My friend Joe recently acquired a pristine, low-mileage 2016 Benz S550 4MATIC Coupe from Texas at an exceptional price. He arranged for direct shipping to Autogeek, requesting a comprehensive detailing service for both the interior and exterior. These flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class models originally retailed for around $121,000, representing the pinnacle of luxury and performance. This vehicle was destined for a full paint correction and ceramic coating to ensure it looked its best.
Upon arrival, I conducted a thorough inspection to identify any pre-existing issues. My attention was immediately drawn to the rubber seals beneath the anodized aluminum trim. On several sections along both sides of the coupe, a previous detailer had inadvertently smeared compound or polish onto this trim, resulting in unsightly stains. This imperfection was quite noticeable and detracted from the otherwise immaculate condition of the 2016 Benz S550.
The staining appeared to be a white residue deeply embedded into the rubber material.
Upon closer examination, the trim material seemed to resemble a cloth impregnated with rubber, displaying a noticeable weave pattern. This suggested that the staining was ingrained within this weave, making aggressive scrubbing with a brush potentially damaging to the surface. Any cleaning attempts would require careful consideration to avoid further marring the delicate trim of this 2016 Benz S550. Later, I’ll share a simple yet effective tip to prevent this trim staining issue when detailing Mercedes-Benz vehicles with similar trim designs.
Decontamination: The Baggie Test Fail
After washing the 2016 Benz S550, I performed the baggie test across all major body panels. Regrettably, all horizontal surfaces, including the glass, exhibited significant bumps, indicating the presence of bonded contaminants. Further inspection revealed a widespread film of contaminants across these horizontal areas. The level of contamination was substantial, requiring the use of two clay bars to effectively decontaminate the entire car. Both clay bars were discarded after this process due to the amount of embedded debris they had collected from the 2016 Benz S550’s paint.
Paint Condition: Light Swirls and RIDS
The good news was that the paint of the 2016 Benz S550 only presented light swirl marks along with some random, isolated deeper scratches, known as RIDS (Random Isolated Deeper Scratches). However, during the test spot phase, I determined that the paint leaned towards the harder side of the paint hardness spectrum. This meant that while the defects were not severe, achieving a flawless finish would require a more deliberate and refined paint correction approach.
Paint Correction Process for the 2016 Benz S550
To address the paint imperfections on this 2016 Benz S550, I opted for a comprehensive paint correction strategy. The entire car, including all glass surfaces, was compounded using Wolfgang Uber Compound. For this task, I employed the FLEX Supa Beast rotary polisher, operating at speed 6 throughout the compounding stage. On the hood and trunk lid, areas exhibiting the most pronounced swirls and scratches, I initially used the RUPES Coarse Wool Pad, followed by the RUPES 180mm Yellow Foam CP Pad, both in conjunction with the Uber Compound. This multi-step approach was necessary to effectively tackle the harder paint and achieve optimal correction.
Pro Tip: Preventing Trim Staining on Mercedes-Benz
Avoiding stains on plastic, vinyl, and rubber trim during paint correction is remarkably simple: utilize quality painter’s tape to mask off the trim before polishing. In this instance, I used green 3M painter’s tape. This preventative measure is crucial, especially on vehicles like the 2016 Benz S550 with intricate trim details, as it saves considerable time and effort that would otherwise be spent cleaning up polish residue from these sensitive areas.
After compounding, I wiped away the residue using a TRC FTW orange microfiber towel. This revealed a deep, rich, and clear finish on the 2016 Benz S550, perfectly prepared for the subsequent application of Wolfgang Profi Ceramic Coating. The paint now exhibited a level of clarity and gloss that was a significant improvement from its initial condition.
Using the same swirl finder light in the same position as before paint correction, the transformation was evident. The swirl marks that were prominent earlier were now completely eliminated, showcasing the effectiveness of the paint correction process on the 2016 Benz S550.
The results of the paint correction were striking. The finish was now significantly enhanced, exhibiting a mirror-like reflection and deep gloss, truly befitting a luxury coupe like the 2016 Benz S550.
The aerodynamic lines, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz coupes, were now accentuated by the flawlessly corrected paint.
