Mercedes-Benz M Series Touch Up Paint (8 OEM Colors)

The Color Breakdown

Mercedes-Benz clearly had a bit of fun with the M Series palette. With 23 colors recorded, they offered everything from the regal Imperial Red and the deep Azure Blue Pearl Metallic to the surprisingly lush Brilliant Emerald Pearl. You might also notice a lot of "Two-Tone" codes in the archives-that's because many of these SUVs featured different shades or matte finishes on the lower bumpers and side cladding. Whether yours is a classic Brilliant Silver or the moody Black Opal Pearl, Mercedes aimed for a finish that looked just as good at a gala as it did in a muddy driveway.

What to Watch For

Before you start, you need to find your "birth certificate"-the paint code. On the M Series, check the driver's side door jamb (the B-pillar) or look under the hood on the radiator support bar. You're looking for a three-digit number, like 040 for Black or 744 for Silver. Keep an eye on the leading edges of the hood; the M Series has a tall "forehead" that tends to catch every rock thrown its way. You may also see some clear coat wear on the roof or tiny bubbles around the door handles. Don't worry, though; catching these early with a touch-up pen is exactly how you keep a small chip from becoming a big headache.

Driveway Repair Tip

Because many of these colors-especially the Ruby Pearl and Black Opal-are packed with metallic flakes and pearls, they "settle" in the bottle while sitting on your shelf. Give your touch-up bottle or spray can a solid 60 to 90 seconds of vigorous shaking to wake up those sparkles; if you don't, the color might look a bit flat. When applying, remember that "less is more." Use the tip of the brush or a toothpick to fill just the chip itself. These German finishes are high-quality, but they require patience-applying two thin layers an hour apart will always look better than one giant blob that takes all day to dry.