SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: Mars Red Class Action

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Old Jun 2, 2021 | 08:10 PM
  #1  
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2014 SL550
Mars Red Class Action

Has anyone else received the mailer referencing the paint code 590 “Mars Red”? www.marsredpaintsettlement.com
I did repaint my drivers side, think I might submit a claim.
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Old Jun 3, 2021 | 09:35 AM
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Received it 2 days ago. 15 years and 150,000 miles work well for me.
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Old Sep 29, 2023 | 12:34 PM
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MARS RED PAINT RECALL

Anyone got a current claim done?....mine is bubbling on my 2013 SL550
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Old Sep 29, 2023 | 04:03 PM
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I had my SL painted and submitted all necessary documents. Did get a notice that I successfully submitted a claim, probably 2 months ago. Have not heard anything since.
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Old Oct 3, 2023 | 09:41 AM
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Originally Posted by fscir60
I had my SL painted and submitted all necessary documents. Did get a notice that I successfully submitted a claim, probably 2 months ago. Have not heard anything since.
With class actions it can take anywhere from months to a year or two before you get anything, especially since this is a big claim.
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Old Nov 14, 2023 | 09:15 PM
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2013 SL550
Originally Posted by fscir60
I had my SL painted and submitted all necessary documents. Did get a notice that I successfully submitted a claim, probably 2 months ago. Have not heard anything since.
How much did it cost for the repaint I have a 2013 SL550 with bubbling clear coat. If I submit a claim it will only cover 20% this should have been a recall for all affected cars. I also heard that they are appealing the decision.
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Old Nov 14, 2023 | 09:21 PM
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13SL550,11CL550,61 190SL, 67 300SE, 54 220
Price

I spent $11500 BUT
I changed the color, I went with Patagonia red. We took doors off and painted sills jambs and entire door. Also did a face lift. Changed entire nose and rear bumper. I submitted all the requested paperwork, but will be surprised if I see a dime.
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Old Nov 14, 2023 | 09:30 PM
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13SL550,11CL550,61 190SL, 67 300SE, 54 220



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Old Nov 14, 2023 | 09:39 PM
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2013 SL550
Looks awesome super fresh. Do you have ABC suspension or springs. I have springs and 19inch wheels and find the ride a bit harsh at lower speeds. I was used to the airmatic suspension in my CLS550.
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Old Nov 15, 2023 | 07:04 AM
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Thank you
I have springs, it’s doesn’t ride as soft as my CL550 but I don’t think it is supposed to. I own a Mercedes shop and after seeing all the expensive repairs to ABC cars, Im glad I have just springs.
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Old Nov 15, 2023 | 10:51 AM
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Originally Posted by fscir60
Thank you
I have springs, it’s doesn’t ride as soft as my CL550 but I don’t think it is supposed to. I own a Mercedes shop and after seeing all the expensive repairs to ABC cars, Im glad I have just springs.
Yes I watched Alex from Legit Streetcars have a horrible time with the ABC system and I specifically looked for a car without it. But I will have to spend my money fixing the paint now instead 😂😂🤷🤷
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Old Nov 15, 2023 | 01:42 PM
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I really would wish that people would stop comparing the ancient ABC issue of the R230 SL's and similar age to the R231 SL with has been rock solid for the last 10 years... and literally discussed for as long.
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Old Nov 16, 2023 | 10:29 AM
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I had a 2004 SL500 that I ordered new. I kept it for 12 years. About two years into my ownership, the ABC pump went out and was replaced under warranty. I had not one more problem with the car and the Mars Red paint looked as good the day I sold the car, as it did the day I took delivery.




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Old Nov 16, 2023 | 05:21 PM
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Never had a problem with the 2004 SL, but I sure do with the 2014 C350! I'll post some pick tomorrow.

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Old Nov 17, 2023 | 10:13 AM
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Following the Class Action Settlement i was told Mercedes decided to stop painting their cars with Mars Red. So, when we have our cars repainted, what color will be used? I know that there is a close color but will the difference be obvious? My entire car has little imperfections and in some places the clear coat is literally peeling off like after a sunburn. If I get complete car painted then probably not too obvious.

