The Mercedes-Benz SL series is synonymous with luxury, performance, and timeless design. Among its esteemed lineage, the SL500 stands out as a particularly desirable model, blending potent power with elegant open-top cruising. This feature focuses on a meticulous detailing process performed on a beautiful Sl500 Mercedes, finished in Aegean Blue Metallic and equipped with the sought-after AMG Sport Package. While not the fire-breathing AMG SL55, this SL500 boasts an impressive 302HP and 339ft/lb of torque, offering a thrilling driving experience. The owner, recognizing the need to rejuvenate his garage-kept gem with only 7,000 miles, entrusted it to expert hands for a comprehensive clean-up and enhancement.
Upon initial inspection, it was clear this SL500 Mercedes wasn’t suffering from swirl marks, a testament to careful ownership. However, it presented its own set of challenges: a noticeable accumulation of scratches and stubborn water spots, particularly on horizontal surfaces. The exterior bore the typical grime of a car that, while low mileage, had spent time exposed to the elements, with brake dust heavily coating the wheels.
Knowing this detailing session wouldn’t yield dramatic paint correction “before and after” shots, the focus shifted to highlighting the often-underappreciated aspects of thorough car care. The aim was to document the meticulous attention to detail applied to commonly overlooked areas, providing an educational insight into maintaining automotive beauty. And, as is often the case, enthusiasm for the process led to extensive photographic documentation. Let’s begin with the interior.
Interior Revival of the SL500 Mercedes
The SL500 Mercedes cockpit, while already in respectable condition, was targeted for a deep cleanse and protective treatment. The strategy for this dark interior was to meticulously clean every surface and then apply a protective layer to guard against future wear and tear. Following a thorough vacuuming of carpets and floor mats, a solution of Woolite and water was mixed. This gentle yet effective cleaning mixture was used with microfiber towels to wipe down all interior surfaces. Experience dictates that even interiors appearing clean, especially in convertibles with dark upholstery, often harbor significant dirt and contaminants. This proved true once again.
After the broad surfaces were addressed, attention turned to the finer details – the cracks and crevices. These areas, often missed in routine cleaning, were carefully cleared of any accumulated debris, ensuring a truly comprehensive interior detail.
Alt text: Close-up of Mercedes SL500 steering wheel showcasing detailed leather and controls.
A notable feature highlighted in the interior was the engine start/stop button, conveniently located atop the shift knob – a subtle yet cool design element of the SL500 Mercedes.
Alt text: Elegant wood trim detail in the interior of a Mercedes SL500, emphasizing luxury.
Alt text: Detailed view of Mercedes SL500 interior, highlighting the craftsmanship and design.
Even the air vents, often overlooked, received meticulous cleaning to remove dust and buildup.
Alt text: Detailing process: cleaning air vents in a Mercedes SL500 to remove dust and grime.
The driver’s seat, particularly the left bolster, is a common area to show wear and dirt accumulation. Even with the SL500 Mercedes’ low mileage, this seat was no exception, exhibiting dirt and dye transfer, likely from denim.
Alt text: Before cleaning: dirty leather seat in a Mercedes SL500 showing wear and denim transfer.
To address this, an All-Purpose Cleaner (APC) diluted to a 10:1 ratio was applied and gently agitated with a dedicated leather brush. This process effectively lifted the embedded dirt and dye.
Following cleaning, all leather surfaces throughout the SL500 Mercedes interior were treated with Optimum Protectant Plus. This product provides UV protection without imparting an unwanted shine or greasy feel, preserving the leather’s natural, as-new appearance.
Alt text: After cleaning and conditioning: pristine leather driver seat in a Mercedes SL500.
Alt text: Interior detail of the Mercedes SL500 showcasing clean dashboard and leather.
Alt text: Close-up of the Mercedes SL500 interior, highlighting the detailed stitching and material quality.
Alt text: Immaculate interior detail of a Mercedes SL500 after professional cleaning.
Moving to the door shuts, these areas also showed typical buildup of dirt, dust, and grime.
Alt text: Before cleaning: dirty door jamb of a Mercedes SL500, showing grime accumulation.
Optimum No Rinse (ONR), diluted to a quick detailer (QD) ratio in a spray bottle, was used to effectively clean and brighten the door jambs of the SL500 Mercedes.
Alt text: After cleaning: spotless door jamb of a Mercedes SL500 detailed with Optimum No Rinse.
Finally, the pedals, constantly subjected to dirty footwear, were addressed. An APC and a brush were employed to loosen and remove grime, followed by a wipe-down with a damp cloth to eliminate any residue. Care was taken to avoid using products that could leave a greasy or slippery finish on the pedals, ensuring driver safety.
