Why white?
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From: Lugano, Switzerland
2007 CL 550
Why white?
Just out of curiosity: I do not think there is a single white S class in Europe, whereas this color seems to be popular in the US and Asia. Any clues why?
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From: Wisconsin
C240
I don't know about EU, but middleast seems to have all light color cars for the obvious reasons of crazy heat. It would be interesting to see the real statistics though, what part of the world likes what colors in general.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: London, England, United Kingdom
BMW 535 Sport
Why White?
Let's put it this way:
In Europe, the weather can be very dreary (i.e. rain, snow, dull...) It does not "lend itself" to a white painted car. Especially medium range cars and above. The colour does'nt "stand-out" in such conditions. Also, when people contemplate washing and caring for a white car they "develop" a strange "reluctance" to buy one!
Whereas, on continents like Africa, US and Asia, colours like white, pewter (and all its derivatives i.e. various shades of Gold) just "belong". They are "easier on the eye" and "make a lot of sense". They also "blend" in better.
Phew! What have I just written?
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Youngtimer
there is an INSANE influx of used japanese cars now, so throughout the continent you see a lot more colors, and also the people buying locally manufactured cars are able to afford the more expensive options. white is now considered too common, so people who can afford to would rather choose a red or blue car, for example.
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Youngtimer
hey, check out this link:
Most Popular International Car Colors, 2003–2004
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0931317.html
Most Popular International Car Colors, 2003–2004
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0931317.html
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From: Singapore
Bentley Continental GT 2004
Erm...with due respect I think German cabs are all in a color best described as 'ivory' (readers who have travel experience in Germany will be able to verify this), or what the British magazines used to derisively refer to as 'hearing aid beige' (any older readers here who know of this please reply in support to verify my point).
In October 2005 I was in Germany on a AMG event. We were hosted to the last DTM race of the season, and given a tour of the pits. There we learnt that each cars' distinctive 'paint' scheme was in fact a self adhesive film. As an interesting aside, we were told that today German cabs' 'ivory' color was applied the same way, and that underneath the film they were all silver, to enhance resale value since not many people would relish the prospect of driving what could only be a used cab.
In October 2005 I was in Germany on a AMG event. We were hosted to the last DTM race of the season, and given a tour of the pits. There we learnt that each cars' distinctive 'paint' scheme was in fact a self adhesive film. As an interesting aside, we were told that today German cabs' 'ivory' color was applied the same way, and that underneath the film they were all silver, to enhance resale value since not many people would relish the prospect of driving what could only be a used cab.
Last edited by hcwong; Feb 6, 2007 at 02:48 AM.
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From: Singapore
Bentley Continental GT 2004
White has been a slightly passe car color in many parts of the world for a few years, among various reasons being that modern car design with numerous complex curves and mix of concave and convex surfaces are best complemented by metallic colors which reflect light and thus bring out the design nuaces the designers have labored over and are expensive to stamp out onto the body panels.
An example I can give is the deep fluting on the bonnet of the R230 (current series) SL. This has the effect of pulling back the headlights and giving them a smooth backward flowing look in a graceful yet aggresive fashion which makes the car seems as if it is wild cat about to pounce at you. If you run your hands along the contours of the bonnets you will be surprised to discover the fluting is nowhere as deep as appears. It is a clever optical illusion enhanced with the use of metalic paint. Look at a SL in white and see how the effect collapses.
I think any designers reading this would be pleased to agree with this widely accepted point not just refering to the SL but most contemporary designs.
An example I can give is the deep fluting on the bonnet of the R230 (current series) SL. This has the effect of pulling back the headlights and giving them a smooth backward flowing look in a graceful yet aggresive fashion which makes the car seems as if it is wild cat about to pounce at you. If you run your hands along the contours of the bonnets you will be surprised to discover the fluting is nowhere as deep as appears. It is a clever optical illusion enhanced with the use of metalic paint. Look at a SL in white and see how the effect collapses.
I think any designers reading this would be pleased to agree with this widely accepted point not just refering to the SL but most contemporary designs.
Last edited by hcwong; Feb 6, 2007 at 02:50 AM.
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From: Singapore
Bentley Continental GT 2004
This is a deep question for which the answer lies in profound "psychology"!
In Europe, the weather can be very dreary (i.e. rain, snow, dull...) It does not "lend itself" to a white painted car... Whereas, on continents like Africa, US and Asia, colours like white, pewter (and all its derivatives i.e. various shades of Gold) just "belong". They are "easier on the eye" and "make a lot of sense". They also "blend" in better.
In Europe, the weather can be very dreary (i.e. rain, snow, dull...) It does not "lend itself" to a white painted car... Whereas, on continents like Africa, US and Asia, colours like white, pewter (and all its derivatives i.e. various shades of Gold) just "belong". They are "easier on the eye" and "make a lot of sense". They also "blend" in better.
