The Mercedes-Benz SL500 roadster, finished in Aegean Blue Metallic, is a stunning vehicle. Boasting 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, and often equipped with the AMG Sport Package, it’s a car that feels inherently “right” from the moment you slide into the driver’s seat. Even models that spend a considerable amount of time garaged, like the low-mileage example we recently detailed, can benefit immensely from a thorough cleaning and detailing session.
While this particular SL500 wasn’t plagued by swirl marks, a common sight on many vehicles, it did present its own set of challenges. Scratches and stubborn water spots marred the otherwise beautiful finish, particularly on the horizontal surfaces. Furthermore, typical road grime and heavy brake dust buildup detracted from the overall presentation.
Knowing that a dramatic paint correction wasn’t the primary goal, we decided to shift our focus. This detail became an opportunity to meticulously document the often-overlooked areas of a car, offering an educational insight into comprehensive vehicle care for enthusiasts and owners alike. Prepare for a photo-rich journey as we walk through the steps to revitalize this Mercedes Benz Sl500.
Interior Detailing: Revitalizing the Cockpit
The interior of this SL500, while seemingly clean at first glance, was ready for a refresh. Our approach was to deeply clean the dark surfaces and then apply protective treatments to ensure longevity and maintain that fresh, from-the-factory feel.
We started by thoroughly vacuuming the carpets and floor mats to remove loose debris. Next, a solution of Woolite and water was mixed to gently clean all interior surfaces using microfiber towels. Experience dictates that even interiors that appear clean, especially in convertibles with dark upholstery, often harbor a surprising amount of hidden dirt. This proved true once again, as the cleaning process revealed a significant amount of accumulated grime.
After the broad surfaces were addressed, attention shifted to the finer details. Cracks and crevices, often neglected in regular cleaning, were meticulously cleared of any lingering dust and debris.
Alt text: Close-up of Mercedes Benz SL500 steering wheel showcasing detailed interior cleaning.
The Mercedes SL500’s interior features elegant wood grain accents and thoughtfully placed controls, like the engine start/stop button located on the shift knob – a subtle yet sophisticated feature.
Alt text: Polished wood grain trim in a Mercedes Benz SL500 interior after professional detailing.
Alt text: Detailed view of Mercedes Benz SL500 dashboard and air vents, highlighting meticulous cleaning.
Air vents, intricate by design and prone to dust accumulation, were carefully cleaned to ensure optimal air flow and a pristine appearance.
Alt text: Detailing professional cleaning the air vents of a Mercedes Benz SL500 to remove dust and grime.
Leather seats, particularly the driver’s side bolster, often show signs of wear and dirt accumulation, even in low-mileage vehicles. This SL500 was no exception, exhibiting dirt and dye transfer from denim.
Alt text: Before cleaning: Dirty and worn leather seat in a Mercedes Benz SL500 showing denim dye transfer.
To address this, an All-Purpose Cleaner (APC) diluted to a 10:1 ratio was applied and gently agitated with a leather brush. This effectively lifted the embedded dirt and dye.
Following the cleaning, all leather surfaces were treated with Optimum Protectant Plus. This UV protectant is a detailer’s favorite for its ability to leave a natural, non-greasy finish, preserving the original look of the leather while adding a layer of protection.
Alt text: After cleaning and conditioning: Restored and protected leather driver’s seat in a Mercedes Benz SL500.
Alt text: Close-up of Mercedes Benz SL500 interior showcasing the clean and detailed dashboard and trim.
Alt text: Detailed Mercedes Benz SL500 interior highlighting the center console and gear shift after professional detailing.
Alt text: Immaculate Mercedes Benz SL500 door panel interior after a thorough detailing process.
Door shuts, often overlooked areas, also accumulate dirt and grime.
Alt text: Before cleaning: Dirty door jamb of a Mercedes Benz SL500, showing grime buildup.
These were cleaned using Optimum No Rinse (ONR) diluted as a quick detailer (QD) in a spray bottle. ONR is excellent for these areas as it cleans effectively without the need for rinsing, making it perfect for enclosed spaces.
Alt text: After cleaning: Spotless door jamb of a Mercedes Benz SL500, showcasing the effectiveness of detailing.
Finally, the pedals, constantly subjected to dirty shoes, received attention. APC and a brush were used to clean them, followed by a wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any residue. It’s crucial to avoid greasy or slippery finishes on pedals for safety.
