The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, especially the 2016 Mercedes Benz S550 4MATIC Coupe, represents the pinnacle of automotive luxury and performance. These vehicles, with their original price tags soaring around $121,000, are more than just cars; they are statements of prestige. Recently, a pristine, low-mileage 2016 Mercedes Benz S550 found its way from Texas to Autogeek for a comprehensive detailing treatment, inside and out. This wasn’t just any detail; it was a full paint correction and ceramic coating service aimed at enhancing and protecting its already impressive aesthetics.
Upon arrival, a meticulous inspection of the 2016 Mercedes Benz S550 began. While the car was in excellent condition overall, a few imperfections were immediately noticeable. One recurring issue was staining on the rubber seals beneath the anodized aluminum trim. It appeared a previous detailing attempt had inadvertently smeared compound or polish onto the trim, leaving an unsightly white residue. This flaw was particularly jarring against the otherwise flawless finish of the S550.
Further examination of the trim revealed a textured surface, almost like a cloth impregnated with rubber. This texture suggested that aggressive scrubbing to remove the staining could damage the material. Therefore, a gentle and careful approach would be crucial to rectify this issue without causing further harm to the delicate trim of the 2016 Mercedes Benz S550. A simple preventative tip to avoid this common detailing mishap on Mercedes-Benz vehicles with similar trim would be invaluable.
Moving beyond the trim, a baggie test was conducted across all major body panels and even the glass of the 2016 Mercedes Benz S550. Disappointingly, the test indicated significant bonded contaminants across all horizontal surfaces. A film of contamination was present, necessitating thorough claying. In fact, two pieces of clay were fully utilized and discarded after decontaminating the entire vehicle, highlighting the level of embedded impurities despite the car’s seemingly pristine condition.
Assessing the paintwork with a swirl finder light revealed a more encouraging picture. The 2016 Mercedes Benz S550 exhibited only light swirls, accompanied by a few random, isolated deeper scratches (RIDS). However, initial test spots indicated that the paint was on the harder side of the spectrum. This hardness meant that effective paint correction would require a more aggressive approach and potentially multiple stages to achieve the desired flawless finish.
Paint Correction Process for the 2016 Mercedes Benz S550
The paint correction process commenced with compounding the entire 2016 Mercedes Benz S550, including all glass surfaces, using Wolfgang Uber Compound. A FLEX Supa Beast rotary polisher, set to speed 6, was employed for the bulk of the compounding work. For the hood and trunk lid, which displayed the most prominent swirls and scratches, a more intensive approach was taken. These panels were first treated with a RUPES Coarse Wool Pad, followed by a RUPES 180mm Yellow Foam CP Pad, both used in conjunction with the Wolfgang Uber Compound. This multi-step compounding strategy ensured effective removal of paint defects while minimizing the risk of marring or haze.
Pro Tip: Protecting Trim During Polishing
A crucial detailing tip, particularly relevant for cars like the 2016 Mercedes Benz S550 with delicate trim, is to protect plastic, vinyl, and rubber trim before commencing any polishing work. The simplest and most effective method is to mask off the trim using high-quality painter’s tape. In this instance, green 3M painter’s tape was utilized. This preventative measure ensures that polishing compounds and polishes do not stain or become lodged in the trim, saving significant time and effort in cleanup and preventing potential damage.
After compounding, the residue was carefully wiped away using TRC FTW orange microfiber towels. This revealed a deep, rich, and clear finish, perfectly prepped for the next stage: the application of Wolfgang Profi Ceramic Coating. The swirl finder light, used earlier to identify imperfections, now reflected a dramatically improved, swirl-free surface.
The results of the paint correction were striking. The 2016 Mercedes Benz S550’s paintwork was transformed, exhibiting a mirror-like shine and depth.
The aerodynamic lines of the Mercedes-Benz coupe, a signature of its high-end design, were now accentuated by the flawless paint finish.
Ceramic Coating for Long-Lasting Protection
To ensure lasting protection and maintain the enhanced appearance, Wolfgang Profi Ceramic Coating was applied to the 2016 Mercedes Benz S550. Given that this luxury vehicle would be parked outdoors in the challenging South Florida climate, the owner opted for two layers of the 9H-rated ceramic coating. This professional-grade coating provides a robust barrier against environmental contaminants, UV rays, and minor scratches, ensuring the paint remains pristine for years to come. Prior to ceramic application, Wolfgang Perfekt Finish Paint Prep was used to remove any residual oils from the compounding stage, ensuring optimal coating adhesion.
The detailing process for this 2016 Mercedes Benz S550 transformed it from “neglected to respected,” utilizing a curated selection of premium products and tools:
-
Wolfgang Uber Compound: Used for effective paint correction on both paint and glass.
-
Wolfgang Perfekt Finish Paint Prep: A panel wipe to ensure a clean surface before ceramic coating application.
-
Wolfgang Profi Ceramic Coating: A 9H-rated ceramic coating for professional-grade protection, applied in two layers.
-
FLEX Supa BEAST Polisher: An 8mm gear-driven orbital polisher, favored for its efficient defect removal without inducing swirls or holograms.
-
RUPES D-A Polishing System Pads: Including coarse wool pads and yellow foam pads, offering versatility in cutting and finishing.
-
Speed Master Coating Applicator: Designed with a plastic liner to prevent product waste during ceramic coating application.
-
The Rag Company FTW Premium Orange Microfiber Towels & Cobra Forrest Green Edgeless Microfiber Polishing Cloths: Premium microfiber towels for residue removal and polishing.
Key Observations and Maintenance Advice
Detailing the 2016 Mercedes Benz S550 highlighted several key points relevant to luxury car care:
- Hard Paint: Mercedes-Benz paint, often known for its hardness, requires effective compounding to remove even light swirls. Experience and test spots are crucial for determining the optimal approach.
- RIDS Management: For daily drivers, especially those exposed to harsh conditions, chasing every deep scratch may not be practical or advisable due to clear coat thickness.
- Extensive Glass Surfaces: The S550, like many luxury coupes, features significant glass areas that also benefit from paint correction and ceramic coating for enhanced clarity and protection.
- Full-Size Car Detailing: Detailing a full-size car like the S550 demands more time, effort, and product compared to smaller vehicles, necessitating appropriate pricing for professional services.
For maintaining the ceramic-coated 2016 Mercedes Benz S550, simple yet effective care practices are recommended:
- Regular washing with a quality car wash and clean wash mitt.
- Utilizing a leaf blower or car dryer to minimize water spots and simplify drying.
- Employing clean, high-quality microfiber drying towels if air drying isn’t used.
These practices, combined with the durable Wolfgang Profi Ceramic Coating, will ensure the 2016 Mercedes Benz S550 retains its showroom shine and protection for years to come.
Products Used (Links to Autogeek.com):
- Wolfgang Uber Compound 3.0 – 16 oz.
- Wolfgang Perfekt Finish Paint Prep
- Wolfgang PROFI Ceramic Coating
- Speed Master Coating Applicator
- 7 inch RUPES Coarse Wool Polishing Pad
- Rupes DA Yellow Fine Foam Pad – 7 Inch
- FLEX Supa BEAST – Part number # XCE 10-8 125 Corded Polisher
- FLEX Multi-Polisher 6 inch Backing Plate
- Speed Master Swirl Finder Detailer Light
- The Rag Company FTW Premium Orange Microfiber Towel
- Cobra Forrest Green Edgeless Microfiber Polishing Cloths – 12 Pack
