The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, especially the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe, represents the pinnacle of luxury and automotive engineering. These flagship vehicles, with original prices soaring around $121,000, deserve meticulous care to maintain their pristine condition and showroom shine. Recently, a client entrusted us with their low-mileage, mint condition 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC Coupe for a comprehensive detailing service at Autogeek. This article details the paint correction and ceramic coating process applied to this exceptional vehicle, providing valuable insights for enthusiasts and detailers alike looking to enhance and protect their own 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550.
The journey began with the car’s arrival directly from Texas, where it was purchased. Despite its low mileage and overall excellent condition, a thorough inspection revealed some areas needing attention.
Addressing Trim Staining and Surface Contamination
Initial inspection highlighted an issue common with detailed cars: stained rubber seals under the anodized aluminum trim. A previous detailer had unfortunately used compound or polish that creamed over and stained this trim in several spots on both sides of the vehicle. This imperfection was immediately noticeable and required careful correction.
The staining appeared deeply embedded, possibly within the weave of the rubber material. This meant any cleaning attempt would require a delicate approach to avoid damaging the trim’s surface. A simple tip to prevent this issue in the future is to always tape off delicate trim areas before polishing, a practice we consistently employ.
Beyond the trim, a baggie test across all major body panels revealed significant bonded contaminants, including on the glass surfaces. This indicated a need for thorough claying. In fact, two full clay bars were used and subsequently discarded due to the level of contamination, demonstrating the importance of this step in preparing the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 for paint correction.
Paint Correction for a Flawless Finish
Moving onto paint correction, swirl marks were present throughout the finish, along with some random isolated deeper scratches (RIDS). Using a swirl finder light revealed these imperfections, which, while not severe, detracted from the car’s overall appearance. A test spot confirmed the paint was on the harder side, common for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, requiring a more aggressive approach for effective correction.
Compounding Stage
The entire car, including the glass, was compounded using Wolfgang Uber Compound and the FLEX Supa Beast rotary polisher at speed 6. For heavily swirled areas like the hood and trunk lid of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550, a RUPES Coarse Wool Pad was initially used, followed by a RUPES 180mm Yellow Foam CP Pad, both with the Uber Compound. This multi-step compounding process effectively removed the swirls and deeper imperfections, restoring clarity and depth to the paint.
To prevent further trim staining during the compounding and polishing stages, painter’s tape, specifically 3M green tape, was applied to all sensitive trim areas around the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550. This simple yet crucial step ensures clean and professional results, saving time and frustration in the long run.
After compounding, Wolfgang Perfekt Finish Paint Prep was used to wipe down the entire car, removing any residual oils and preparing the surface for the ceramic coating. Wiping away the compound residue with a TRC FTW orange microfiber towel revealed a significantly enhanced, dark, and clear finish, ready for the next crucial step.
The swirl finder light was used again to confirm the effectiveness of the paint correction, showing a dramatic improvement compared to the initial inspection.
Protecting Your Investment with Ceramic Coating
To ensure long-lasting protection and enhanced gloss, Wolfgang Profi Ceramic Coating was applied to the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550. This 9H rated ceramic coating provides exceptional resistance to environmental elements, UV rays, and minor scratches, crucial for a car that would be parked outdoors 24/7 in sunny South Florida. Due to these harsh conditions, two layers of the Profi Ceramic Coating were applied as requested by the owner, maximizing protection and durability.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550, now fully detailed and protected, was ready to return to its owner. Interestingly, this luxury coupe would be sharing garage space with a Resto-Rod Camaro and a 1966 Ferrari once owned by George Harrison of The Beatles, highlighting the owner’s impressive car collection but necessitating the S550 to be parked outdoors.
Recommended Products and Tools for Detailing Your S550
Achieving these results requires quality products and tools. Here’s a list of those used on this 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550:
-
Wolfgang Uber Compound: For effective paint correction on both paint and glass.
(Wolfgang Uber Compound 3.0 – 16 oz.) -
Wolfgang Perfekt Finish Paint Prep: To ensure a clean surface before ceramic coating application.
(Wolfgang Perfekt Finish Paint Prep) -
Wolfgang PROFI Ceramic Coating: A durable 9H ceramic coating for long-lasting protection.
(Wolfgang PROFI Ceramic Coating) -
Speed Master Coating Applicator: Designed for efficient and even coating application.
(Speed Master Coating Applicator) -
RUPES Coarse Wool Polishing Pad: For aggressive defect removal.
(7 inch RUPES Coarse Wool Polishing Pad) -
Rupes DA Yellow Fine Foam Pad – 7 Inch: For refining the finish after compounding.
(Rupes DA Yellow Fine Foam Pad – 7 Inch) -
FLEX Supa BEAST Polisher: A powerful and efficient gear-driven polisher.
(FLEX Supa BEAST – Part number # XCE 10-8 125 Corded Polisher) -
FLEX Multi-Polisher 6 inch Backing Plate: Recommended for use with larger RUPES pads.
(FLEX Multi-Polisher 6 inch Backing Plate) -
The Rag Company FTW Premium Orange Microfiber Towel: Excellent for wiping compound and polish residue.
(The Rag Company FTW Premium Orange Microfiber Towel) -
Cobra Forrest Green Edgeless Microfiber Polishing Cloths: Soft and effective for polishing and general cleaning.
(Cobra Forrest Green Edgeless Microfiber Polishing Cloths – 12 Pack)
A high-quality swirl finder light, like the Speed Master Swirl Finder Detailer Light, is indispensable for inspecting your work and ensuring flawless results, especially when applying ceramic coatings. Investing in sufficient microfiber towels and proper towel care is also crucial for maintaining a scratch-free finish.
Maintaining Your Detailed 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550
Proper maintenance is key to preserving the results of the detailing and the longevity of the ceramic coating on your 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550. Simple steps recommended to the owner include:
- Regular washing with a quality car wash soap and a clean wash mitt.
- Using a leaf blower or car dryer to minimize water spots.
- Ensuring drying towels are always clean and uncontaminated.
These practices, combined with the hydrophobic properties of the Wolfgang Profi Ceramic Coating, will make washing and drying the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 effortless, keeping it looking its best for years to come.
By following these detailed steps and using quality products, you can achieve professional-level results in detailing your own 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550, ensuring it remains a stunning example of automotive luxury and craftsmanship.
