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Custom G Colors Factory Order

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Old 06-24-2020, 11:21 AM
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Custom G Colors Factory Order

Is it possible to pay a (significant fee) so a custom color can be applied at the factory on a new G/G63 order?

I want 'Desert Sand,' and I have the NSN number for US military Desert Sand paint, as is used on the JLTV and Humvees, etc. IMHO, the factory Desert Sand paint color is more akin to baby poop, or butterscotch pudding, anything but even a somewhat accurate representation of 'real' desert tan.

I understand that ordering a custom color with a special fee (like $20,000+, which wouldn't be a bad price) was possible on a new G/G63 order many, many years ago, but has long since been eliminated, along with any/all other customer customized build requests. So, I have no idea what is folktale BS vs/ real.
Old 06-24-2020, 11:57 AM
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See note at bottom.


Old 06-24-2020, 12:32 PM
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So, there are many, many designo manufakturer paint colors available for the 2021 G/G63. My question is whether it’s possible for an MBUSA dealer to place an order for a customer supplied special custom paint color, with its mixing codes, a proper paint sample chip, etc. to be applied on a new build. I have the US government NSN that is the specific US military desert sand color.

Pls forgive me, in advance, but I simply don’t understand what this chart has to do with my question?
Old 06-24-2020, 12:33 PM
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Chart doesn't say anything, it's the disclaimer at the bottom that they are pointing out.

I know it's not the same, but getting a wrap would probably allow you to have the color you'd like. Probably would cost $5-10k depending on installer.

Out of curiosity do you have a picture of a vehicle in that color?
Old 06-24-2020, 12:39 PM
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Originally Posted by JetRanger
So, there are many, many designo manufakturer paint colors available for the 2021 G/G63. My question is whether it’s possible for an MBUSA dealer to place an order for a customer supplied special custom paint color, with its mixing codes, a proper paint sample chip, etc. to be applied on a new build. I have the US government NSN that is the specific US military desert sand color.

Pls forgive me, in advance, but I simply don’t understand what this chart has to do with my question?
There are 2 programs:
G Manufaktur - this is a bunch of extra paints you can order during the normal order process.
designo Manufaktur - this is the custom order program where you can select any paint you want, among other options as per the chart.

To get a custom paint, you'd need to do designo Manufaktur, but it's not available for the G. Probably because they feel they offer plenty of options already.
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Old 06-24-2020, 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Hodog16
Chart doesn't say anything, it's the disclaimer at the bottom that they are pointing out.

I know it's not the same, but getting a wrap would probably allow you to have the color you'd like. Probably would cost $5-10k depending on installer.

Out of curiosity do you have a picture of a vehicle in that color?
Yes, I was thinking of a good wrap job, but there is no wrap I am aware of that is anywheres near to an exact match for the real McCoy Desert Sand. The ones I have seen are just way off the mark.

I also spoke to my detail shop, and they do top-drawer wraps. He said a rough estimate for a high quality G wrap is about $15k to $20k+, and that requires the shop to darn near tear the entire car apart. No thanks. A high quality accurate desert sand repaint would easily be $35k to $50k, and the sky is the limit from there.

Before I take delivery on a brand new (second) $200k+ G, and then spend a ton more on a re-paint job, or a high end wrap, I’d like to run to ground the possibility whether a MB custom paint job at their factory during the car’s production.
Old 06-24-2020, 12:54 PM
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If I go the route of a high quality desert tan repaint right after I take delivery, I wonder if there is an optimal color to order (e.g., std 040 black, polar white, perhaps some other color?) that would be most convenient to properly sand-off before the repaint. My guess is it is irrelevant, but I’m not a professional painter, so I have no idea.
Old 06-24-2020, 01:34 PM
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It probably doesn't matter since it would get sanded down, so the proper answer is a no charge paint haha. I would imagine white, grey, or black would be the best as it they would be unlikely to show through or affect the new paint.

