Black Piano Lacquer 'Flowing Lines' wood: scratches as bad as everyone says?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 38
Likes: 2
Tesla Model S
Black Piano Lacquer 'Flowing Lines' wood: scratches as bad as everyone says?
I'm tormenting myself my interior trim choice (with the beige leather).
Outlandish up-charge aside, my hands down favorite trim is the designo Black Piano Lacquer 'Flowing Lines' wood. Love those lines!
So, are scratches on the center console as big of a nightmare as some are saying? Seems like most posts in this regard aren't from actual owners with regrets, but from (well-intentioned) others offering warnings. I realize everything is relative.
My second choice is a tie between the Brown Ash Wood (I like the gloss with the dark wood that doesn't look as dated as the lighter Burl Walnut) and the Natural Grain Black Ash (don't think it shows the wrap-around dash trim as well).
Anyway, curious about the piano-black center console.....
Outlandish up-charge aside, my hands down favorite trim is the designo Black Piano Lacquer 'Flowing Lines' wood. Love those lines!
So, are scratches on the center console as big of a nightmare as some are saying? Seems like most posts in this regard aren't from actual owners with regrets, but from (well-intentioned) others offering warnings. I realize everything is relative.
My second choice is a tie between the Brown Ash Wood (I like the gloss with the dark wood that doesn't look as dated as the lighter Burl Walnut) and the Natural Grain Black Ash (don't think it shows the wrap-around dash trim as well).
Anyway, curious about the piano-black center console.....
Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 195
Likes: 53
From: US
2018 E400S
When I saw it in person I was underwhelmed by the Black Piano Lacquer 'Flowing Lines', and went with the Natural Grain Black Ash instead; part of the issue was that the center console (at least for 2018 MY) is just piano black, without flowing lines, and looks cheap. After 6 months I'm happy with my choice. One of the plusses of the natural grain black finish is that it does not show finger prints like the high gloss finishes, and although its a dark color, it does not seem to pick up dust as well, and its easy to clean. So far its proved robust. I agree that the initial impression of the Flowing Lines finish is an eye candy popping wow, and in pictures it looks amazing.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,833
Likes: 773
From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
I had the brown flowing line magnolia wood in my AMG and had to be very careful of scratches. The Brown ash in my new Wagon does not seem to scratch as easily. The light elm wood in my Cabrio seems pretty resistant to scratching and looks beautiful too. I dunno how it would look with the brown int or if it's even offered with that combo, the int on my cabrio is porcelain white.
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 243
Likes: 23
Infiniti M35x
You sound exactly like me when I was shopping. I made a post out here so if you search for posts by my name you will see it and be able to look at feedback that others had for me too.
Once I ended up seeing the black piano flowing lines in person I wasn't as impressed, but a lot had to do with me putting it on an all black interior too. It also looked to collect a lot of dust in addition to the scratches issue that I saw others mention (and they seemed to be owners). So coupling those challenges I had to ask myself, do I really want to pay an additional $1400 for that (or whatever the cost is)?
I then defaulted to the Brown Ashwood for the same reasons that you mentioned and I just received my car on Thursday night and like it. When it stops raining on Monday I can hopefully get some decent pics to show you (if I can figure out how to easily post them). Good luck
Once I ended up seeing the black piano flowing lines in person I wasn't as impressed, but a lot had to do with me putting it on an all black interior too. It also looked to collect a lot of dust in addition to the scratches issue that I saw others mention (and they seemed to be owners). So coupling those challenges I had to ask myself, do I really want to pay an additional $1400 for that (or whatever the cost is)?
I then defaulted to the Brown Ashwood for the same reasons that you mentioned and I just received my car on Thursday night and like it. When it stops raining on Monday I can hopefully get some decent pics to show you (if I can figure out how to easily post them). Good luck
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 473
Likes: 110
From: Texas, Northern VA
Porsche Cayman S, Mercedes W213, Nissan Titan, BMW X5, Chevrolet Suburban
You mentioned center console. There are no flowing lines on mine. It's just "piano" black and with 3000 miles I have enough scratches that show me that it will have to be removed. Its probably my biggest disappointment with the car. In one case just the hose from the vacuum cleaner left 5 distinct marks. And the dealer tells me that I should just get a "compound" rub and eliminate the numerous scratches.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 38
Likes: 2
Tesla Model S
Thank you, all, for your thoughtful commentary. I’m going to skip the piano black and go with either the glossy brown ash or natural black ash. Know I’ll be happy with either of those! Now for the 4-month waiting period for my car...
