My 1983 W126 (280SEL) has a 2-tone color scheme: silver for the chassis and dark grey for the bodykit (front & rear bumpers, sideskirts). I understand this is the factory color scheme from MB, yea?

Now I'm beginning to feel that this color scheme makes the car look aged, and I intend to spray paint the bodykit to silver (matching the chassis color). In fact, all new MB models come with single-tone paintwork nowadays.

What do you guys think? Would it make a difference?

Thanks for any comments, cheers!

Mervyn

Some of the later model (1991) 560's like the cabernet and white came in single color. Look on eBay you should be able to see some 126 in the single color scheme.

I had to make a similar choice when I had the W126 resprayed some 2 years ago. I was shown some sample pics of what it would look like with and without the 2 tone. I picked the 2 tone, which is somewhat similar to what you have Merv. I think I have no regrests. It looks classic, or as what Swanee says, "timeless".

I reckon, and its my personal opinion, that a single tone colour would make the W126 a little more bulky to the eye than otherwise would. The 2 tone effect makes it a sleeker look.

BTW - I was in Singapore over the weekend, and had my W126 checked by my brother's mechanic in the Ubi Workshop. Meant to get in touch with you, Merv - which some day I would.

Regards,

__________________
... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

Hi YMsin,

When you're down in Singapore again, do drop me a note, we could meet up for a drink or something, yeah?

So how was the assessment of your car at Ubi?

With regards to the color scheme, I do agree a single tone will make the W126 look bulkier. But I've seen several single-toned W126s out there and they do look quite nice. Well, I'll think about it.

Thanks guys for your input.

Cheers!

Mervyn
1983 W126 (280SEL)

Hey Merv - Ubi gave the thumbs up. Nothing to be done that isn't already done.

Generally, while you are looking at darker sheds of tone, a single tone would look quite elegant, i.e. tan brown, black, etc ...

For lighter tone scheme, i.e. white, silver .. I would think a double tone adds a little of some unique sparkle into an otherwise somewhat monotone.

Whats your decision?

__________________
... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

YMsin,

I have not decided yet. Maybe I'll stay with my current 2-tone.

What's that Ubi workshop called? Are the guys there good?

Mervyn
1983 W126 (280SEL)

I am currently in the process of changing the color of the lower body parts on my 1990 300SL. The dark gray panels and bumpers are repainted in the chassis color (silver, but with 25% matt finish) and the bumpers and front fender panels are changed for the model 97 ones.
The R129 came original as a mono colored car...the W126 did not, so I think that I would leave that car two-toned.

greetingz,

__________________
1990 300SL-24
1993 C250D with a minor 600+k kilometer
www.MBenzNL.com(the Netherlands)

Mbenz - which do you drive more: the SL or the C?

Merv - UBI Motor Service is average but REALLY HONEST. I would go with them for the long term. My brother is quite pleased with their service.

__________________
... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

YMsin, just to double-confirm. The name is "UBI Motor Service". And if its not too inconvenient, do you have the address? If not, I could go look up the directory.

Thanks!

Mervyn

PS. YMsin, are the intake/exhaust valves also called tappets? Or are they referring to different things?

I drive the C250D for about 75.000-90.000km per year. I drive the 300SL-24 for 5.000-15.000km per year and drive the 300CE-24 conv. for about 100-1000km per year (the 300CE-24 is a car with German papers and it is not registered in Germany or in the Netherlands...I bought it for US use...)

greetingz,

__________________
1990 300SL-24
1993 C250D with a minor 600+k kilometer
www.MBenzNL.com(the Netherlands)