This article dives deep into the meticulous detailing process of a beautiful Mercedes Benz Sl500 Roadster. While this Aegean Blue Metallic beauty boasted only 7,000 miles, its time spent primarily in the garage meant it was in need of a thorough clean-up. Although free of major swirl marks, the paintwork presented a collection of scratches and significant water spots, particularly on horizontal surfaces. The exterior also suffered from a common ailment: heavy brake dust accumulation on the wheels.
Recognizing that a dramatic paint correction wasn’t the primary focus, this detail aimed to highlight the often-overlooked aspects of car care. The goal was to document and educate on the smaller, yet crucial, areas that contribute to a truly pristine finish. Join us as we explore the step-by-step detailing journey of this Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster, from interior rejuvenation to exterior brilliance.
The detailing process began with the interior.
The SL500’s cockpit, while generally well-maintained and clean, was targeted for a comprehensive refresh. The strategy was to deep clean the dark interior surfaces and apply a layer of protection to maintain their condition. Starting with thorough vacuuming of carpets and floor mats, a solution of Woolite and water was prepared. Using microfiber towels, all interior surfaces were meticulously cleaned. Experience dictates that even seemingly clean convertible interiors, especially dark ones, harbor a surprising amount of dirt and contaminants. This proved true once again.
Following the initial surface cleaning, attention shifted to the often-neglected cracks and crevices. These areas were carefully cleaned to remove any accumulated debris, ensuring no detail was missed.
Alt text: Close-up of the Mercedes SL500 steering wheel showcasing detailed interior cleaning.
A notable feature of the SL500, the engine start/stop button located atop the shift knob, adds a touch of modern sophistication to the interior.
Alt text: Elegant wood grain trim and meticulously cleaned center console in the Mercedes Benz SL500 interior.
Alt text: Detailed view of the Mercedes SL500 dashboard highlighting the clean surfaces and luxurious design.
Even the air vents, often overlooked, received dedicated cleaning.
Alt text: Air vents of the Mercedes SL500 being meticulously cleaned with a detailing brush.
The driver’s seat, particularly the left bolster, is a common area for dirt and wear. Despite the low mileage, this SL500 was no exception, showing signs of dirt and denim dye transfer.
Alt text: Driver’s side leather seat of the Mercedes SL500 showing dirt accumulation before cleaning.
To address this, an all-purpose cleaner (APC) diluted to a 10:1 ratio was used, gently agitated with a leather brush to lift the embedded dirt and dye.
After cleaning, the leather surfaces throughout the interior were treated with Optimum Protectant Plus. This product was chosen for its non-greasy, matte finish that provides UV protection without leaving an artificial shine, maintaining a factory-fresh appearance.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 driver seat leather restored and protected after professional detailing.
Alt text: Close-up of the Mercedes SL500 interior door panel showcasing the detailed cleaning and finish.
Alt text: Immaculately detailed center console of the Mercedes SL500, highlighting the clean lines and surfaces.
Alt text: Detailed interior shot of the Mercedes SL500 dashboard and glove compartment area.
Door jambs and shuts are another area often overlooked in regular car washes. The SL500’s door shuts were no exception, exhibiting a build-up of dirt, dust, and grime.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 door shuts showing dirt and grime accumulation before detailing.
Optimum No Rinse (ONR) diluted to a quick detailer (QD) ratio in a spray bottle was used to effectively clean these areas.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 door jambs meticulously cleaned and detailed to a pristine condition.
Finally, the pedals, enduring constant contact with dirty shoes, were addressed. An APC and a brush were used to clean them, followed by a damp cloth to remove any residue. Care was taken to avoid leaving any greasy or slippery finish on the pedals, ensuring driver safety.
Alt text: Detailing process of the Mercedes SL500 pedals, ensuring a clean and non-slip surface.
With the interior revitalized, the focus shifted to the exterior of the Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster. The exterior detail addressed everything from the wheels and wheel wells to the paintwork and brightwork.
The exterior transformation began with a thorough pre-cleaning to remove loose dirt and grime.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 Aegean Blue Metallic exterior showing dirt and water spots before detailing.
The wheel wells were heavily soiled and presented a challenge due to their limited accessibility.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 wheel wells heavily coated in dirt and grime before the cleaning process.
