SL/R231: Is this right?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 381
Likes: 29
From: FL
Sold 06 CLS500. SL550 09. SL550 2013. Own C6 Corvette heavily customized garage queen 2005.
Is this right?
As some of you know....purchased a 2013 SL550 a few weeks ago and I dont know why I never noticed this before but when washing the car for the first time I saw a very noticeable difference in color...let me explain.
I paid extra for the white...which is more like a pearlized white/beige. On the rear of the car and under the lights one has the undercarriage(fiberglass or whatever its now made of) or rear fender, I dont quite know how to describe this piece and you can clearly see that the matching to the rest of the car, which is white, is more like two shades darker, that I can only describe as a milky beige and in the front its the same but not as noticeable..
Not a complete turnoff but its there and just wondered if anyone else here has the white color and has the same?
I paid extra for the white...which is more like a pearlized white/beige. On the rear of the car and under the lights one has the undercarriage(fiberglass or whatever its now made of) or rear fender, I dont quite know how to describe this piece and you can clearly see that the matching to the rest of the car, which is white, is more like two shades darker, that I can only describe as a milky beige and in the front its the same but not as noticeable..
Not a complete turnoff but its there and just wondered if anyone else here has the white color and has the same?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 623
Likes: 131
From: pittsburgh
'25 740i; '15 targa4s; '24 cayenne
it should be the same color. there are no "two-tone" options on this car. i assume you have the $795 option "diamond white," which does indeed have that pearlized effect you refer to in your message. two possible reasons for what you are seeing: 1) illusion due to shadowing or angle of view given its unique color or 2) it has been repainted. these pearlized effect colors are notoriously impossible to match perfectly to the original paint on the other body parts once they have been repainted. not just on benzo cars but on all vehicles with this up-charged paint color. has you car been repainted?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 379
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From: MA
13 SL550, 14 E63 Wagon, 15 S550, 11 M3, 08 F430 Spider, 12 ML350
I have the Diamond White also and have washed it a few times but can't say I recall seeing any noticeable color differences on the plastic parts. I'll take a closer look outside if the sun ever comes out, lol.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 381
Likes: 29
From: FL
Sold 06 CLS500. SL550 09. SL550 2013. Own C6 Corvette heavily customized garage queen 2005.
No it's never been repainted well, to my knowledge it hasn't.....it's new!!!
Don't look in the sun, look in artificial light such as your garage, mine is definitely an off color that does not match. Spoke to a Salesman who states he has quite a few that have complained but as the material is different they cannot match it exactly, but I can mention it to MB and they will paint it, but he does not advise this!! Normally wouldn't complain but it's definitely noticeable.
And whilst we are on the subject of this thread...Is this right.....looked in the trunk and noticed no spare wheel, but there is a section under a partition that has a plastic 2 part container for what appears to be the tire kit, which is empty. my question is did any of you have your kit included?
Getting close to 1000 miles and will give a report later, but so far.......what a car!!!!
Don't look in the sun, look in artificial light such as your garage, mine is definitely an off color that does not match. Spoke to a Salesman who states he has quite a few that have complained but as the material is different they cannot match it exactly, but I can mention it to MB and they will paint it, but he does not advise this!! Normally wouldn't complain but it's definitely noticeable.
And whilst we are on the subject of this thread...Is this right.....looked in the trunk and noticed no spare wheel, but there is a section under a partition that has a plastic 2 part container for what appears to be the tire kit, which is empty. my question is did any of you have your kit included?
Getting close to 1000 miles and will give a report later, but so far.......what a car!!!!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 269
Likes: 11
From: Arlington VA
'24 CLE 53
No it's never been repainted well, to my knowledge it hasn't.....it's new!!!
Don't look in the sun, look in artificial light such as your garage, mine is definitely an off color that does not match. Spoke to a Salesman who states he has quite a few that have complained but as the material is different they cannot match it exactly, but I can mention it to MB and they will paint it, but he does not advise this!! Normally wouldn't complain but it's definitely noticeable.
And whilst we are on the subject of this thread...Is this right.....looked in the trunk and noticed no spare wheel, but there is a section under a partition that has a plastic 2 part container for what appears to be the tire kit, which is empty. my question is did any of you have your kit included?