Last I heard the 11th Circuit held a hearing with oral arguments but no decision has been handed down as of yet.

Bummer.
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Old Nov 17, 2023 | 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by docjoe
Following the Class Action Settlement i was told Mercedes decided to stop painting their cars with Mars Red. So, when we have our cars repainted, what color will be used? I know that there is a close color but will the difference be obvious? My entire car has little imperfections and in some places the clear coat is literally peeling off like after a sunburn. If I get complete car painted then probably not too obvious.

Last I heard the 11th Circuit held a hearing with oral arguments but no decision has been handed down as of yet.

Bummer.
Not sure about not using Mars Red. Maybe they changed the name. I understand it wasn't the actual color as much as the clear coat that was applied. I could be wrong, though.
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Old Nov 17, 2023 | 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by JettaRed
Not sure about not using Mars Red. Maybe they changed the name. I understand it wasn't the actual color as much as the clear coat that was applied. I could be wrong, though.
WHATEVER the problem was, MB’s response was truly insane! They had a bad batch of paint. In such a case, you might halt use of it until you determine the problem and then, when the issues are resolved, you bring it back. Can you even imagine if the problem had been with frigging BLACK??? They would have had scientists working 24/7 to resolve the problem, but because someone in management at MB didn’t particularly care for the Mars Red color, they just axed it forever. The term “childish” comes to mind. Can you imagine if Ferrari had the same problem with their Rosso Corsa?

Sporting cars look great in RED—real “Fire Engine RED!”





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Old Nov 17, 2023 | 02:30 PM
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Red is a magnet for cops, however. And that is NOT urban legend. But, so does excessive speed, I guess.
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Old Nov 19, 2023 | 11:43 AM
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I really wanted another Mars Red SL, but by the time I was ready to order my last one, they had already pulled the plug on the color. I love solid, non-metallic colors, so I only had a choice of black or Polar White. I would never want another black car, so I went with Polar White and have learned to love it.






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Old Dec 18, 2023 | 03:27 PM
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Mars Red Class Action

STILL LOOKING to hear from anyone who got a Mars Red car repainted under the claim...........I saw where the Class action suit was upheld on appeal in an article dated 11-28-23

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Old Dec 18, 2023 | 05:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Streamliner
I had a 2004 SL500 that I ordered new. I kept it for 12 years. About two years into my ownership, the ABC pump went out and was replaced under warranty. I had not one more problem with the car and the Mars Red paint looked as good the day I sold the car, as it did the day I took delivery.



I don't want to pull things too far off track here, but this car is freaking gorgeous!
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Old Dec 18, 2023 | 06:02 PM
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I've reached out to the law firm handling the class action (https://www.marsredpaintsettlement.com/) asking for an update since their site is still showing "On December 29, 2021, this matter was appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. We do not currently have a timeline for resolution."

Waiting to hear back.
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Old Dec 18, 2023 | 08:09 PM
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It is such a shame that MB put their customers through this mess. They KNEW there was a problem and they should have bitten the bullet and just taken care of their customers, without forcing them to join a class action lawsuit. A repainted car is not in the same quality hemisphere compared to a factory painted car and there is no way I would have accepted a respray as a settlement. Customers who were original owners, with cars still under factory warranty, should have been repurchased by MBUSA. Or, I guess if they offered maybe a 10% of MSRP cash refund AND the repaint AND a $5K or $10K voucher—depending on the model—towards the purchase of a new MB, that might make sense. But just a respray? Talk about “diminished value!”
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Old Dec 19, 2023 | 09:00 AM
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My old 2010 E550 coupe..loved that car. Paint was flawless...


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Old Dec 19, 2023 | 09:14 AM
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Originally Posted by griza
My old 2010 E550 coupe..loved that car. Paint was flawless...
Gorgeous! My 2004 SL500 in Mars Red had no paint problem, but my 2014 C350's paint is horrible.


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