Another low-angle perspective, without the windshield in view, further emphasizes the sleek profile and impeccable finish of the 2016 Benz S550.
Ready for Protection: Wolfgang Profi Ceramic Coating
This meticulously detailed 2016 Benz S550 was now ready for its new home. Despite its pristine condition, this luxury coupe would be parked outdoors 24/7, as the owner’s garage space was occupied by a Resto-Rod Camaro and a classic 1966 Ferrari, once owned by George Harrison of the Beatles. Given this exposure to the elements, robust paint protection was essential.
Here’s a rundown of the products used to transform the 2016 Benz S550 from neglected to perfected:
- Wolfgang Uber Compound: Used for compounding the entire car, including the glass.
- Wolfgang Perfekt Finish Paint Prep: A panel wipe to remove any residual oils from the compound, ensuring optimal ceramic coating adhesion.
- Wolfgang Profi Ceramic Coating: A professional-grade, 9H rated ceramic coating. Due to the car’s continuous outdoor exposure in the harsh South Florida climate, two layers were requested by the owner for enhanced durability and protection.
The FLEX Supa BEAST polisher proved invaluable for this paint correction. This German-engineered, 8mm gear-driven orbital polisher efficiently removed paint defects without inducing swirls or holograms. Its gear-driven mechanism prevents pad stalling, making it a highly effective and user-friendly tool for achieving professional detailing results on cars like the 2016 Benz S550.
The RUPES D-A Polishing System Pads, particularly the fiber and foam pads, were also instrumental in the paint correction process. These pads, part of RUPES’ innovative polishing system, offer excellent cutting and finishing capabilities. While the Autogeek store lists the 180mm pads as 7″, RUPES uses metric measurements for greater precision. These pads, along with the 180mm white CP foam pads, provided the versatility needed for both aggressive correction and fine polishing on the 2016 Benz S550.
Speed Master Coating Applicators were used for the ceramic coating application. These applicators feature a plastic barrier behind the microfiber, preventing product absorption and ensuring efficient and economical coating application.
For wiping and polishing, two microfiber towel options were employed:
- The Rag Company FTW Premium Orange Microfiber Towel: Excellent for compound residue removal.
- Cobra Forrest Green Edgeless Microfiber Polishing Cloths: Ideal for final polishing and coating leveling.
Finally, the Wolfgang Profi Ceramic Coating itself provided the ultimate protection and enhanced gloss for the 2016 Benz S550, ensuring long-lasting beauty and resistance to environmental elements.
Key Observations During the Detailing Process
Rock Hard Paint: Paint hardness varies across manufacturers, models, and years. Experience and test spots are crucial for determining paint hardness. While the swirl marks on this 2016 Benz S550 were light, the paint’s hardness necessitated a compound for effective removal and clear coat restoration.
RIDS Management: Random isolated deeper scratches (RIDS) were present. The standard approach is to address what can be safely corrected during the main process. Aggressively chasing every scratch on factory clear coat, especially for a daily driver exposed to harsh conditions, is not advisable due to the thinness of the clear coat.
Extensive Glass Surfaces: The 2016 Benz S550 features substantial glass areas, which exhibited the same contaminant film as the paint. Uber Compound effectively removed this film. The Wolfgang Profi Ceramic Coating was also applied to the roof glass and side windows (excluding the windshield).
Full-Size Car Detailing: Detailing full-size luxury cars like the 2016 Benz S550 requires significantly more time and product compared to smaller vehicles. Detailers should ensure their pricing reflects the increased labor and material costs involved.
Post-Detailing Care: To maintain the ceramic coating, simple maintenance is key. Regular washing with a quality car wash and a clean wash mitt is recommended. Utilizing a leaf blower or car dryer to remove water, supplemented by clean drying towels, will help prevent water spots and maintain the coating’s hydrophobic properties. The owner of this 2016 Benz S550 invested in an EGO 650 CFM Leaf Blower, which, combined with the Profi Ceramic Coating, will simplify the drying process.
This 2016 Benz S550 project showcases the transformative power of professional detailing, combining paint correction and ceramic coating to restore and protect a luxury vehicle. The result is a stunning, showroom-ready finish that will endure for years to come.