Getting close to 1000 miles and will give a report later, but so far.......what a car!!!!
Don't look in the sun, look in artificial light such as your garage, mine is definitely an off color that does not match. Spoke to a Salesman who states he has quite a few that have complained but as the material is different they cannot match it exactly, but I can mention it to MB and they will paint it, but he does not advise this!! Normally wouldn't complain but it's definitely noticeable.
And whilst we are on the subject of this thread...Is this right.....looked in the trunk and noticed no spare wheel, but there is a section under a partition that has a plastic 2 part container for what appears to be the tire kit, which is empty. my question is did any of you have your kit included?
Getting close to 1000 miles and will give a report later, but so far.......what a car!!!!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 381
Likes: 29
From: FL
Sold 06 CLS500. SL550 09. SL550 2013. Own C6 Corvette heavily customized garage queen 2005.
Yep, have the run flats.......so wondered as there was the compartment for the included repair kit.....if it was indeed included or taken before delivery...or left empty for me to purchase it separately?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 269
Likes: 11
From: Arlington VA
'24 CLE 53
Wouldn't bet my life on it, but I bet something like that kit fits into that space if 1) you have an SL 63/65 with regular tires OR 2) you dump your run flats for regular rubber. I'm sure you could buy it from the dealer, but you wouldn't use it on run flats.
Edit: Be absolutely sure you aren't doing damage before you put that goo in your RF tire. The number one caution is that the stuff can easily screw up your tire pressure monitor in the wheel.
Last edited by BigHat; Apr 25, 2013 at 06:38 AM. Reason: Added info
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Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, Ca.
2013 SL63
Car comes with run-flats and no inflation accessories.
In my opinion, the fun-flats run harsh and rough. Too bad, because they ruin what would otherwise be a very comfortable ride!
I have experimented with lowering the air pressure. This works to soften the ride but I am worried that the tires will overheat. So I set them back at the factory spec.....and they ride harsh.
My benchmark for ride comparison is my 2011 SL. That car had a much more comfortable ride quality.
Oh well.
In my opinion, the fun-flats run harsh and rough. Too bad, because they ruin what would otherwise be a very comfortable ride!
I have experimented with lowering the air pressure. This works to soften the ride but I am worried that the tires will overheat. So I set them back at the factory spec.....and they ride harsh.
My benchmark for ride comparison is my 2011 SL. That car had a much more comfortable ride quality.
Oh well.
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Useful things missing in the US: warning triangle and fire extinguisher (option in Germany)
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,484
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,484
Likes: 3,641
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Car comes with run-flats and no inflation accessories.
In my opinion, the fun-flats run harsh and rough. Too bad, because they ruin what would otherwise be a very comfortable ride!
I have experimented with lowering the air pressure. This works to soften the ride but I am worried that the tires will overheat. So I set them back at the factory spec.....and they ride harsh.
My benchmark for ride comparison is my 2011 SL. That car had a much more comfortable ride quality.
Oh well.
In my opinion, the fun-flats run harsh and rough. Too bad, because they ruin what would otherwise be a very comfortable ride!
I have experimented with lowering the air pressure. This works to soften the ride but I am worried that the tires will overheat. So I set them back at the factory spec.....and they ride harsh.
My benchmark for ride comparison is my 2011 SL. That car had a much more comfortable ride quality.
Oh well.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,484
Likes: 3,641
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I bought the the Conti tire fix kit from Tirerack.com. Built-in pump.
I will not have tires repaired but for those that do, the stuff can be washed out for a repair, which is nice...
I will not have tires repaired but for those that do, the stuff can be washed out for a repair, which is nice...
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2013 SL550
Diamond white paint
I also have a 2013 diamond white SL550 which I took delivery in December.
I have exactly the same problem, in the sun it looks perfect, however in the garage there is a distint difference between the drivers door and the rear fender......also some differences in the trim around the top and windshield.
I thought that perhaps certain parts were painted separately but now that you have brought it up I am going to have my dealer check it out. Otherwise I love the car!
I have exactly the same problem, in the sun it looks perfect, however in the garage there is a distint difference between the drivers door and the rear fender......also some differences in the trim around the top and windshield.
