The Big Question: Fresh Paint for My Beloved Car – Keep It Classic or Go Bold

[Seangbadee]

After 6 years of hard work, it’s finally time for a fresh coat of paint! The dilemma: should I stick with the original Saphirschwartz Mica (Sapphire Black Pearl), MB 009 Color code, or try a different shade in the same family? The cost is definitely something to consider, but the car is so worth it. I've invested a lot into it, and it's a real step up from my W212. That said, I’m wondering if now’s the time for a change.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have any of you been through a similar decision with your own cars? Let’s talk color options!

 

[maw1124]

Sapphire Black is the best color for these in my view. Add a bit more Blue and a bit more flake and call it a day. Don't make life hard for yourself.

GL

maw

PS... I'd probably add a bit of MB Flint Grey (which has a good amount of blue in it already) and more flake. At least that keeps all the colors in the MB family and makes clear I'm not talking more navy blue.

 

[Seangbadee]

Sapphire Black is the best color for these in my view. Add a bit more Blue and a bit more flake and call it a day. Don't make life hard for yourself.

GL

maw

PS... I'd probably add a bit of MB Flint Grey (which has a good amount of blue in it already) and more flake. At least that keeps all the colors in the MB family and makes clear I'm not talking more navy blue.

Noted. Thanks for the idea

 

[R129 UK]

Unless you really don't like the colour then I would be keeping it original to the VIN as per the original spec.

 

[AdamCabrio]

I suppose it's a Limited (as 009 wasn't available for pedestrian E500's)? In that case I would keep it 100% original (especially after you said you've already invested a lot in it) and I would also put original wheels on it

 

[Seangbadee]

Noted. Thanks for the idea

I’m a big fan of the original Saphirschwartz Mica—it’s a classic, high-quality color that really enhances the car’s lines. Honestly, hearing that about keeping it true to the original VIN is all I needed. Appreciate the insight

 

[Seangbadee]

Unless you really don't like the colour then I would be keeping it original to the VIN as per the original spec.

Yes, I totally agree. But honestly, I wasn’t really thinking about that because of how much the paint has faded. I wasn’t considering that what I’m seeing now is the result of 30 years of wear and tear from the elements.

 

[Seangbadee]

I suppose it's a Limited (as 009 wasn't available for pedestrian E500's)? In that case I would keep it 100% original (especially after you said you've already invested a lot in it) and I would also put original wheels on it

It's actually an E320 facelift W124, and yes, I think the verdict is in, and the color will stay as it came from the factory.

 

[Seangbadee]

I suppose it's a Limited (as 009 wasn't available for pedestrian E500's)? In that case I would keep it 100% original (especially after you said you've already invested a lot in it) and I would also put original wheels on it

The wheels are still original, and I’ve kept the car pretty faithful to its roots. The only change I’ve made so far is swapping out the cassette player. I found a Becker BE7930 unit on 'the bay' from Germany, and it’s been amazing! What I love most is that it lets me add RCA outputs to connect my amps and even use a Bluetooth dongle for added convenience.

 

[AdamCabrio]

It's actually an E320 facelift W124, and yes, I think the verdict is in, and the color will stay as it came from the factory.

Lovely color, but are you sure it came out of the factory in 009 saphirschwarz (as per the datacard)? I thought that 009 was reserved only for E500 Ltd

 

[Seangbadee]

Lovely color, but are you sure it came out of the factory in 009 saphirschwarz (as per the datacard)? I thought that 009 was reserved only for E500 Ltd

Yes it did. It was one of the last ones they made in 1995. I was told it is a rare color reserved for the E500.

 

[AdamCabrio]

Yes it did. It was one of the last ones they made in 1995. I was told it is a rare color reserved for the E500.

