Question for GL450 with obsidian black color
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Question for GL450 with obsidian black color
I saw a E63 obsidian black at the dealer last week. I noticed the paint is not as metallic as I thought it should be, and more solid black than metallic black. How would you guys rate the obsidian black from Alabama? Is it closer to a solid black or on the metallic side?
John
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I saw a E63 obsidian black at the dealer last week. I noticed the paint is not as metallic as I thought it should be, and more solid black than metallic black. How would you guys rate the obsidian black from Alabama? Is it closer to a solid black or on the metallic side?
John
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Depends where I'm going.
Obsidian Black is VERY metallic. You are right that it looks very black but at the same time, it has a lot of metallic sparkle to it. In direct sunlight it is so metallic that it looks dusty. IMO, there is a night and day difference between maintaining a straight black car and Obsidian Black. I run mine through the soft cloth car wash at least once a week and it is totally swirl free even in DIRECT sunlight. I parked next to a brand new straight black GL that didn't even have plates the other day and the other GL looked like crap because there were swirls all over it while my Obsidian Black looked flawless. Metallic blacks are that much easier to maintain.
When I got my GL the dealership did a crappy job of detailing it so I hit it with Mezerna polish specially formulated for the new Mercedes Ceram-coat paint and a green pad on a Porter Cable DA polisher. This is the same setup that Mercedes uses on their assembly line! Anyways, 6 months and 10k miles later, it still looks perfect and I haven't waxed or polished it since. Believe me, I am very "sensitive" to swirls. My last straight black car needed a marathon 4 hour polish/wax job every 2 months despite meticulous hand washing.
Back to the question . Yes, it has a lot of metallic in it, you just need some sun to make it obvious.
When I got my GL the dealership did a crappy job of detailing it so I hit it with Mezerna polish specially formulated for the new Mercedes Ceram-coat paint and a green pad on a Porter Cable DA polisher. This is the same setup that Mercedes uses on their assembly line! Anyways, 6 months and 10k miles later, it still looks perfect and I haven't waxed or polished it since. Believe me, I am very "sensitive" to swirls. My last straight black car needed a marathon 4 hour polish/wax job every 2 months despite meticulous hand washing.
Back to the question . Yes, it has a lot of metallic in it, you just need some sun to make it obvious.
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There is a great detail forum on Bimmerfest:
Bimmerfest Detail Forum
and this thread deals with washing black and swirl prevention:
Swirl Free Black
Edit: Although I haven't read any posts, this board has a detail forum as well. You can probably learn just as much there and stay away from that "other" board.
Last edited by boxboss; 02-22-2007 at 05:45 PM.
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If he's a good detailer, he will have and use the products mentioned on those forums. You shouldn't have to take them to him. I find doing my own detailing enjoyable. It's a zen thing for me. (Even that has been discussed on some threads!)
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In general, dealerships have some of the worst washing/detailing departments. The consensus is to NOT let your dealer clean it prior to delivery, especially if you have black or other dark colors. No reason to start off with swirls. Get it home and either baby it yourself or have it professionally done.
On the way home from work tonight, I was behind a black 500 SEL at a stop light and I could see the swirls from the reflection of my headlights. Looked awful - what a shame.
On the way home from work tonight, I was behind a black 500 SEL at a stop light and I could see the swirls from the reflection of my headlights. Looked awful - what a shame.
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2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
In general, dealerships have some of the worst washing/detailing departments. The consensus is to NOT let your dealer clean it prior to delivery, especially if you have black or other dark colors. No reason to start off with swirls. Get it home and either baby it yourself or have it professionally done.
On the way home from work tonight, I was behind a black 500 SEL at a stop light and I could see the swirls from the reflection of my headlights. Looked awful - what a shame.
On the way home from work tonight, I was behind a black 500 SEL at a stop light and I could see the swirls from the reflection of my headlights. Looked awful - what a shame.
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You are right though, my SRX never shows dirt, and neither does the 6er. But, I'm ready for a bit of a change, and black is a beautiful color. I'm a car cleaning nut, so it will be OK.
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'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Black exterior was not my first choice, either, having owned Black cars before. Darn color looks great but is hard as *&^% to keep clean. However, my car got stolen and I had to get another car in a rush. And, for some, weird reason in and around LA all the loaded GLs were Black exterior. Go figure.......
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Depends where I'm going.
My last black car was in 1988, and I said I'd never do it again. Then again, after my '89 300E, I said I'd never buy another MB. Now, I'm doing both!
You are right though, my SRX never shows dirt, and neither does the 6er. But, I'm ready for a bit of a change, and black is a beautiful color. I'm a car cleaning nut, so it will be OK.
You are right though, my SRX never shows dirt, and neither does the 6er. But, I'm ready for a bit of a change, and black is a beautiful color. I'm a car cleaning nut, so it will be OK.
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Depends where I'm going.
For newer MB Ceram-coat paints, Menzerna PO106FF is the only ceram coat specific polish. I believe MB started using ceram-coat paints in 2005, you can tell if your car's paint code starts with a C. It's not cheap but it just plain works! I used it on my GL when I first got it and it removed all of the dealership's mistakes. I was a little nervous using it but I figured anything is better than the crappy job that the dealership did. Instead of using the german paint specific green pad, I used a really conservative black pad on my DA machine and voila! Perfection!
I guess this is the main reason why I am not afraid of automatic washes. Anything that an automatic wash can do to my paint, I am confident that I can fix it.
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'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Thanks for the details, Robter/2thfixer and boxboss too for the details shared.
2thfixer - can I impose on you to give a DIY steps for the best results? I am not sure if I polish first then wax or the other way or ?? And what machine do you recommend for waxing and polishing? Also what are these different pads?
Any and all tips appreciated. TIA.
2thfixer - can I impose on you to give a DIY steps for the best results? I am not sure if I polish first then wax or the other way or ?? And what machine do you recommend for waxing and polishing? Also what are these different pads?
Any and all tips appreciated. TIA.
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Thanks for the details, Robter/2thfixer and boxboss too for the details shared.
2thfixer - can I impose on you to give a DIY steps for the best results? I am not sure if I polish first then wax or the other way or ?? And what machine do you recommend for waxing and polishing? Also what are these different pads?
Any and all tips appreciated. TIA.
2thfixer - can I impose on you to give a DIY steps for the best results? I am not sure if I polish first then wax or the other way or ?? And what machine do you recommend for waxing and polishing? Also what are these different pads?
Any and all tips appreciated. TIA.
The "pads" are foam pads that attach to the DA via velcro. They differ by the softness (structure) of the foam, and that's indicated by color. A coarser foam is used for more agressive scratch/swirl removal - with the appropriate product. Autopia is a good place to learn about DA's, pads, and products.
It's actually a lot easier than it sounds. A little knowledge and the right equipment and products make a great looking car easy.
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That being said, your PE is beautiful! Great job of detailing!