I have heard for wraps the best base color to have is black, but I agree it's not exciting to think about people taking a brand new vehicle apart.
Old 06-24-2020, 04:15 PM
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Get the gloss Desert Sand paint option and wrap it with satin PPF. It won't be as matte as an actual military Humvee but that is probably the closest.
Old 06-24-2020, 09:01 PM
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Contact Stephanie Hirsch (designo@mbusa.com) and ask her - if it can be done she is the person to talk to.
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Old 06-24-2020, 09:32 PM
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OK, I shall do that. Thanks, Bob!
Old 06-24-2020, 09:34 PM
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Originally Posted by JetRanger
OK, I shall do that. Thanks, Bob!
I have talked to her several times and she helped me by interfacing with the G Project Office directly so she will tell you if what you want is possible - let us all know what you find out.
Old 06-24-2020, 10:01 PM
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Will do, Bob!
Old 06-25-2020, 12:48 AM
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1. Well, the answer to your question is "polite no"..you can talk to anyone you want and that will be the result.. and frankly your "one-off-custom-color" plan drops your future value down the road by a whole big chunk of dough - a unnecessary downstream hit

2. "$200K" G63 - then you might interest that MadChatter's here by laying out your Wheel/Tire and your RennTech plans ... a wicked upgrade on both fronts "might" be closer to $210....if it was me spending $20K-$30K for upgrades on top of MSRP is one heck of a better plan than paying a unnecessary Texas/dealer or California/dealer MSRP surcharge.



Old 06-25-2020, 05:15 PM
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If you go wrap route they can custom print any color you want. You no longer have to choose the film available although I cant believe there isnt anything close to a Humvee painted to see battle. I highly doubt that color is consistent and then add variances and I bet if you parked 2 next to each other they would be off a few shades.

Tried ordering S Class to match my Mauritus? Blue G wagon and couldn't find a dealer that had a clue how to oder. Gave up and glad I did it would have been a waste of cash with everyone wrapping. They make it so difficult and expensive compared to Audi and BMW.
Old 06-25-2020, 05:17 PM
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This place can make any color wrap: https://www.colorxlabs.com/
Old 06-25-2020, 11:19 PM
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Bob, you are always a goldmine of information! I didn't even know that I wanted to know where I could get a wrap made any color until you mentioned it

Originally Posted by Bob Z.
This place can make any color wrap: https://www.colorxlabs.com/
Old 06-25-2020, 11:23 PM
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Originally Posted by sweet63
Bob, you are always a goldmine of information! I didn't even know that I wanted to know where I could get a wrap made any color until you mentioned it
Always glad to help and share information...I have asked more questions on the forums that I have answered!

I have used Color X before and they were a perfect match for taking care of some scratches on a daily driver.
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Old 07-01-2020, 10:24 PM
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Surprise, surprise: https://www.motor1.com/news/431811/m...or-paint-jobs/
Old 07-02-2020, 12:27 AM
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Bob,

That Designo Manufaktur "custom" program does not apply to Graf... sorry.

For sedan's/coupe's/wagon's (not Wagens) it's fun to combine Custom with Euro delivery

Old 07-03-2020, 09:10 AM
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Originally Posted by fabbrisd1
Bob,

That Designo Manufaktur "custom" program does not apply to Graf... sorry.

For sedan's/coupe's/wagon's (not Wagens) it's fun to combine Custom with Euro delivery
Any idea of what the cost is? Porsche charges $12,440 for the Paint to Sample (PTS) program so I assume MB is comparable?
Old 07-03-2020, 11:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Bob Z.
Any idea of what the cost is? Porsche charges $12,440 for the Paint to Sample (PTS) program so I assume MB is comparable?

Old 07-03-2020, 12:22 PM
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Wow, $12k would be oh, so cheap. So wish this program was available on the G.

I’m working now looking into having my 2021 G painted in Army green camo. I don’t want a wrap job. I’m budgeting $50k+, but sure hope it doesn’t turn out to be like $100k.

Here’s how I want my G to look, as soon as it arrives at my dealer, and I can get it over to the paint shop:



I also plan to have two antenna mount boxes fabricated (the G-Pro/military body antenna mount boxes will not fit the new G body), to accommodate my HF antenna, plus my VHF/UHF antenna. However, this may interfere with the DISTRONIC camera, in which case I will have the rear tire mount on the 2022 G-Squared mount fabricated, and weld my antenna mounts to that. Lots of customization ahead!





Last edited by JetRanger; 07-03-2020 at 12:28 PM.
Old 07-03-2020, 06:49 PM
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Very cool, and I look forward to your mods! Maybe you can start a new thread when you begin?
Old 07-03-2020, 06:59 PM
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Will be glad to do that, Bob! Might be a nightmare to order the MY2022 4x4 sq’d spare tire rear mount mechanism, especially given the ultra low production levels of the new G-Sqd! Reverse engineering might be feasible, but yipes, the cost could be astronomical, let alone my guess is that hinge mount likely is bolted onto an underlying big hunk of metal bar stock inside the body. I suppose they could rip the left rear apart to secure something. My HF antenna mount project might get infinitely more complex vs/ the straight forward paint job project. Will be lots of fun, though.


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