SL500 Paint Change

I have just aquired a 1995 SL500 Sport on ebay of all places. The front and rear bumpers had some scuffs, so I dropped it off at my local body shop that does nice MB work. This car has had paint work previously so I had them fix a couple of other little things to their standards. When I got the car back, the front and rear bumpers were no longer clear coated but matte coated, they had a dull finish and not the shiny one finish. When I talked to the shop who does a lot of these, they said that the sl's were always that way from the factory. However MB did a lot of cosmetic changes starting in 1999. I think that the car is incorrect as I have found some 2000's that clearly don't have that contrast. Anyone have any idea when MB switched this over? Body shop is looking too and the dealer is clueless.

Thanks

Sorry should read 1999 SL 500

[aldedmon]

I'm on your side first of all. This might sound a little snooty, but your reasoning is irrelevant.....You are the Customer, You are NOT satisfied...ergo, You Don't pay till you are. Just tell the guy that you want them shiny. It doesn't matter what the factory specs are... you could care less if All SL's came with Flat Black Bumbers and hard tops.Yours had shine when you came in and Damn It, it ought to shine Mo' Better when you drove it out! Enough said.

The shop will do what I want, I am simply trying to determine the cars factory paint config.

[dsimonl]

My '99 SL500 has shiny bumpers and trim all around. It has never had a repaint.

[tecqboy]

My 1991 300SL came from the factory with the duller flat black trim and bumpers. The previous owner had the trim and bumpers painted "shiney" black because he said newer models were coming out with shiney paint jobs and he didn't want his older car to look "older". Well, frankly, I like it all painted shiney. I don't know what year the change took place. But it's really all up to what you like. Tod

[jjrodger]

My 1999 SL500 has shiny bumpers.

When first released in 1989 the R129 had contrasting bumpers and lower body cladding with a matte finish. In September 1995 (the first facelift) these were replaced with slimmer bumpers and cladding finished in body colour.

Here are some pics to help you differentiate:

These first two are 1989-1995 cars and have the matte finish contrasting bumpers:





This next car is a first facelift car from 1995 to 1998:



And these final two are second facelift cars from 1998 to 2001:

Thank you so much, you are a great help.