Regular Black vs. Obsidian Black (Metallic)?
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 519
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From: Chicago and NorCal
Titleist
Both are nice colors. The Obsidian has the benefit of the metal flake to help conceal some of the swirls that exist in all colors but that are more visible in the darker colors such as black. It being worth the extra $720 is a matter of personal preference.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
I have the plain black, thought about the obsidian, but just went with regular.....
no regrets here..........
love the plain black, if they were side by side, I guess I'd want the 'sparkly' one hehe,
but I think they'd both look fine.........
good luck
no regrets here..........
love the plain black, if they were side by side, I guess I'd want the 'sparkly' one hehe,
but I think they'd both look fine.........
good luck
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Or you could spend $2700 more and get Designo platimun black!!! That's my new favorite black. Stunning!! I have a 2001 Obsidian e55. I could go either way on standard black or obsidian. Some days I happy with my obsidian, other days wish I got the standard, which Mercedes does as well as anyone. Regards. Ned.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
I considered both the Obsidian and standard Black. They both show the swirls equally. To my eye, the Obsidian Black was just not black enough. Both look very nice, but, I find that the standard black is very nicely done by Mercedes. I would go with the one you like the best. They are both great colors. Standard black is definitely faster than the other colors 
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 290
Likes: 48
From: Florida
2013 ML350, 2019 S560
I ordered my car with Obsidian Black. It is much more unique than plain black, which is all I could find on the local MB lot. You can only see the true difference of Obsidian on a bright sunny day, though. When overcast, it looks just like plain black. I think both colors are good choices. As noted, they are both HIGH MAINTENANCE!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: West Virginia
2001 E320 RWD - Brilliant Silver/Ash: 100,000+
I like the Obsidian Black, but as mentioned, the MB regular black is nice too. My preference would be the Obsidian, too bad it costs extra.
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Massachusetts
'14 911S (garage queen) '13 X3 (family hauler)
One more thing to consider is 040 black is the easiest color to touch up.
If and when you get rock chips the metallics are hardest to touch up nicely.
Just thought I add my .02
If and when you get rock chips the metallics are hardest to touch up nicely.
Just thought I add my .02
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 425
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E350 Coupe
There is absolutely no reason to have swirl marks. With proper care and maintenance they are not a problem. Yes, significant effort and some detailing knowledge is required. But it can make for a fun hobby...maintenance of black cars. Trust me I know. I have two black cars. Oh, it also helps to be retired. More time.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
There is absolutely no reason to have swirl marks. With proper care and maintenance they are not a problem. Yes, significant effort and some detailing knowledge is required. But it can make for a fun hobby...maintenance of black cars. Trust me I know. I have two black cars. Oh, it also helps to be retired. More time.
extraordinary......
it is a hobby, hehe......good for a stay home father too
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I have a 2001 e55 in obsidian black. Looks especially great after a wash on a nice sunny day. That's when it earns it's "metal" against straight up black!! Enjoy. Ned.
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Joined: Apr 2011
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searching
Just picked up my 2011 e350 coupe.. its deffinately worth it.. however when i got to the dealership and my salesrep said this is your car.. at first glance i was like umm no my car is supposed to be metallic, but once we drove it outside i could see the metallic in effect not much since it was kinda cloudy see what it looks like tomorrow morning. I guess you have best of both worlds.. normally it looks black and in the sun should have a glow!!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 40
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From: Greenwich, CT
2014 E350 4Matic; 2016 GL350 Bluetec; 2005 F430 Spider
Go standard black as it is so much easier to match should you need to re-spray the bumpers or if you get in any kind of accident. Metallics are never right after any paint work. We got tapped in back at a light and had to have bumper re-sprayed for the 2 license plate holes that got in their from the jerk behind us' bumper. Then I had to have the bumper replaced 1 month later when a young kid in a low front car tapped me as I stopped for a bus in front of me. Glad it was only pure black both times.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 488
Likes: 37
From: Albuquerque, NM
2014 e350
There is absolutely no reason to have swirl marks. With proper care and maintenance they are not a problem. Yes, significant effort and some detailing knowledge is required. But it can make for a fun hobby...maintenance of black cars. Trust me I know. I have two black cars. Oh, it also helps to be retired. More time.
DIY detailer (retired ) who has owned and sold 3 CLKs cars because they were black (I'm a slow learner). Any insights would be greatly appreciated as I think I'm going to buy another one
Last edited by abqhudson; May 19, 2024 at 07:56 PM. Reason: clarify
