As I'm sure you know, the SLK has a thick black coat of some kind of protection on its rocker panels. I have managed to chip, ding,or whatever this coating down to the silver paint. What is the best way to repair or cover this type of damage? Currently I have touched up the various very small dings with a permanent magic marker in black. It's only a temp. repair, and after light waxing doesn't seem too noticeable. Got any ideas for permenent repairs?

I would contact the dealer where you bought the car. What it would take to patch/touch-up the material could vary widely depending on what it is made out of. Besides, you might get some warranty help if it is one of those super-non-chip etc things. If it is a touchup issue then they might have the touchup kit, just like the touchup kits for normal paint chips.

Best of Luck...Lee