A notable feature of the SL500 is its adjustable height suspension, offering three settings. Raising the suspension, as demonstrated here, provides increased clearance, making it easier to access and clean the wheel wells and side skirts during the detailing process. This feature is also practical for navigating steep driveways and inclines, preventing scraping.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 with its adjustable suspension raised to facilitate wheel well and side skirt detailing.
Wheel cleaning was the next crucial step. The SL500’s wheels were heavily coated in brake dust, requiring a dedicated approach.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 AMG wheels and tires heavily contaminated with brake dust and dirt before cleaning.
P21S Wheel Gel was applied to the rims and calipers, allowing it to dwell and break down the brake dust. Simultaneously, P21S Total Auto Wash (TAW) was sprayed onto the tires and wheel wells to loosen dirt and grime. This two-pronged approach ensures efficient cleaning of all wheel components.
Alt text: Application of P21S Gel Wheel Cleaner and P21S Total Auto Wash on the Mercedes SL500 AMG wheels.
Each wheel and wheel well received approximately 10-12 minutes of dedicated cleaning due to the heavy build-up. Brushes were used to agitate and remove the stubborn brake dust and grime.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 wheels thoroughly cleaned and detailed, showcasing the restored shine and finish.
After rinsing the wheels, water beading was observed, indicating the presence of existing wax or sealants. These protective layers need to be removed before polishing to ensure optimal polishing performance. Chemical Guys Wash & Clear, a citrus-based wash, was used at a paint prep ratio (2oz/gal) to strip these existing protectants. A Gilmour foam gun was used to apply a thick layer of foam, allowing the wash to dwell and further break down any remaining dirt and waxes. A two-bucket wash method, incorporating Grit Guards, was employed to prevent reintroducing dirt back onto the paint surface during the wash process, minimizing the risk of scratches.
Alt text: Gilmour foam gun applying Chemical Guys Citrus Wash & Clear to the Mercedes SL500 for thorough cleaning.
Following the wash, the paintwork was clayed using Optimum Instant Detailer as a lubricant. Claying removes embedded contaminants that washing alone cannot, leaving the paint smooth and ready for polishing. Significant contamination was found on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, highlighting the necessity of the claying process. The claying process took considerable time but was crucial for achieving a flawless finish.
To ensure a completely clean surface, a second foam wash was performed after claying to remove any clay residue and loosened contaminants, preparing the paint for polishing.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 paintwork with shampoo dwelling before the polishing stage of detailing.
While the paint was largely swirl-free, it exhibited random scratches and water spot etching, especially on horizontal panels. Menzerna PO203 Power Finish was selected for a one-step polishing process. This versatile polish provides both cutting power and a fine finish, suitable for removing minor imperfections and enhancing gloss in a single step. Multiple IPA (isopropyl alcohol) wipedowns were performed after polishing to ensure no fillers or masking agents were present, revealing the true correction achieved by the polish. A test section confirmed PO203 as the appropriate choice for this detail.
Alt text: Professional detailer polishing the paintwork of the Mercedes SL500 using Menzerna Power Finish.
The underside of the side skirts, often neglected, also received polishing attention. For these tighter areas, a smaller 4” white spot buff pad was used, ensuring thorough and precise polishing even in less accessible areas.
Alt text: Polishing the lower side skirt area of the Mercedes SL500 using Menzerna Power Finish and a spot buff pad.
The results after polishing with PO203S, without any LSP (Last Step Product) applied, revealed a significant improvement in paint clarity and defect removal.
Alt text: Paint finish of the Mercedes SL500 after polishing with Menzerna Power Finish, showing enhanced clarity and gloss.
The glass roof, prone to water spotting, was polished using a PC (Porter Cable) polisher with a white polishing pad and Optimum Poli-Seal. Optimum Poli-Seal provides mild cutting power to remove water spots while leaving behind a slick, protective finish that lasts for months, offering both correction and protection in one step.
Alt text: Polishing the panoramic glass roof of the Mercedes SL500 to remove water spots and enhance clarity.
The Aegean Blue Metallic paint showcased an interesting characteristic, shifting hues between grey and light blue depending on the light. A macro shot reveals the metallic flake detail within the paint.
Alt text: Macro shot of the Mercedes SL500’s Aegean Blue Metallic paint, highlighting the metallic flake and depth of color.
