2nd Week E500 Blues
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Newbie
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11
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From: New Jersey
2003 E500
2nd Week E500 Blues
Well, it's been too weeks since I took delivery of my 040 black/charcoal E500 non sport. Overall, I must say that this car is excellent in almost every detail. One key difference that prospective buyers should think about when comparing the E to a 5 series BMW is that you do pay more, but you also get more. It's all in the little details - the small chrome trim around the wood, the polished wheels (instead of painted), the finished door sills, etc. There is attention to detail everywhere. But I digress..
The problem for me is the color - black. I've owned a brilliant silver MB before and it was stunning. I've also owned 6 other black cars. For some reason, this one seems really dark. I saw a BS 320 sport on the road today, and frankly, liked it better. So, with only 250 miles on the odo, I could use a little positive reinforcement on the black/charcoal thing from the people that know it best. Yea, I know, I'm the one that picked it.
Thanks in advance.
The problem for me is the color - black. I've owned a brilliant silver MB before and it was stunning. I've also owned 6 other black cars. For some reason, this one seems really dark. I saw a BS 320 sport on the road today, and frankly, liked it better. So, with only 250 miles on the odo, I could use a little positive reinforcement on the black/charcoal thing from the people that know it best. Yea, I know, I'm the one that picked it.
Thanks in advance.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 618
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From: Kansas City
2010 E550
I'll bet anything you agonized over the color choice in the first place. I did. I was torn between black and tectite. I got the tectite and had the same buyer's remorse feelings you are having. I got over it. I love my car and color now. I was kicking myself for not getting black. When it's that close you are always going to second guess yourself. I have seen the 040 on it is beautiful. You made a good choice. Only problem is there were several good choices. You'll learn to love it and laugh at yourself later for this post. It's a great car and your going to love it, especially in black.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 53
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From: Cary, NC
2003 E 500
Ya' know, the color that ALWAYS grabs my eye is BLACK. Nothing looks better. Nothing! I've got a silver E500, 'cause it's my everyday car and it's easy to take care of; but if I were to pick a color 'cause I'm going to pick somebody up and I want to impress them- it would DEFINITELY be black!!!! Women LOVE black cars, by the way!! The only thing is, you've got to keep it clean and take care of it, my man!! If you do that, you're golden!!! Enjoy!!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 894
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A flawless nonmetallic black car is almost always THE color to have.
The problem is that it's *** SO *** easy to mess up the paint. Major swirls easily turn a black car into a piece of poo.
The brilliant silver on a Mercedes is also a great color.
What mercedes needs is a good red. BMW's Imola Red just gets me hard
The problem is that it's *** SO *** easy to mess up the paint. Major swirls easily turn a black car into a piece of poo.
The brilliant silver on a Mercedes is also a great color.
What mercedes needs is a good red. BMW's Imola Red just gets me hard
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Ohio
Black Benz cars look really great. Wife and I almost got black (not an E500, though 
), but decided on silver ONLY because we thought the dust & dirt wouldn't be as visible. It was super close, though.
), but decided on silver ONLY because we thought the dust & dirt wouldn't be as visible. It was super close, though.
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 391
Likes: 18
From: Nashville, TN
2013 G550
4 NM black MBs in a row, no regrets. In the MB color spectrum, silver, d silver and white are the only colors that will save you from seeing the dirt, but there just not Black! Enjoy!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 618
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From: Kansas City
2010 E550
Now I step into this group therapy session. I know black is great and I anguished between black and tectite. With all this black praising now I am once again feeling a little ambivalant myself. Tell me I didn't go wrong!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,348
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From: Northern NJ
2014 BMW 550i
Black is great color, that univerisally looks good on just about any car. Other colors typically look good on some cars, and not on others. But, as mentioned, I would never get a black car because it would be too difficult for me to keep it clean and swirl free. I have had both a white and black car, and have said I will never get them again because of the upkeep, but certainly love the looks of black.
STKLAW, I don't think you made a bad decision at all. Tectite is an awesome looking color. While black is a very good looking color, it also pays to get something that is a little different to stand out among the crowd. That is why I'm getting the Platinum Blue. The only remorse that I have is that the Charcoal is a special order color for the interior. After seeing Ash, it is a little lighter than I thought it would be, and I hope it won't be a pain to clean.
STKLAW, I don't think you made a bad decision at all. Tectite is an awesome looking color. While black is a very good looking color, it also pays to get something that is a little different to stand out among the crowd. That is why I'm getting the Platinum Blue. The only remorse that I have is that the Charcoal is a special order color for the interior. After seeing Ash, it is a little lighter than I thought it would be, and I hope it won't be a pain to clean.
