I'm already a huge fan of your site and message boards. Kudos--your site is terrific!

When I took delivery of my CLK last April (98) I noticed some silver overspray on the drivers door sill plastic, seat, and steering wheel. The dealer of course removed it, end of story. Yesterday, while washing my beauty, I noticed a very slight depression in the hood (i.e., small dent). I'm sure this was there from the beginning, but never noticed it because it's hard to see unless you look from the right angle in the right light. Also, there's a slight imperfection--almost like a tiny indent (about 1/8 inch in diameter) in the paint where the dent is. I'm wondering if the car was repaired before I ever took delivery of it? Now that it's there, it's hard for me to enjoy the car! It appears to be over an area on the hood where there is a support underneath--making access tough. Do you think a paintless dent removal is possible? Do I need to have the entire hood repainted? GASP!

Thanks in advance,
SR

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Steve

Thanks for the compliments Steve.

I would be very unhappy with the overspray situation. The amount of trade in that could be deducted for any paintwork or especially a repaint of the hood would hurt the value. If it were my "new" car I would likely go back to the dealership and be after blood. Perhaps there was an incedent in shipping that caused them to have to do a bit of paint work. If so they should at least ethically, if not legally, of declared it and given you an appropriate price break. Go to them and pursue some kind of compensation. I would avoid a hood repaint at all costs. Some place like "Fixx-a-dent" http://www.fixx-a-dent.com Or any other reputable paintless dent removel specialist should suffice. There is no excuse for a brand new car from a dealer that isn't brand new.

Good Luck...Lee

Steve:

I have used a dent removal company with good results. My 1998 E320 was parked under a tree last summer (Never do that if you can help it) and either something fell on the left front fender or it was caused by vandalism. There was about a 1" long crease that was quite noticeable, but no paint damage. They worked on it about 45 minutes at the dent removal company and you can not tell where the original dent was. Generally, if they can get at the back side of the dent it can be fixed. If you go this route, I would check with your Mercedes dealer to find out who they use. I then would ask the dent removal company to assign the BEST technician they have to your car.

I have had dents removed by a local person who primarily works for delaers and car rental agents. Charges $50 per panel and is remarkable. He can remove dents that DentBuster told me they couldn't get out. For inaccesssible panels, he can get out dents if you allow him to make a 1/8" hole (which get sealed when done)to insert a tool.