Alt text: Detailed view of Mercedes Benz SL500 pedals being cleaned and restored during interior detailing.
Exterior Detailing: Bringing Back the Aegean Blue Shine
With the interior refreshed, the focus shifted to the exterior. The Mercedes Benz SL500, while appearing decent from a distance, revealed a need for deep cleaning and polishing upon closer inspection.
Alt text: Mercedes Benz SL500 in Aegean Blue Metallic before exterior detailing, showing signs of dirt and water spots.
Wheel wells were heavily soiled and challenging to access.
Alt text: Heavily soiled and dirty wheel well of a Mercedes Benz SL500 before cleaning.
A key feature of the SL500 is its adjustable suspension, offering three height settings. Raising the suspension to its maximum height provided better access to the wheel wells and side skirts, simplifying the cleaning and polishing processes.
Alt text: Mercedes Benz SL500 with adjustable suspension raised to allow better access for wheel well and side skirt detailing.
Wheel cleaning was the first step on the exterior. The wheels were heavily coated in brake dust and road grime.
Alt text: Severely dirty wheels and tires of a Mercedes Benz SL500, covered in brake dust and road grime, before detailing.
P21S Wheel Gel was applied to the rims and calipers, allowed to dwell, and then agitated. Simultaneously, P21S Total Auto Wash (TAW) was used to clean the tires and wheel wells.
Alt text: P21S Gel Wheel Cleaner and Total Auto Wash effectively cleaning Mercedes Benz SL500 AMG wheels.
Each wheel and wheel well required significant effort, taking 10-12 minutes each due to the heavy buildup. Brushes were used to ensure thorough cleaning in all areas.
Alt text: Perfectly cleaned and detailed Mercedes Benz SL500 wheels, showcasing the result of meticulous cleaning.
Upon rinsing, it was evident that the car had existing wax or sealant protection, indicated by water beading. To ensure proper polishing, these needed to be removed. Chemical Guys Wash & Clear, at a paint prep ratio (2oz/gal), was used with a foam gun to strip the old protection. A two-bucket wash method, with Grit Guards, was employed to thoroughly wash the car, minimizing the risk of reintroducing dirt onto the paint.
Alt text: Gilmour foam gun applying Chemical Guys Wash & Clear to a Mercedes Benz SL500 for thorough cleaning.
After washing, the paint was clayed using Optimum Instant Detailer as a lubricant. This step is crucial for removing embedded contaminants and creating a smooth surface for polishing. The SL500’s paint proved to be heavily contaminated, requiring significant time and effort to clay effectively. A final foam wash after claying ensured a squeaky-clean surface, ready for polishing.
Alt text: Foam shampoo dwelling on the surface of a Mercedes Benz SL500 after clay bar treatment, preparing for polishing.
For polishing, Menzerna PO203 was chosen for a one-step process. This versatile polish offers a good balance of cut and finishing ability. While it can correct minor imperfections, it also finishes down LSP (Last Step Product) ready. Multiple IPA wipedowns were performed afterward to ensure no fillers or masking agents were interfering with the true finish assessment.
Alt text: Professional detailer polishing the paint of a Mercedes Benz SL500 with a machine polisher.
Attention to detail extended to often-missed areas like the underside of the side skirts. Smaller 4” polishing pads were used for these tight spots.
Alt text: Using a 4-inch polishing pad to detail the underside of the side skirt of a Mercedes Benz SL500.
The results after PO203S polishing, before applying any Last Step Product (LSP), were already impressive.
Alt text: Inspecting the paint finish of a Mercedes Benz SL500 after polishing with Menzerna Power Finish, before LSP application.
The glass roof, plagued by water spots, was polished using a white polishing pad and Optimum Poli-Seal. Poli-Seal offers mild cutting power to remove water spots while leaving a slick finish and durable protection.
Alt text: Polishing the panoramic glass roof of a Mercedes Benz SL500 to remove water spots and enhance clarity.
The Aegean Blue Metallic paint showcased an intriguing character, shifting between grey and light blue depending on the light. A macro shot revealed the depth and flake within the paint.
Alt text: Macro detail shot of the Aegean Blue Metallic paint on a Mercedes Benz SL500, highlighting the metallic flake.