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 84
Likes: 3
E250
In my case, I opted for the open pore black ash trim after seeing how scratched up and greasy the glossy consoles were in the test drive cars and learning from sales that the consoles had been scratched from daily wiping using micro-fibers. What I don't get is why MB didn't use the same type of plastic as they do on the back of the key. The back of my key is a glossy piano black and still scratch free after 4 months in my pocket bashing against key rings, coins and other bits.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5,373
Likes: 1,104
.
I use Meguiar's Ultra Quik Wax G17516 on the wood trim. It is a synthetic hydrophobic polymer (no wax). Nothing sticks to it. When the interior gets dusty I simply clean it with a bit of pure compressed air. I use a similar product on the car's exterior and clean it with a spray of water and let it dry (never any spots). I do have to clean the glass inside and out. I use product called Invisible Glass.
Meguiar's has many products including an interior spray cleaner for the dash and LCD's. I have not tried it.
Meguiar's has many products including an interior spray cleaner for the dash and LCD's. I have not tried it.
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 243
Likes: 23
Infiniti M35x
Yeah I was using Invisible Glass on my old car as well. Now what type of cloth do you wipe off the Quick Wax with?
I too am a fan of Meguiar's as I generally usevthe Quick Detail and Quick Interior Detail
I too am a fan of Meguiar's as I generally usevthe Quick Detail and Quick Interior Detail
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 151
From: Greater Cleveland area
2019 Dune Silver Metallic E-450 Mercedes Cabriolet NEW Mercedes 2020 GLC300 graphite gray SUV
So what car are you getting? You never did say.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Porsche boxster S, 2010.
I know someone who had their center console wrapped in the first week after delivery. Apparently, his console still looks like new and you really can't notice the wrap unless you look very closely (which no-one ever does). This might be an option if you want to keep the console looking like new.
In my case, I opted for the open pore black ash trim after seeing how scratched up and greasy the glossy consoles were in the test drive cars and learning from sales that the consoles had been scratched from daily wiping using micro-fibers. What I don't get is why MB didn't use the same type of plastic as they do on the back of the key. The back of my key is a glossy piano black and still scratch free after 4 months in my pocket bashing against key rings, coins and other bits.
In my case, I opted for the open pore black ash trim after seeing how scratched up and greasy the glossy consoles were in the test drive cars and learning from sales that the consoles had been scratched from daily wiping using micro-fibers. What I don't get is why MB didn't use the same type of plastic as they do on the back of the key. The back of my key is a glossy piano black and still scratch free after 4 months in my pocket bashing against key rings, coins and other bits.
Its been 12 weeks since order, still not being build, cant wait haha.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5,373
Likes: 1,104
.
I use very soft cotton towels (not micro fiber) for almost every vehicle chore. I buy inexpensive kitchen towels from Bed Bath & Beyond using their 20% discount coupon sent each week to my wife.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 151
From: Greater Cleveland area
2019 Dune Silver Metallic E-450 Mercedes Cabriolet NEW Mercedes 2020 GLC300 graphite gray SUV
Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 214
Likes: 45
From: New York
2025 E450 Sedan: 2019 E450 Coupe
Argelius, what did the dealer say as to why wait time is 4 months. I have a 2018 E400 and waited 6 months, but have the car for 1 year now. I am planning on upgrading my 2013 E350 coupe for the new E450 coupe, with digital display and HUD, along with all of the technology options. Have them in the sedan and couldn’t get one without those options..
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 84
Likes: 3
E250
thanks for input! Did the dealer make the wrapping? Yeah I also dont get why they dont get a harder plastic, especially since its the Only one that match the designo panels, which is the most expensive panels..
Its been 12 weeks since order, still not being build, cant wait haha.
Its been 12 weeks since order, still not being build, cant wait haha.
