I am looking at a 2003 E320 on Ebay and am satified with everything but the color. It is black on black, which looks nice, but I heard it will be too hot in the summer, especially in CA. Since I don't have any experience with blk/blk car, can anyone give me an idea how bad it will be in the summer? I am in N CA and the typical temperature is about 90-95F in July and Aug. Should I try to avoid black, at least avoid black interior?

Thanks!

 

Black, or any other darker shade of color will always absorb more heat. White, or lighter shades will reflect more heat. Here's a simple test: stand inbetween two vehicles, one black, one white on a clear, sunny day, the hotter, the better. Now firmly place one hand on the black vehicle, and one on the white. You'll know quite quickly which color 'absorbs' and which color 'reflects'.

That said, black is a great looking color on any vehicle. In my younger days when I liked to wash, wax and wipe down my vehicle every day, I had three black ones in a row. Keep in mind that nothing looks better than black, if you can keep it clean. But nothing looks worse than black if you can't keep it clean.

 

no offense to anyone else,,but as a wise man once told me "like a tuxedo,Mercedes come in other colors but why would you want another color besides black " I have 2 black cars here in the deep south and have little issue with them in the heat of summer. The A/C in all newer Mercedes cars is perfectly suited to keep you cool no matter the outside temperature or the color of the car. Good luck.

 

Yea, my two cars are black as well. One of which is black/black. It's liveable, make sure you use a sunshade for the front, tilt the moonroof, and even put a sunshade on the rear (then prop it up with the headrests).

Park in the shade as well.

Another thing, make sure that the car is clean. My cars are washed weekly during the hot weather season. If they weren't, the hot sun and the dust just sitting on the car would burn into the clear coat. And driving a dirty black Mercedes only indicates you to have absolutely no class, so make sure you keep it clean (you rarely see a dirty Rolls Royce).

Lastly, the 2003 models are the ones with historically the most problems, thus, word of caution.

 

I would buy black/black if:

- I garaged the car at home (dirty black cars look lousy, and one day and night outside is very noticable)
- I garaged the car at work. Ever get into a black/black car in 95 degree weather that has been parked outside in the afternoon?
- Even if garaged work/home, you are committed to washing the car twice per week. FYI no soap needed, just hose off, and towell off.

 

Was tracking a black on black SL for a while but ended up with black over ash. Nice option, big difference IMO. The class of the black with the cooler interior is a great option.

I've had numerous whites and am partial to them with regard to the heat and easier maintenance. But, like was earlier said, the black can't be beaten when it's taken care of. (Which is almost a full time job.)

 

Actually, I live just fine washing the car only once a week in hot weather.

Yes, parking indoors does make a difference. I park indoors at night, but in the day, when the sun is out, the car is often parked outside. Very detrimental to the car indeed.

When I brought my car in to be washed yesterday at the dealership, they were shocked, they said it's clean and I told them that it should be washed because I didn't want the contaminants to bond to the paint which is accelerated by the heat.

Lastly, I wouldn't get a black interiored convertible UNLESS if I owned two convertibles, one to drive in the day and the other to drive in the night. My "Night Convertible" for the sophisticated who believe that "Cuoio" (beige) does not look good at night.

 

black or die.

 

YEEAHH

Black W210 Estate
Black W211
Black Smart

Wash and Wax Every Week! Looks great for about 20 min...lol

Covered when Not in Use.. in the Garage or Work..Even when Shopping

 

"The Godfater" is my hero, a man after my own heart! Black is the ONLY color a Mercedes needs to be, especially for those of us whos OCD kicks into high gear when it comes to the car.

 

LOL @ OCD. My friend told me I had OCD the other day because I have rules: the only part of the car that you EVER touch outside, is the door handle and that's it. When inside, if you roll your window down, no putting your hand on the roof and touching it, or on the door below. No leaning on the car, putting your hands on it for any reasons, and if you ****ed up and did any of it, don't EVER attempt to clean it with your shirt!

 

i know its slightly off subject, but I go balistic if someone tries to clse the door on the SL I have ,,,,and uses the WINDOW to close it!!!!!
I'm with you %100 on the "rules" too Godfather. Mine are very similar.

 

I totally know where you're coming from. I was looking at an SL500 and the sales guy closed it by the window; note to self, don't buy that car. Too bad, they don't know that they shouldn't do that.

It is my personal belief that cars should be black. All the cars in my garage are black. If I were ever to make an exception, it'd probably be for a red Ferrari.