Wow, that is pretty rare.....only 3 (out of 742 worldwide) were ever delivered new in the USA in that color: MB paint code & color reference | Body Shop

 

[nocfn]

I think we change colors on a 69 Chevelle SS, not a 1995 rare beast as yours. Keep it original, as a respray is normal, accepted (full rubber off the chassis respray with jambs etc.) but acceptable respray given the age. If there is a difference in the slightest, It will be visible when you open the doors, hood, petrol access etc. That is a potential value reduction as to the age old question....Why would they cheap out on a paint job, what are they hiding....

 

[emerydc8]

It's actually an E320 facelift W124, and yes, I think the verdict is in, and the color will stay as it came from the factory.

I agree. Love the color!

 

[Seangbadee]

Wow, that is pretty rare.....only 3 (out of 742 worldwide) were ever delivered new in the USA in that color: MB paint code & color reference | Body Shop

Wow, I did not know that

 

[Seangbadee]

I think we change colors on a 69 Chevelle SS, not a 1995 rare beast as yours. Keep it original, as a respray is normal, accepted (full rubber off the chassis respray with jambs etc.) but acceptable respray given the age. If there is a difference in the slightest, It will be visible when you open the doors, hood, petrol access etc. That is a potential value reduction as to the age old question....Why would they cheap out on a paint job, what are they hiding....

That’s a great point you made. I’ve taken the pains to take the rubbers off myself. I don’t ‘trust’ anyone else to do it.
The door handles will be taken off last, and then it goes on a flatbed to the body shop.

 

[gsxr]

Wow, that is pretty rare.....only 3 (out of 742 worldwide) were ever delivered new in the USA in that color: MB paint code & color reference | Body Shop

Sapphire Black code 009 was reserved for 036 Limited only. No 036 was painted 009 unless it also had code 958.

HOWEVER! Paint 009 was also available on pedestrian facelift models, including the 032 chassis (E320) and 034 (E420), possibly some other M104's or diesels also. @WDB748372 could probably dig up the specifics from the EPC database. I believe these were typically marketed as "Special Editions" (no option code), and the M104 versions included goodies like burled walnut wood instead of Zebrano, stainless door sill plates, along with some oddball 6-hole 15" wheels. There's a separate thread about the SE somewhere on the forum. I've seen a fair number of non-036 009 cars and I actually owned an E320 parts car in 009 (it was a repaint, with a bad engine & trans, beyond hope of restoration).

 

[Seangbadee]

Sapphire Black code 009 was reserved for 036 Limited only. No 036 was painted 009 unless it also had code 958.

HOWEVER! Paint 009 was also available on pedestrian facelift models, including the 032 chassis (E320) and 034 (E420), possibly some other M104's or diesels also. @WDB748372 could probably dig up the specifics from the EPC database. I believe these were typically marketed as "Special Editions" (no option code), and the M104 versions included goodies like burled walnut wood instead of Zebrano, stainless door sill plates, along with some oddball 6-hole 15" wheels. There's a separate thread about the SE somewhere on the forum. I've seen a fair number of non-036 009 cars and I actually owned an E320 parts car in 009 (it was a repaint, with a bad engine & trans, beyond hope of restoration).

@gsxr, thanks for that information. Mine has a lot of options you mentioned included in its package.

 

[gsxr]

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have any of you been through a similar decision with your own cars? Let’s talk color options!

009 looks REALLY nice with fresh paint. Sort of a metallic Midnight Blue almost? It's much more Black than 199 Pearl Black, which looks more like a metallic charcoal Gray to my eyes. I'd consider mixing up some proper 009 and spraying a test piece (doesn't have to be on the car) to see what you think. The old 009 paint may not have "popped" like the original.

As for a color change: If you're going to do this, I'd go with something totally different / unusual that you're not going to find anywhere else. definitely not Black, White, Silver, Gray, Smoke Silver/Gold, or any of the other colors that comprise 90% of what you see on the road today. I'd be eyeing something in the Red/Blue/Green/Purple category. Maybe Yellow if you're feeling wild.

Keep in mind that a full color change is difficult to fully hide, meaning you'll still see the old 009 under the hood, unless you go fully Monty and get *everything* resprayed.

