E500 scratched by low trees during transport - Repaint??

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!

[Ethan]

Wagonwork Corp

3406 jefferson davis highway

alexandria, va 22305

(703) 684 2985


www.wagonworkcollision.com

I live in baltimore, and over the past four years have had two minor incidents that needed painting. I would not have been content having any local shops working on the car.

[-fad]

Welcome GT-

If it were my E500- - I'd get it refinished properly (repaint)

Good luck and let us know what turns out.
-fad

[Michael]

A competent shop can match it perfectly, and no ins. co on the Planet will pop for a complete respray, which'd run no less than $6k done right. Sounds like you have under $2k in damage; get a good shop to do it and you'll never know they were there

FWIW my shop in RI matched my 040 Black, which a PO had neglected-amazing what they can do when they have the right tools and know-how!

[New2Mercedes]

GT-

I concur with others that this car is worth a repaint. I also live in DC area and have had work done at American Service Center and was impressed by their level of detail. I am also very fastidious about paintwork/bodywork and they did a EXCELLENT job of matching and blending paint for my Cab...In fact it looked 100% better than when it was delivered to me. I am always leary about recommending a place for work but I encourage you to check them out at least for an estimate but if you are fastidious about your car and willing to expend some time to "manage" them you won't be disappointed.

I have not had faith in non-Mercedes body shops as I am not sure they have the ability to truly match the paint colors. I encourage you to contact ASC in Arlington if you are still looking.

Good Luck!