A simple example is how artist have traditionally preferred a south facing studio for the soft even light it yields throughout the day. Similiary, places nearer the equator tend to have harsher light, and so certain car colors work better there than a place like the UK or Vancouver which tends to have lots of muted indirect light, or how the light in the southern hemisphere is distinctly different from what we in the northern hemisphere are used to...and so on.
And in a round about way that is one (of many) reasons why different car colors are popular in different countries.
Last edited by hcwong; Feb 6, 2007 at 02:55 AM.
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From: Singapore
Bentley Continental GT 2004
(A clue: think original Maimi Vice TV series, especially white 560SECs)
That perhaps might be a reason?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: West Michigan
2007 E63
Because if it snows in Europe (which it does) you'll be screwed when others can't see you. 
J/K....I'm curious as well. In Viet Nam, I only see white taxis, and the MBs and BMWs are mainly black.......and a dark blue color, sort of like Capri Blue.
J/K....I'm curious as well. In Viet Nam, I only see white taxis, and the MBs and BMWs are mainly black.......and a dark blue color, sort of like Capri Blue.
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Mercedes S600 1997
Hi
I am from Hungary and spend a lot of times in Germany.
Believe me it is mostly because of the dirt and dust throughout the winter and fall. Owners like the silver a lot , because those cars don't need washing all the time. A little bit of dust doesn't hurt the look. Black needs more cleaning as well , but white looks awfull when dirty.
I am sure there are more white cars in the southern states than in NY or Oregon.White looks brilliant in the sunshine!
Here in Hungary people don't buy Luxury Cars in white , because people are very jealous and if you have a nice car , it will not stand out in silver or black as much as in white.
Picture me rolling in a white 600 with 20" on.
The Taxman will wait for me in front of the House ( together wit a bunch of girls
I am from Hungary and spend a lot of times in Germany.
Believe me it is mostly because of the dirt and dust throughout the winter and fall. Owners like the silver a lot , because those cars don't need washing all the time. A little bit of dust doesn't hurt the look. Black needs more cleaning as well , but white looks awfull when dirty.
I am sure there are more white cars in the southern states than in NY or Oregon.White looks brilliant in the sunshine!
Here in Hungary people don't buy Luxury Cars in white , because people are very jealous and if you have a nice car , it will not stand out in silver or black as much as in white.
Picture me rolling in a white 600 with 20" on.
The Taxman will wait for me in front of the House ( together wit a bunch of girls
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Why (Not) White...
The reason why people like white...
An awful lot of members of German Car Fans drool over the white S550. It well may have a bad connotation in EU based on the taxi connection but white still looks great all the time.
An awful lot of members of German Car Fans drool over the white S550. It well may have a bad connotation in EU based on the taxi connection but white still looks great all the time.
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Mercedes S600 1997
Nevada Jack
Your car is wonderful , and I wish I had one like yours.But unfortunatelly I always screw my money( Became a Gambler at the age of 15 )
This car doesn't have anything common with a German Taxi
How often do you clean your car? Have you ever been outside in the rain?
Keep on posting the great pics
Dennis
Your car is wonderful , and I wish I had one like yours.But unfortunatelly I always screw my money( Became a Gambler at the age of 15
)This car doesn't have anything common with a German Taxi
How often do you clean your car? Have you ever been outside in the rain?
Keep on posting the great pics
Dennis
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Nevada Jack
Your car is wonderful , and I wish I had one like yours.But unfortunatelly I always screw my money( Became a Gambler at the age of 15 )
This car doesn't have anything common with a German Taxi
How often do you clean your car? Have you ever been outside in the rain?
Keep on posting the great pics
Dennis
Your car is wonderful , and I wish I had one like yours.But unfortunatelly I always screw my money( Became a Gambler at the age of 15
)This car doesn't have anything common with a German Taxi
How often do you clean your car? Have you ever been outside in the rain?
Keep on posting the great pics
Dennis
Thanks for the kudos on the pictures...:-)
Out Of Control!!
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From: Texas
2005 E55
Jack, another nice photo. What lens did you use for it? Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Texas
2005 E55
Back to the topic - I think white just plain looks good on most MBs.
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From: Hunterdon County
'06 E 350 4matic wagon; '05 E 500 4matic sedan; '09 S550 4matic
Also the gender impact. White is generally a female color and in the US women buy and influence a lot of cars. There is probably a statement factor as well, many people who dress conservatively probably drive certain colors and and more outgoing personalities like brighter/lighter. Lastly, I subscribe to the Florida, California (Southern, esp), Nevada warm, sunny state theory on white.