 

[WDB748372]

Sapphire Black code 009 was reserved for 036 Limited only. No 036 was painted 009 unless it also had code 958.

HOWEVER! Paint 009 was also available on pedestrian facelift models, including the 032 chassis (E320) and 034 (E420), possibly some other M104's or diesels also. @WDB748372 could probably dig up the specifics from the EPC database. I believe these were typically marketed as "Special Editions" (no option code), and the M104 versions included goodies like burled walnut wood instead of Zebrano, stainless door sill plates, along with some oddball 6-hole 15" wheels. There's a separate thread about the SE somewhere on the forum. I've seen a fair number of non-036 009 cars and I actually owned an E320 parts car in 009 (it was a repaint, with a bad engine & trans, beyond hope of restoration).

@gsxr, thanks for that information. Mine has a lot of options you mentioned included in its package.

There looks to be 864 009's out of the total 34,863 124.032 chassis in the U.S. All are 1995. There are some without paint codes. Also, these are some pretty big numbers than what I usually do so more prone to any errors but it should be around there.

 

[maw1124]

Sapphire Black is the best color for these in my view. Add a bit more Blue and a bit more flake and call it a day. Don't make life hard for yourself.

GL

maw

For rarity, I'm changing my answer. Do it stock and be done.



maw

 

[emerydc8]

Sort of a metallic Midnight Blue almost? It's much more Black than 199 Pearl Black, which looks more like a metallic charcoal Gray to my eyes.

Good to know someone else feels that way too.

 

[Seangbadee]

009 looks REALLY nice with fresh paint. Sort of a metallic Midnight Blue almost? It's much more Black than 199 Pearl Black, which looks more like a metallic charcoal Gray to my eyes. I'd consider mixing up some proper 009 and spraying a test piece (doesn't have to be on the car) to see what you think. The old 009 paint may not have "popped" like the original.

As for a color change: If you're going to do this, I'd go with something totally different / unusual that you're not going to find anywhere else. definitely not Black, White, Silver, Gray, Smoke Silver/Gold, or any of the other colors that comprise 90% of what you see on the road today. I'd be eyeing something in the Red/Blue/Green/Purple category. Maybe Yellow if you're feeling wild.

Keep in mind that a full color change is difficult to fully hide, meaning you'll still see the old 009 under the hood, unless you go fully Monty and get *everything* resprayed.

 

[Seangbadee]

Lately I’ve been thinking… how is this car 30 years old?

You look at the way it was built—the fit, the finish, the materials—and it’s honestly hard to believe. It still feels solid, purposeful. There’s a kind of quiet confidence in how it was put together, and you just don’t see that much anymore.

It’s only had two owners, and something about that adds to the story. This car has lived, been driven, taken care of—and now here I am, pulling it apart and getting to know it piece by piece. Every time I work on it, I find myself wondering: will Mercedes ever build something like this again?

I’ve gutted a few cars over the years—W123, W115, W212—but the steel in this one feels different. Heavier. Stronger. Like it was made with a little more heart. There’s a soul to these older cars that’s hard to describe but easy to feel when you're this close to them.
Just my thoughts……

 

[AdamCabrio]

Wow, that is pretty rare.....only 3 (out of 742 worldwide) were ever delivered new in the USA in that color: MB paint code & color reference | Body Shop

I was apparently wrong: that list only pertains to the 124.036 chassis

 

[tanger]

Why not wrap with a “bold” color and drive it for a bit before deciding on more permanent paint color?

 

[gsxr]

Why not wrap with a “bold” color and drive it for a bit before deciding on more permanent paint color?

That is a good idea. Any cost estimates between wrap vs paint? From what I've heard, wrap isn't cheap either...

 

[Seangbadee]

That is a good idea. Any cost estimates between wrap vs paint? From what I've heard, wrap isn't cheap either...

Paint jobs range from 4500 to 12000. A good wrap is 5000.