Alt text: Detailing the pedals of a Mercedes SL500, ensuring cleanliness and safety.
With the interior refreshed, the focus shifted to the exterior of the SL500 Mercedes.
Exterior Enhancement of the SL500 Mercedes
The exterior of the SL500 Mercedes was clearly in need of a thorough cleaning, as evidenced by the before photos.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 before exterior detailing, showing dirt and grime buildup.
The wheel wells were particularly dirty and presented accessibility challenges.
Alt text: Wheel wells of the Mercedes SL500 heavily soiled with dirt and road grime.
A beneficial feature of the SL500 Mercedes is its height-adjustable suspension, offering three settings. This system, designed to prevent scraping on steep inclines, was utilized to raise the car to its maximum height. This provided improved access to the wheel wells and side skirts, facilitating thorough cleaning and polishing.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 with height-adjustable suspension raised for easier detailing access.
The wheels, heavily coated in brake dust, were the first area of focus for the exterior detail.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 wheels before cleaning, covered in brake dust and grime.
P21S Wheel Gel was applied to the rims and calipers, allowing it to dwell and loosen brake dust. Simultaneously, P21S Total Auto Wash (TAW) was sprayed onto the tires and wheel wells.
Alt text: P21S wheel cleaner and Total Auto Wash effectively cleaning Mercedes SL500 wheels.
Each wheel and wheel well required approximately 10-12 minutes of dedicated cleaning due to the heavy buildup of dirt and brake dust. Brushes were used to ensure thorough cleaning within the wheel well areas.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 wheels after professional detailing, showcasing clean rims and tires.
Upon rinsing, water beading was observed, indicating the presence of existing wax or sealants. These protective layers needed to be removed to ensure proper paint polishing. Chemical Guys Wash & Clear, at a paint prep ratio, was used to strip these previous layers. A Gilmour foam gun was used to apply a thick layer of foam, and a two-bucket wash method, incorporating Grit Guards, was employed to prevent reintroducing contaminants to the paint surface.
Alt text: Gilmour foam gun applying Chemical Guys Wash & Clear to a Mercedes SL500.
Following the wash, the SL500 Mercedes was clayed using Optimum Instant Detailer as a lubricant. This slick lubricant is crucial to prevent marring during the claying process. Significant contamination was found on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, necessitating a thorough clay bar treatment to achieve a smooth surface ready for polishing.
To ensure a pristine surface for polishing, a second foam wash was performed after claying to remove any remaining clay residue and loosened contaminants.
Alt text: Foam shampoo dwelling on the surface of a Mercedes SL500 before polishing.
While the SL500 Mercedes’ paint was largely swirl-free, it exhibited random scratches and water spot etching, particularly on horizontal panels. Menzerna PO203 was selected for a one-step polishing process. This versatile polish offers a good balance of cut and finishing ability, suitable for achieving a LSP (Last Step Product) ready finish. Multiple IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) wipedowns were performed after polishing to ensure no fillers or masking agents were present, revealing the true condition of the paint.
Alt text: Expert detailer polishing the paint of a Mercedes SL500 with Menzerna PO203.
Attention to detail extended to the underside of the side skirts, often neglected areas. For these tighter spaces, a 4” white spot buff pad was utilized. An exercise mat provided cushioning for comfort during the lower panel work.
Alt text: Polishing the side skirt of a Mercedes SL500 using Menzerna Power Finish for a flawless finish.
The result after PO203S polishing, before any LSP application, showcased the improved clarity and gloss of the Aegean Blue Metallic paint.
Alt text: Inspecting the paint finish on a Mercedes SL500 after polishing with Menzerna Power Finish.
The SL500 Mercedes’ glass roof, suffering from heavy water spotting, was also polished. A white polishing pad and Optimum Poli-Seal were used with a PC (Porter Cable) polisher. Optimum Poli-Seal provides mild cut to remove imperfections while leaving a slick, protective finish on the glass.
Alt text: Polishing the panoramic glass roof of a Mercedes SL500 to remove water spots and enhance clarity.
The Aegean Blue Metallic paint of this SL500 Mercedes is captivating, shifting between grey and light blue depending on the light. A macro shot reveals the intricate metallic flake within the paint.
Alt text: Macro detail of the Aegean Blue Metallic paint on a Mercedes SL500, showing metallic flake.
