There are a couple of things on my '97 S500 that are keeping me up tonight.
1) The previous owner of this fine machine obviously lived in a place that had lots of gravel about. Bad for mine Benz because now there are lots of stone chips in the paint. I washed the car very well and headed to the dealership near my house, VIN in hand. Gave the techie the VIN and told him I needed touch-up paint for my baby. He looks up the VIN and comes back with a package with two little bottles. One paint, the other clearcoat. The band around the paint bottle looks just like my cars paint (smoke silver). Great! UM, MAYBE NOT. I proceeded to dab a little of the touch-up paint on mine benz and it is A LOT darker than the rest of the car. I say to myself, maybe when it drys it will lighten. It kinda did, but still very noticable. So I says to myself, maybe if I add the clearcoat it will lighten more due to some mysterious chemical reaction. Now it's just glossy but STILL brownish. WHAT HAPPENED??? IS THIS NORMAL, PLEASE HELP!!!
2) I had my inde mechanic do the oil service on my car. Mind you this guy is a supposed to be a Mercedes specialit and so far he has been great. Got the car back, drives fine. Go to the previous owners service records (this guy was meticulous) and see that for every oil change, the dealer used 15W-40 in the car. When I took a look at the bill from this oil service, I saw they used 20W-50! That stuff must be thick as hell! Is this bad for the 5.0L V8s?? Any advice would be appreciated.
I purchased the same two smoke silver markers. The new pens dont compensate for the 10 year old paint, so it stands out more. Are these chips concetrated in one area like the hood? I painted my hood and fenders for 400 bucks and it came out great. If it bothers you enough just paint your front end.
2050 isnt bad if you live in a warm climate but would be kinda hard on the engine during winter start ups. did you use synthetic or regular?
Your owners manual will contain a chart with recommended viscosities for different ambient temps. Certainly 20W-50 is fine for warm weather.
I had the same impression about some factory smoke silver touch-up paint with my previous MB, 1997 W202 C class. The touch-up paint seemed darker. I sold the car after trying the paint once, so I didn't have time to evaluate it more. It could certainly be due to some fading with age.
I live in Dallas where it is considered a warm climate, no let me take that back, it is a hot climate. Valvoline 20W50 is what all the dealers use all year round and it seems to work great. FYI, today's forecast is for sunny and 100-104 degrees (F).
Fox, i live in the north east and use mobil1 0w40, its good for cold starting and although it may seem more costly per quart I dont do as many oil changes. Some avoid synthetic due to the fact that it may be harsher on seals but I havent noticed any leaks.
Vehicle: 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 600 L, 2001 Mercedes-Benz E 220 CDI, 1984 Mercedes-Benz 300GD, 1995 BMW328i Cab
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 133
RE: OK Guys, I'm a little worried!
1.Naturally your paint have been bleached by the sun, if you would want the same colour, go to a paint shop, and have them mix a colour closer too yours.
2.Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use oils after 229.1 on your car.
There fore I always recommend Mobile 1 5W-50 in warm climate down to -20 degrees, and Mobil 1 0W-40 when it is colder. Your car should have synthetic oil, which is approved from Mercedes. Mercedes always recommend Mobile 1.
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Simen Malerbakken
'96 Mercedes-Benz S 600 L
'01 Mercedes-Benz E 220 CDI
'84 Mercedes-Benz 300 GD turbo
'95 BMW 328i Cab
Hi FOX just been through the same problem as you with a colour match , used a silver Airfix model paint to mix with the MB touch up paint , it took a few spots to get right but now it as good as it can be , and I'm happy it only cost £1 .good luck glad to see you love your car
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