mutiny22183

Hi all! I just purchased a 2012 E350 Black/Black 4Matic Sports Sedan with P2 and panoramic roof this past Saturday; very excited about the new car!

Just a few questions for you all!

• The dealer offered the Zurich Sheild. Since I have the black (non-metallic paint, will that prevent the classic "swirls" you get on black cars when detailed incorrectly?
• Is it worth it to spend $100 on the chrome door inserts?
• Is it possible to upgrade the steering wheel OEM wood or leather?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations!! This is my first Mercedes, so I am very excited about it.

RobbieRob

I am not sure about the answers to your questions, but Congratulations on your new purchase. Good luck with it and welcome to the Mb world. I'm sure some others will help you.

thekurgan

I'm not familiar with the Zurich shield, I know of Opti and the AQuartz and it's tough stuff. The ceramic-based clear coat is only so tough. I opted for clear bra material for the door inserts, as the chrome was too "blingy" for my taste and the clear bra is cheaper and invisible (at least on my color). I think you can upgrade the wheel, but it won't be cheap.

BenzV12

Congrats, my fave combination is black / black too

I can't answer for #1 ,sorry

#2 ,Being a chrome bug , yup it's worth and you can go further by adding chrome taillight frames and mirror covers as well

#3 As long as your steering wheel supports NTG 4.5 it should not be a problem . I am contemplating changing mine to E63 AMG's but that damn thing is too expensive lol

Your steering wheel should be 3 spokes as well as mine .So, it's already giving a sporty look

mutiny22183

Thanks for the reply! Actually, as weird as it sounds..no, my steering wheel is 4 spoke?? I'm looking at the sticker for the new car..and its got option 321: Sport Package: 18" 5 spoke alloy wheels with all season tires, lowered sport suspension, sport bodystyling, aluminum instrument cluster surround, ton-on-black interrior concept, perforated front brake discs, front brake calipers with mercedes-benz logo. No mentions of the 3 spoke sterring wheel!?

mutiny22183

I just gave my dealership a call, and they told me they can replace my current steering wheel (whatever the material it is on it) with an OEM wood/leather steering wheel (4 spoke) for $1350...not sure if it's worth it.

BenzV12

Hey, I am uploading 3 different steering wheels . Thus , you can easily pick up what's the best fit for you

eagle_lex

does your car have the amg wheel package? if so and still no sport wheel then you probably have a heated wheel. thats what mine is set up like. amg wheels and heated four spoke wheel.

mutiny22183

Nope, missed out on the wheel package, didn't know what I was thinking when I bought the car..since it's only a $760 package instead, I have the 18 inch split 5 spoke alloy wheels..which still looks pretty nice I think...

BM2BZ

welcome and congrats !

get the shield or not, depends on how much your dealer charges you.
i personally not feeling the chrome door inserts but if you are one of the people who like chromes, you'll love them. if not and if you are trying to avoid any scratches, get the clear ones.
change the steering wheel or not is all depends on how much you don't like your current one. it'll cost you some pretty pennies and the steering wheel is pretty much a car's body parts that you see and touch the most.

btw, don't forget to post some pics and enjoy your new ride !

MAmendola

Not sure about the Zurich Shield. I have sworn off black cars and my past two have been Pewetr. I use Griot's Garage products. I hand wash my cars and use their wax's and sealants. I enjoy detailing my cars so for me it is a form of therapy. Alao I save a lot of money by doing my own detailing. I do not know of anything that will prevent swirls. I do have 3M clear bra on the front, hood, and side sections of the ft fenders. I just waxed my car after thre years I am not seeing swirls.

I did install chrome door Handel inserts myself when I bought the car. Easy install. I think they are a nice accent.

Can' t speak to your Steering wheel swap. My ML care with the wood leather.

Good luck

Mark