After polishing was complete, an IPA wipedown followed by an Optimum Instant Detailer wipedown prepared the finish for sealant application. Optimum Opti-seal was chosen for protection due to its ease of application, natural look (avoiding a plastic-like sheen), and proven durability, even through harsh winter conditions. Applied with a red applicator pad and buffed out after curing with a soft microfiber towel and a light mist of Optimum Instant Detailer, it provides a robust and refined protective layer.
For added gloss and depth, P21S 100% wax was applied by hand using a separate red applicator pad after the sealant cured. While not the most durable wax, P21S 100% wax is prized for its ease of use and exceptional finish, enhancing the paint’s richness and providing a warm carnauba glow to the SL500 Mercedes.
Often overlooked areas like the underside of the trunk lid above the license plate were also addressed. This area had accumulated years of grime.
Alt text: Before cleaning: underside of Mercedes SL500 trunk lid covered in grime and dirt.
The transformation after cleaning this area showcases the thoroughness of the detail.
Alt text: After cleaning: pristine underside of Mercedes SL500 trunk lid, showcasing meticulous detailing.
Even the emblems were meticulously cleaned and polished to remove embedded dirt.
Alt text: Before polishing: Mercedes emblem showing dirt and oxidation buildup.
A PC polisher with a white pad and 106FA polish was used to restore the emblems to their original luster. All-in-one products like Optimum Poli-Seal or Klasse AIO are also effective for emblem polishing.
Alt text: After polishing: Mercedes emblem gleaming after detailed cleaning and polishing.
Alt text: Before cleaning: Mercedes SL500 badge with dirt and grime buildup.
Alt text: After cleaning: Mercedes SL500 badge restored to a like-new condition through detailing.
The exhaust tips, often neglected, were also in poor condition. P21S TAW and 0000 steel wool were used for initial cleaning, followed by polishing to restore their shine.
Alt text: Before detailing: dull and dirty exhaust tips on a Mercedes SL500.
The transformation is significant after dedicated cleaning and polishing.
Alt text: After detailing: polished and gleaming exhaust tips on a Mercedes SL500.
The Stunning Results: A Detailed SL500 Mercedes
The culmination of 11 hours of meticulous work is evident in the after-shots. Despite overcast and rainy weather initially, the rejuvenated SL500 Mercedes shines even indoors.
Alt text: Showcase of a detailed 2006 Mercedes SL500 with enhanced gloss and cleanliness.
Alt text: Immaculately detailed Mercedes SL500 interior and exterior, reflecting quality car care.
Alt text: Detailed Mercedes SL500 interior showcasing clean leather and polished surfaces.
Alt text: Close-up of the detailed Mercedes SL500, highlighting the Aegean Blue Metallic paint.
Alt text: Side profile of the Mercedes SL500 after professional detailing, emphasizing smooth paint finish.
Alt text: Detailed Mercedes SL500 showcasing the depth of shine and paint clarity.
Alt text: Detailed and spotless wheels of a 2006 Mercedes SL500, highlighting meticulous wheel cleaning.
Moody indoor shots further accentuate the depth and richness of the detailed finish.
Alt text: Indoor shot of a detailed Mercedes SL500, highlighting the deep reflections and shine.
Alt text: Reflection shot on the hood of a detailed Mercedes SL500, demonstrating paint correction quality.
Alt text: Tire shine detail on a Mercedes SL500 after professional auto detailing.
Finally, when the sun emerged, the true beauty of the detailed SL500 Mercedes was fully revealed. The Aegean Blue Metallic paint, now free of defects and enhanced with sealant and wax, showcased stunning reflections.
Alt text: Sun reflection on the trunk lid of a detailed Mercedes SL500, highlighting defect-free paint.
Alt text: Sun reflection on the side panel of a Mercedes SL500 after professional paint detailing.
Alt text: Outdoor shot of a detailed Mercedes SL500, showcasing the vibrant Aegean Blue Metallic paint in sunlight.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 detailed to perfection, reflecting sunlight and showcasing paint clarity.
Alt text: Detailed Mercedes SL500 gleaming in the sun, highlighting the results of professional detailing.
Alt text: Rear view of a detailed Mercedes SL500, showing enhanced paint and clean lines.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 with wet look finish after detailing, emphasizing reflection and gloss.
Alt text: Rear driver’s side view of a detailed Mercedes SL500, showcasing the depth of the paint.
Alt text: Angle shot of a detailed Mercedes SL500, highlighting the curves and reflections in the paint.
Alt text: Close-up of a detailed Mercedes SL500 badge, symbolizing the attention to detail.
This comprehensive detailing process, totaling 11 hours, brought back the showroom shine to this beautiful SL500 Mercedes, demonstrating the transformative power of professional automotive detailing.