After polishing, an IPA wipedown was followed by Optimum Instant Detailer to prepare the surface for sealant. Optimum Opti-seal was applied for protection. Its ease of use, natural look, and durability make it a go-to choice. It was applied with a red applicator pad and buffed out with a soft microfiber towel after curing.
P21S 100% wax was then applied by hand using a separate red applicator pad. While not the most durable wax, P21S 100% provides a rich, deep finish and is easy to apply and remove, adding an extra layer of gloss and warmth.
Often-neglected areas like the underside of the trunk lid above the license plate were also addressed, revealing years of accumulated grime.
Alt text: Before cleaning: Underside of Mercedes Benz SL500 trunk lid, showing heavy grime buildup.
This area was meticulously cleaned, showcasing the commitment to comprehensive detailing.
Alt text: After cleaning: Spotless underside of Mercedes Benz SL500 trunk lid, demonstrating thorough detailing.
Even the emblems suffered from embedded dirt that washing alone couldn’t remove.
Alt text: Before polishing: Tarnished and dirty Mercedes Benz emblem on the SL500.
These were polished using a PC with a white pad and Menzerna 106FA polish, restoring their shine.
Alt text: After polishing: Restored and gleaming Mercedes Benz emblem after detailed polishing.
Similarly, the SL500 badge was cleaned and polished.
Alt text: Before cleaning: Dull and dirty Mercedes Benz SL500 badge needing detailing.
Alt text: After polishing: Bright and clean Mercedes Benz SL500 badge, highlighting the impact of detailing.
Exhaust tips, often overlooked, were also in poor condition.
Alt text: Before cleaning: Heavily tarnished and dirty exhaust tips of a Mercedes Benz SL500.
They were cleaned with P21S TAW and 0000 steel wool, followed by polishing to bring back their luster.
Alt text: After polishing: Shiny and restored exhaust tips of a Mercedes Benz SL500, completing the exterior detail.
Final Results: The Rejuvenated Mercedes Benz SL500
After 11 hours of meticulous work, the transformation of this Mercedes Benz SL500 was complete. The Aegean Blue Metallic paint now gleamed, the interior was refreshed, and every detail, from the wheels to the emblems, was addressed.
Alt text: Front quarter view of a fully detailed 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 in Aegean Blue Metallic, showcasing deep shine.
Alt text: Side profile of a professionally detailed 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500, emphasizing the smooth paint finish.
Alt text: Angle shot of a detailed 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 highlighting the convertible top and polished wheels.
Alt text: Close-up of the front of a 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 after detailing, showing the clean headlights and grille.
Alt text: Interior view of a detailed 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 through the window, showcasing the clean cockpit.
Alt text: Rear quarter view of a detailed 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500, highlighting the polished rear lights and body lines.
Alt text: Detailed and spotless wheel of a 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 after professional detailing.
Alt text: Moody indoor shot of a 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500, emphasizing the depth of the detailed paint.
Alt text: Reflection shot on the hood of a 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500, demonstrating the mirror-like finish after detailing.
Alt text: Close-up of tire shine on a 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 after detailing, highlighting tire and wheel well cleanliness.
Alt text: Sun reflection on the trunk lid of a 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500, showcasing a defect-free paint surface.
Alt text: Sunlight reflecting off the side panel of a 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500, demonstrating the polished and glossy finish.
Alt text: Full front view of a 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 detailed by Esoteric Detail, under direct sunlight.
Alt text: Angled front view of a 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 post-detailing, highlighting the Aegean Blue Metallic paint.
Alt text: Low angle shot of a 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 after detailing, emphasizing the sporty stance and shine.
Alt text: Rear view of a 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 showcasing the clean lines and detailed finish after professional detailing.
Alt text: Wet reflection shot of a 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500, highlighting the gloss and depth of the paint after detailing.
Alt text: Rear driver-side view of a 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500, showing the detailed wheels and paint finish.
Alt text: Side view of a 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 after detailing, emphasizing the long lines and restored paint.
Alt text: Close-up of the Mercedes Benz SL500 badge after detailing, highlighting the polished emblem and clean surface.
This Mercedes Benz SL500 detail demonstrates that even cars kept in excellent condition can benefit from a comprehensive detailing service. The attention to detail in every area, both inside and out, results in a vehicle that not only looks its best but is also protected for the future.
