I couldn't wait for my 1994 E500 to be delivered from Houston, two weeks ago. The car transport driver called for directions to my house. When he showed up I was amazed to see a full size tractor trailer transport, with my car on top of the cab - up front, way up high!

My fears were real. Low hanging tree limbs scratched my E500, beginning at the front of the hood, back to the windshield, the full length of the roof (multiple scratches) and one bad scratch the length of my trunk. My detailer said he could only buff out the hood, but the roof and trunk scratches were too deep. While not gouges, they had scratched through the charcoal paint. Yes, the transport company is going to pay for the repairs, and are waiting for my 2 estimates.

Question - Can a repaint of the roof and trunk match the rest of the car and be unnoticeable? The first estimate I have is approximately $1,500, and they plan to "feather" the trunk paint over the fenders to "blend". Except for the scratches, the charcoal grey paint and finish of the car is like new. But I guess even a perfectly maintained car will fade a bit over 7 years. I hate to have any "patchwork" of repairs.

Does anybody have any suggestions about how to get the best results? Do I live with the small scratches for a couple of years?(No way!).

I gotta say, all the E500 / 500E enthusiasm of all the members is well founded. What a GREAT car. Only I wish it was still in the perfect condition as before the driver mistakenly drove along tree lined roads to my house. He should have asked me to meet him in a parking lot somewhere near the beltway, as his company's policy called for (no driving through residential streets.)

I'm in Potomac, Maryland, just outside DC / Va, if anybody has any body shop recomendations. Thanks for any ideas!