Almost a Member!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 44
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I've got a tectite and I constantly get compliments on that... And people are asking what this color is called. The other day a silver E stop next to me on the traffic light and the guy is to replace his car due to the nav issue, he loved the color, asked how it's called and said that that's the color he'll order. Basically what I'm saying is - everyone has different taste. I'll tell ya - I'd be happy with a silver, a black, a tectite - it's still a benz... I just got a little tired of common colors (had a silver X5 before)...
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 56
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From: Portland, OR
2006 Acura RL
Everybody has a silver car these days. Its trendy. Black is classic. Nothing looks better than a freshly washed and waxed black car.
Don't agonize. Its a great color. Besides, you're on the inside most of the time. You don't see the outside.
Don't agonize. Its a great color. Besides, you're on the inside most of the time. You don't see the outside.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 618
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From: Kansas City
2010 E550
Originally posted by alewifebp
Black is great color, that univerisally looks good on just about any car. Other colors typically look good on some cars, and not on others. But, as mentioned, I would never get a black car because it would be too difficult for me to keep it clean and swirl free. I have had both a white and black car, and have said I will never get them again because of the upkeep, but certainly love the looks of black.
STKLAW, I don't think you made a bad decision at all. Tectite is an awesome looking color. While black is a very good looking color, it also pays to get something that is a little different to stand out among the crowd. That is why I'm getting the Platinum Blue. The only remorse that I have is that the Charcoal is a special order color for the interior. After seeing Ash, it is a little lighter than I thought it would be, and I hope it won't be a pain to clean.
Black is great color, that univerisally looks good on just about any car. Other colors typically look good on some cars, and not on others. But, as mentioned, I would never get a black car because it would be too difficult for me to keep it clean and swirl free. I have had both a white and black car, and have said I will never get them again because of the upkeep, but certainly love the looks of black.
STKLAW, I don't think you made a bad decision at all. Tectite is an awesome looking color. While black is a very good looking color, it also pays to get something that is a little different to stand out among the crowd. That is why I'm getting the Platinum Blue. The only remorse that I have is that the Charcoal is a special order color for the interior. After seeing Ash, it is a little lighter than I thought it would be, and I hope it won't be a pain to clean.
And you are right, it will stand out in the crowd! And besides, then you own the car on the brochure!
Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 128
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From: Boston, MA
'03 BMW 330i ZHP / '06 Volvo V70R
Originally posted by jl88
BMW's Imola Red just gets me hard
BMW's Imola Red just gets me hard
By the way, I have a 1990 190E 2.6 in Black with Black interior. That 14 year old car STILL looks incredible after all these years. I keep it clean. Nothing better than a black Benz sedan. Makes good contrast with the chrome grill.
Last edited by mbr129; Jun 18, 2003 at 03:33 PM.
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 612
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From: Santa Clarita, CA
one of seven
Originally posted by STKLAW
MB, with those wheels and tires that car is perfect. If I were a little younger we would have matching cars.
MB, with those wheels and tires that car is perfect. If I were a little younger we would have matching cars.
Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 108
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Love black
Always wanted a black benz,just never could get over seeing the swirls in the sun on my friend's cars,and these guys detailed immaculately.It would look good for awhile then back to the swirls,the upkeep was constant.That being said,you did make a great choice as long as you maintain it.Black is sweet if you work on it.
Silver is a personal favorite,its so classy and easy to maintain.Only problem is I had 3 silvers in a row and it seems everyone gets silver around here.So I went with the white this time and am happy I did.You don't see that many in white,it looks real sharp with light tint and chrome rims,and its very easy to keep clean,second easiest to maintain next to silver.White on charcoal with the black wood and white guages is so hot,I'm very pleased.Tectite is real nice,and its a new color for benz,good choice as well.I did not think the plat blue was nice till I saw it in person,and it definetly works,same with the burgundy/bordeax whatever its called
Silver is a personal favorite,its so classy and easy to maintain.Only problem is I had 3 silvers in a row and it seems everyone gets silver around here.So I went with the white this time and am happy I did.You don't see that many in white,it looks real sharp with light tint and chrome rims,and its very easy to keep clean,second easiest to maintain next to silver.White on charcoal with the black wood and white guages is so hot,I'm very pleased.Tectite is real nice,and its a new color for benz,good choice as well.I did not think the plat blue was nice till I saw it in person,and it definetly works,same with the burgundy/bordeax whatever its called