With polishing complete, an IPA wipedown was performed followed by an Optimum Instant Detailer wipedown to ensure a pristine, residue-free surface ready for sealant application. Optimum Opti-Seal was chosen as the sealant for its ease of application and natural look, avoiding the artificial plastic-like shine of some sealants. Its durability, proven through harsh winter conditions, makes it a reliable choice for long-lasting protection.
Opti-Seal was applied using a red applicator pad and allowed to cure before being buffed off with a soft microfiber towel and a light mist of Optimum Instant Detailer. This technique ensures even application and a streak-free finish.
Following the sealant, P21S 100% wax was applied by hand using a separate red applicator pad. While not the most durable wax, P21S 100% wax is prized for its exceptional finish, ease of application, and quick removal. Its short cure time allows for immediate buffing after application, streamlining the waxing process.
Often overlooked, the underside of the trunk lid above the license plate was addressed. This area had accumulated years of grime.
Alt text: Underside of the Mercedes SL500 trunk lid showing grime accumulation before cleaning.
After cleaning, the difference is striking.
Alt text: Underside of the Mercedes SL500 trunk lid meticulously cleaned and detailed.
Even the emblems were heavily soiled with embedded dirt that washing alone couldn’t remove.
Alt text: Mercedes Benz emblem coated in dirt and grime before detailing and polishing.
The emblems were polished using a PC polisher with a white pad and Menzerna 106FA polish. All-in-one products like Optimum Poli-Seal or Klasse AIO are also effective for emblem polishing, offering cleaning and protection in a single step.
Alt text: Mercedes Benz emblem polished and detailed to a brilliant shine, removing embedded dirt.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 model badge showing dirt and oxidation before detailing.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 model badge restored to a pristine condition after detailed polishing.
The exhaust tips were also in poor condition. They were first cleaned with P21S TAW and 0000 steel wool to remove heavy carbon build-up, followed by polishing to restore their shine.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 exhaust tips heavily soiled and tarnished before detailing.
After cleaning and polishing, the exhaust tips gleamed.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 exhaust tips cleaned and polished to a mirror shine, completing the detail.
The transformation is complete. Below are after-shots of the meticulously detailed Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster.
Alt text: Indoor shot of the fully detailed 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster showcasing its pristine condition.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 Roadster in Aegean Blue Metallic detailed to perfection, captured in a garage setting.
Alt text: Front view of the gleaming 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster after a comprehensive detailing service.
Alt text: Side profile of the meticulously detailed 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 highlighting the smooth paint and clean wheels.
Alt text: Angled shot of the 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster showcasing the depth of shine and reflection after detailing.
Alt text: Rear angled view of the detailed Mercedes SL500 Roadster emphasizing the clean lines and polished finish.
Alt text: Close-up of the impeccably detailed wheels of the 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster.
Alt text: Moody indoor shot of the detailed 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 interior showcasing the rich black surfaces.
Alt text: Reflection shot on the hood of the 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster after paint correction and detailing.
Alt text: Detailed shot of the tire shine on the 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster after professional tire dressing application.
Alt text: Sunlight reflecting flawlessly on the trunk lid of the detailed 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster, highlighting defect-free paint.
Alt text: Sunlight reflection on the side panel of the 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster, demonstrating the corrected and polished paintwork.
Alt text: Outdoor shot of the 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 hood showcasing the deep gloss and reflection after detailing.
Alt text: Front angled outdoor shot of the 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster, highlighting its Aegean Blue Metallic paint in sunlight.
Alt text: Outdoor side view of the 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster after detailing, emphasizing the clean lines and vibrant color.
Alt text: Rear view of the 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster detailed to perfection, showing the polished exhaust tips and flawless finish.
Alt text: Outdoor shot capturing the reflection and wet look of the detailed 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster paintwork.
Alt text: Rear driver’s side view of the 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster after professional detailing.
Alt text: Outdoor angled shot of the 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster showcasing the overall cleanliness and shine.
Alt text: Close-up outdoor shot of the detailed Mercedes Benz SL500 badge, highlighting its polished finish.
The total time invested in this comprehensive Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster detail was 11 hours, a testament to the meticulous approach and attention to detail required to achieve such a result.
