SL/R230: 2004 SL 500 Colors
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: chicago
2004 SL 500 Colors
Greetings Everyone,
Just became a member yesterday and I have to say I'm very impressed with the quality of discussions on these boards...not the kind of trash-talking you see on BMW's forums...Anyway, I'm getting ready to order an '04 SL 500 with Sport, Xenons, Heated Steering, and Charcoal interior. My only dilemma is exterior color. I'm trying to decide between black, obsidian black, and capri blue metallic. What are the differences between black and obsidian, and which is easier to maintain? They both pretty much look the same. Saw a capri blue sl the other day and it was absolutely beautiful, deep dark blue in daylight, and black at night...very similar to Porsche's midnight blue but not as dark as BMW's carbon black metallic. I really love this color because not too many other people have it, but I'm also concerned about possible better resale value of a black and the fact that no car ever looks better than a clean black sl 500!!! Anyone with any experience with these colors please tell me what you think...
Just became a member yesterday and I have to say I'm very impressed with the quality of discussions on these boards...not the kind of trash-talking you see on BMW's forums...Anyway, I'm getting ready to order an '04 SL 500 with Sport, Xenons, Heated Steering, and Charcoal interior. My only dilemma is exterior color. I'm trying to decide between black, obsidian black, and capri blue metallic. What are the differences between black and obsidian, and which is easier to maintain? They both pretty much look the same. Saw a capri blue sl the other day and it was absolutely beautiful, deep dark blue in daylight, and black at night...very similar to Porsche's midnight blue but not as dark as BMW's carbon black metallic. I really love this color because not too many other people have it, but I'm also concerned about possible better resale value of a black and the fact that no car ever looks better than a clean black sl 500!!! Anyone with any experience with these colors please tell me what you think...
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2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
capri blue experience
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...0&pagenumber=3
I find the capri blue as difficult as black to maintain. Swirl marks grow in that color!
The color looks best when it's not too bright or there will be a very slight tint of purple which I'm not too crazy about. I personally prefer Audi's "ming blue" which looks just as deep but without the purple.
I paired up the capri blue with stone for a luxurious look, and to make the interior look more airy.
With my E55, I'm now back to silver and charcoal.
I find the capri blue as difficult as black to maintain. Swirl marks grow in that color!
The color looks best when it's not too bright or there will be a very slight tint of purple which I'm not too crazy about. I personally prefer Audi's "ming blue" which looks just as deep but without the purple.
I paired up the capri blue with stone for a luxurious look, and to make the interior look more airy.
With my E55, I'm now back to silver and charcoal.
Last edited by W210; Nov 28, 2003 at 12:45 AM.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Chicago
2008 SL550
Obsidian, being metallic, may have a little less reflective property but to my eyes looks a little more "complex" in different types of light than standard black. I'd say that either Obsidian or Capri Blue would be marginally easier to maintain since it seems to me that the metallics tolerate wear a little better, but all three colors are definitely high maintenance and for those that love to detail their cars themselves. I have Obsidian on my '03 SL and love it.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: florida/california
2003 CLK500
the modern paints appear to be a little 'softer', but if you have it professionally detailed monthly (as I do), then it shouldn't matter too much.
Mine is solid black; the others are all metallics, which are likely a tad easier to care for, but (as another member noted) do not of course have quite the same reflective quality.
My primary curiosity (on the SL55) was whether to get the turbine or more conventional AMG wheels. I got the turbines, and they do show dirt between washings and details, but clean-up nicely. Detailer wishes I had the regular AMG's of course:-}. As long as you don't mine the TLC for the car, black looks great.
cheers!
_________________________
'03 SL55 black/charcoal
all optioins but distronic
Mine is solid black; the others are all metallics, which are likely a tad easier to care for, but (as another member noted) do not of course have quite the same reflective quality.
My primary curiosity (on the SL55) was whether to get the turbine or more conventional AMG wheels. I got the turbines, and they do show dirt between washings and details, but clean-up nicely. Detailer wishes I had the regular AMG's of course:-}. As long as you don't mine the TLC for the car, black looks great.
cheers!
_________________________
'03 SL55 black/charcoal
all optioins but distronic
