Apr 7, 2009 | 02:15 PM
  #15  
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2009 C63 AMG
Originally Posted by hawtheric1
Trust me. it's never too late to change your mind. NEVER! I don't care if the car just arrived and you show up and hate the color. it's never too late to change your mind. Never forget that. Buyer always has the upper hand.

Hawth
Hawth speaks the truth.

I saw this first hand recently. My dealer took delivery on a customer-ordered SL65 AMG Black Series, but after a quick test drive, the buyer backed out. I was lucky enough to sit inside & hear the engine though I declined the offer to buy it. Maybe I'll pick it up 2nd hand in 3 years for half the cost.
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Old Apr 7, 2009 | 04:20 PM
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Nothin beats a 'CLEAN' black Merc.
The blackness is so deep... it rivals the best piano lacquer

but its a huge pain in the butt to keep clean especially if you dont have access to a yard/hose and dont want to go thru a mechanical car wash
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Old Apr 7, 2009 | 05:51 PM
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True, flat black DOES work for Lord Vader. But in glaring sun, unless it is washed and waxed to perfection, you'll see swirls. And metallic does a nice job of concealing them.
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Old Apr 8, 2009 | 09:37 AM
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From: North Carolina
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Limit Swirls?

Hello, I am new to the forums. I am looking to purchase a c63 and I too am not sure on the best color (black or obsidian). If I decide on regular black, what is the best cleaning or drying cloth to limit swirls?
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Old Apr 8, 2009 | 09:56 AM
  #19  
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I have the Obsidian and I am very happy with it -- as others note, in the sun the color is fabulous, and it does seem to hide swirls and other imperfections.

However, I think that the Obsidian is not a durable as the regular black (I hear that they reformulated the Obsidian Black recently to address this, so maybe its better now) -- I have lots of chip marks on the front of the car. Regardless of the color, I would suggest spending the money for a Clear Bra. I wish I had.
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Old Apr 8, 2009 | 10:13 AM
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I have a regular black C63 and it does look good after a wash/wax but not for long. No swirls yet. I would have strongly considered Obs Blk though if I had it to do over again. Still just a minor issue for me though. I like both variants.
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