I thought that perhaps certain parts were painted separately but now that you have brought it up I am going to have my dealer check it out. Otherwise I love the car!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 381
Likes: 29
From: FL
Sold 06 CLS500. SL550 09. SL550 2013. Own C6 Corvette heavily customized garage queen 2005.
I also have a 2013 diamond white SL550 which I took delivery in December.
I have exactly the same problem, in the sun it looks perfect, however in the garage there is a distint difference between the drivers door and the rear fender......also some differences in the trim around the top and windshield.
I thought that perhaps certain parts were painted separately but now that you have brought it up I am going to have my dealer check it out. Otherwise I love the car!
I have exactly the same problem, in the sun it looks perfect, however in the garage there is a distint difference between the drivers door and the rear fender......also some differences in the trim around the top and windshield.
I thought that perhaps certain parts were painted separately but now that you have brought it up I am going to have my dealer check it out. Otherwise I love the car!
yep, there is something not right here.....I payed nearly $800.00 for white and my previous SL, there was no upcharge and if one wanted white you have to pay extra regardless, so to have a pearlized white is OK but to have a two tone pearlized white is not.............Normally would not complain but the match from the rest of the car to the fender is bad and you are correct..in sunlight you do not notice this at all. I wonder what really can be done...........
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: MA
13 SL550, 14 E63 Wagon, 15 S550, 11 M3, 08 F430 Spider, 12 ML350
I've been looking at mine in the garage and really can't see anything obvious like you guys are describing. I have fluorescent lighting but also high gloss floor tiles in shades of gray reflecting up so I'm just not sure. It just isn't obvious. My buddy owns a body shop, I'll stop by some time and see what he thinks when it's inside his prep room.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 381
Likes: 29
From: FL
Sold 06 CLS500. SL550 09. SL550 2013. Own C6 Corvette heavily customized garage queen 2005.
Suppose there are worse things in life to worry about
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 19
From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
Hi, I just took delivery of a new SL63 AMG in Diamond white. The body looks
white or very bright silver, but the bumpers look cream. I was wondering
whether to make a complaint, but a friend who owns a paint shop says it is
a very difficult paint to apply because it has pearl in it. He also said when
light hits the car because the surface of the body is different to the plastic
bumpers you will get this affect. I must say I don't like it for a car costing 122 grand .
white or very bright silver, but the bumpers look cream. I was wondering
whether to make a complaint, but a friend who owns a paint shop says it is
a very difficult paint to apply because it has pearl in it. He also said when
light hits the car because the surface of the body is different to the plastic
bumpers you will get this affect. I must say I don't like it for a car costing 122 grand .
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 381
Likes: 29
From: FL
Sold 06 CLS500. SL550 09. SL550 2013. Own C6 Corvette heavily customized garage queen 2005.
Hi, I just took delivery of a new SL63 AMG in Diamond white. The body looks
white or very bright silver, but the bumpers look cream. I was wondering
whether to make a complaint, but a friend who owns a paint shop says it is
a very difficult paint to apply because it has pearl in it. He also said when
light hits the car because the surface of the body is different to the plastic
bumpers you will get this affect. I must say I don't like it for a car costing 122 grand .
white or very bright silver, but the bumpers look cream. I was wondering
whether to make a complaint, but a friend who owns a paint shop says it is
a very difficult paint to apply because it has pearl in it. He also said when
light hits the car because the surface of the body is different to the plastic
bumpers you will get this affect. I must say I don't like it for a car costing 122 grand .
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 381
Likes: 29
From: FL
Sold 06 CLS500. SL550 09. SL550 2013. Own C6 Corvette heavily customized garage queen 2005.
I dont think though that the overall price has anything to do with it but the fact that my 09, there was no extra charge for having white and I actually miss this true white color against the $800.00 pealized finish. So having had to fork out extra when it doesn't even match properly regardless of the difficulties in having a different material in the bumper should be of no concern to us and they should have got this right in the first place.........
Are there grounds to complain to someone else besides your dealer? In other words, anyone have a number or contact at H.O.?
Are there grounds to complain to someone else besides your dealer? In other words, anyone have a number or contact at H.O.?
