Chicky Monkey

I said I would NEVER buy another black car. I said I would NEVER buy another black interior.....

And when the salesman drove the Obsidian black around the corner for me to test drive....all clean with the beautiful 550 chrome shining everywhere...my knees buckled. I knew I was in love.

So, Obsidian black, black interior, ipod kit, heated steering wheel, dual DVD, keyless go, and trailer hitch.

Oh, and they're swapping out the stock wheels for the chromed version for me for $1,600.

The only think I really wanted but decided not to wait for is I would rather have had the wood/leather steering wheel and I wanted the illum. door sills. A waste of money, I know, but for $80k I wanted that totally useless doo dad that said...I can afford to light my doorsills.

The dealer matched the costco autobuying program price of invoice + $1,000 which I thought was a great price and it was a very easy deal.

It drove great on the 100 mile drive home. Now just need to figure out how everything works by reading the 2 inch owner's manual!

Newbie_2_MB

Congratz! Black/black is a beautiful combo. I love the black interior because it highlights the contrasting stitching so much.

patsy1099

Chrome 550 wheels?! I haven't heard that before. Is that an option, 21" Chrome AMG's? Does anyone have pics or a link?

patsy1099

One other ques. Does anyone have a pic of how the stitching shows up with the black interior. Sorry if it's already in the pic thread, I am going to look there now.

AsianML

Congrats, post pictures!!

Chicky Monkey

That's what they told me...same wheels 21" AMGs that come on the truck, just chrome. They told me they ran $2,400 for a swap--you don't get to keep the old wheels. I'm paying $1,600.

I did the same thing on my 2006 Lexus GS430--same stock wheels just paid to upgrade to chrome. A think you have to ask the dealer, but from my experience, they make them.

Chicky Monkey

Well, it looks just like Jack's! (ok, maybe not as nice, he's done a few mods)

That's the problem with black...they are beautiful, but more common.

Stumblefoot

Way to go Chicky!

Enjoy the new ride and ditching the "dumb ol' van".

cjh.

Congrats!
(I'm starting to feel left out with everybody on the forum getting their 550s)

Chicky Monkey

find one of Jack's posts and click on his first link to the photos of his black on black. He has at least one interior shot that shows the stitching. It does look nice...

85mm

Happened to me too. I was holding out for a platinum gl450 but when a black one showed up with the chrome door sills and off-road look package I was sold. So far it's actually been enjoyable washing it and keeping it looking slick. Got the illuminated door sills too but they quit working! Congrats on yours. The gl550 is stunning.

BJ021

+1

Cleaning it 3-4 times a week too! But absolutely love the color. We have a car wash around the corner that has a monthly wash deal for $25...I'm getting more than my fair share!!!

BJ

oknish

Great to hear that, Chicky. Show them pics.............

BJ, be careful with getting your black car washed too much at the car wash. You will see major swirling etc. I would recommend finding a good detailer and get it fully cleaned every 2 weeks. Use a duster in between. I have black too and it looks beautiful but so hard to keep clean.

Chicky Monkey

oknish: do you have a recommendation on which duster to get?

AsianML

Careful though!! I'd try it out on an inconspicuous spot first before doing the whole thing (as if there are any on this truck!). I've gotten swirl marks on all of the past cars we've had from using the duster. I just never learn.

Then again, the nano clearcoat should be much more scratch resisant.

oknish

We just know them as Cal (or California) Duster. You can find them at Wal Mart. It has red threads with a ivory plastic handle. If that don't help, let me know and I can send you a pic or such.

But do make note of what AsianML said. Try the duster first to make sure it is not causing swirls. I doubt if it will since I use it and have never seen it leave swirls but also remember it is a duster so "dust" with to remove dirt. Don't use it to remove spots/bird poo etc.

patsy1099

Thanks, I saw the stitching on NJ's car and it does look sweeeet.

Waiting-4-550

I too have the black on black and oh yeah is it nice.. Even when its dirty it still looks great!

patsy1099

Hey Chicky, any comparison pics you could post on your chrome wheels vs the standard 21's? Are you happy with the look? Would love to see some pics.

Chicky Monkey

I don't have the wheels on yet, but when I get them I'll post a pic. (They had to order them)

BJ021

Agreed - our car wash is the touchless variety and it gets blown dry and then the guys towel dry with slightly damp towels...which I think are key to not getting swirls. I then go over it and catch their misses with a micro fiber towel. I'm very light on the finish and always try not to push into the paint with the towel. I think that is when people start seeing the swirls. One needs to baby a black finish.

Also - we had tons of rain up here over the past month...so every couple days the GL is a mess. As it has been dryer this past week...I dust it a bit.

anmhi

Also if you use a 100% cotton towel thas has no polyester which will scratch the finish such as the ones they sell at Griots Garage or a wet clean chamois the results will be flawless.
John

LASCAUX

California Chrome Wheel Inc. in Valencia will chrome the 550 wheels for $175.00 per wheel plus $100.00 mount and balance.They dont have a set of core wheels yet, so they will loan me a set of 19's for the 8 days necessary to plate the wheels. I am willing to make the 3 hour drive from Fresno so I will not lose the use of my truck. They have GL chrome 18, 19, and 20 inch wheels in stock ready for exchange. You can see them on a GL at calchrome.com.