 

[szvook]

Wraps are a waste of money. They are not made/used to be on a car long term. Removing a wrap that has been on a car for a while will cost a lot more and if not done by a pro, you’re risking your car’s paint. I spoke with a few high end body shops, who have been wrapping cars for many years and they told me how expensive the removal can be.

 

[Seangbadee]

Wraps are a waste of money. They are not made/used to be on a car long term. Removing a wrap that has been on a car for a while will cost a lot more and if not done by a pro, you’re risking your car’s paint. I spoke with a few high end body shops, who have been wrapping cars for many years and they told me how expensive the removal can be.

I get it—I’ve been there. A few years back, I had the joy of removing a vehicle wrap that had clung to a van for over a decade. Let’s just say it involved heat guns, some minor burns, sore fingers, and more than a few “colorful” words.

While wrapping was something I seriously considered at one point, I’ve since gone a different route. I’m sticking with a fresh coat of the original paint—and honestly, that feels just right.

 

[gsxr]

I’m sticking with a fresh coat of the original paint—and honestly, that feels just right.

I think you will be happy with the results. I'd still highly recommend having the shop spray a test piece after mixing the 009 to make sure you are 100% happy with the color and flake size/density, BEFORE shooting the entire car.

 

[500AMM]

009 looks REALLY nice with fresh paint. Sort of a metallic Midnight Blue almost? It's much more Black than 199 Pearl Black, which looks more like a metallic charcoal Gray to my eyes. I'd consider mixing up some proper 009 and spraying a test piece (doesn't have to be on the car) to see what you think. The old 009 paint may not have "popped" like the original.

As for a color change: If you're going to do this, I'd go with something totally different / unusual that you're not going to find anywhere else. definitely not Black, White, Silver, Gray, Smoke Silver/Gold, or any of the other colors that comprise 90% of what you see on the road today. I'd be eyeing something in the Red/Blue/Green/Purple category. Maybe Yellow if you're feeling wild.

Keep in mind that a full color change is difficult to fully hide, meaning you'll still see the old 009 under the hood, unless you go fully Monty and get *everything* resprayed.

My car does already have a complete color change (except for the engine bay) from 172 anthracite grey to 040 plain black, so the "damage" is already done with regard to originality. But if I ever got a chance financially to do a color change I would do it, and the color would be Porsche Viola Black #3EA. It is really a beautiful color and it will suit the 036 very well. It would also give an honor to Hans Herrmann and his unique 036 #10 000: https://www.500eboard.co/forums/threads/e500-pictures-from-the-porsche-museum.18879/#post-273811

 

[tanger]

+1

Viola Metallic is an amazing color!

 

[Seangbadee]

I think you will be happy with the results. I'd still highly recommend having the shop spray a test piece after mixing the 009 to make sure you are 100% happy with the color and flake size/density, BEFORE shooting the entire car.

The painter and I came to an agreement: next week, he'll prepare a test card for me. Once it's done, we'll let it dry completely and then make the final decision. Looking forward to seeing how it turns out—thanks again!

 

[skikrazey]

I concur keep the original color it is stunning when new!

Don't waste your money on a wrap.

 

[ERASE]

I’ve had an anthracite gray one and a brilliant silver. I felt that the brilliant silver made the car look wider, lower and larger as a 23 year old said to me I. 2008 “totally gangster” with the EVO II rims .

I probably would always go for the silver over at Gray but one of the other colors that I always felt looked amazing was signal red. I’ve always said I’m not a red car guy although I had a 1982 audi coupe in red and now a Tesla Model X in Ultra red which I really
Like . I think a 500E I. Ultra red would look amazing because of what it does to curves .

 

[TerryA]

@ERASE,
Wow, Welcome Back! I met you at GTG in Carlsbad a long time ago. You had a Silver/Black E500 with a whole lot of audio installed in it. There was about 10 of us and we had a lunch at someplace I don’t remember. The only other member that I knew was Glen.

Anyway, My last recollection of you was following you north on I-5 thru Camp Pendleton when you floored it and disappeared. Haven’t seen you since.

Do you still have your E500?