The Mercedes-Benz SL500, especially in the captivating Aegean Blue Metallic, is a roadster that exudes class and power. Boasting a 302HP engine and 339ft/lb of torque, this model, often enhanced with the AMG Sport Package, offers a driving experience that feels inherently “right.” When the owner of this particular low-mileage (7,000 miles) 2006 Mercedes SL500 contacted us, the mission was clear: to restore its garage-kept beauty to its former glory with a comprehensive detailing service.
Upon initial inspection, it was evident that while the paintwork was thankfully free of swirl marks, it wasn’t without its imperfections. Scratches and a significant accumulation of water spots marred the horizontal surfaces. Adding to this, the exterior was coated in a layer of general grime, most notably heavy brake dust clinging to the wheels.
Knowing that a full paint correction wasn’t necessary, and thus dramatic before-and-after paint transformation photos wouldn’t be the highlight, we shifted our focus. Our goal became to meticulously document the often-overlooked areas in car detailing, providing an educational insight for enthusiasts looking to enhance their own car care knowledge. Prepare for a photo-rich journey as we delve into the intricate detailing process of this stunning 2006 Mercedes SL500.
First on the agenda was the interior.
The SL500’s cockpit, while in respectable condition, was due for a thorough refresh. Our strategy revolved around deep cleaning the dark interior surfaces and applying protective layers to maintain that pristine finish. Starting with a meticulous vacuuming of the carpets and floor mats, we then prepared a gentle cleaning solution of Woolite and water. Using microfiber towels, we methodically cleaned every surface within the interior. Experience dictates that even seemingly clean convertible interiors, especially those with dark hues, harbor surprising amounts of dirt and contaminants. This proved true once again.
Post-surface cleaning, we turned our attention to the often-neglected cracks and crevices, ensuring all loose debris was removed.
Alt text: Close-up of a Mercedes SL500 steering wheel showcasing detailed interior cleaning.
A noteworthy feature is the engine start/stop button elegantly integrated into the top of the shift knob.
Alt text: Polished wood grain trim in the interior of a 2006 Mercedes SL500 after professional detailing.
Alt text: Detailed view of the center console in a meticulously cleaned Mercedes SL500.
Ventilation grilles, often dust traps, received special attention.
Alt text: Detailing professional cleaning air vents in a 2006 Mercedes SL500 interior.
The driver’s seat, particularly the left bolster, typically bears the brunt of ingress and egress, accumulating dirt and dye transfer. Even with a mere 7,000 miles, this SL500 was no exception, displaying denim dye transfer and general grime.
Alt text: Before cleaning, a Mercedes SL500 leather seat showing dirt and denim dye transfer.
To address this, we employed an All-Purpose Cleaner (APC) diluted to a 10:1 ratio, gently working it into the leather with a dedicated leather brush.
Following cleaning, we treated all leather surfaces, including the previously soiled driver’s seat, with Optimum Protectant Plus. This product is favored for its UV protection and non-greasy, natural-looking finish, preserving the leather’s original appearance rather than adding artificial shine.
Alt text: After detailing, a clean and protected Mercedes SL500 driver’s seat showing restored leather.
Alt text: Interior detail of the dashboard and passenger side of a detailed 2006 Mercedes SL500.
Alt text: Close-up of the door panel in a Mercedes SL500 interior after professional car detailing.
Alt text: Detailed interior shot of the center console and seats of a 2006 Mercedes SL500 after cleaning.
Door shuts, often overlooked, were also laden with accumulated dirt, dust, and grime.
Alt text: Door jamb of a Mercedes SL500 before detailing, showing dirt buildup.
These areas were meticulously cleaned using Optimum No Rinse (ONR) diluted as a quick detailer (QD) in a spray bottle.
Alt text: Clean door jamb of a Mercedes SL500 after detailing, highlighting the detailed cleaning.
Finally, the pedals, enduring constant contact with dirty footwear, were addressed. An APC and a brush effectively lifted the grime, followed by a damp cloth wipe-down to eliminate any residue. Careful product selection is crucial for pedals, avoiding greasy or slippery finishes that could compromise driving safety. And yes, the smudge on the trim above the pedals was also caught and cleaned!
Alt text: Car detailing process: cleaning the pedals of a Mercedes SL500.
With the interior revitalized, we moved to the exterior. While full paint correction wasn’t the focus, certain areas provided compelling before-and-after visuals, allowing us to showcase the impact of meticulous detailing across different stages.
The exterior of this Mercedes was undeniably in need of a thorough cleaning.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 exterior before car detailing, showing general dirt and grime.
Wheel wells were particularly dirty and challenging to access.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 wheel well before cleaning, heavily soiled with road grime.
A standout feature of the SL500 is its adjustable height suspension, offering three settings. This can be raised to navigate steep inclines and, crucially for detailing, provides enhanced access to wheel wells and side skirts. Here, the suspension is fully raised for optimal detailing access.
Alt text: 2006 Mercedes SL500 with adjustable suspension raised to facilitate wheel well and side skirt detailing.
Wheel cleaning is always the initial step in exterior detailing. As anticipated, these wheels presented a significant cleaning task.
Alt text: Heavily brake dust covered wheels and tires of a Mercedes SL500 before detailing.
P21S Wheel Gel was applied to the rims and calipers, working one side of the car at a time, and allowed to dwell. Simultaneously, P21S Total Auto Wash (TAW) was sprayed onto the tires and wheel wells.
Alt text: P21S wheel gel and total auto wash products being used to clean Mercedes AMG wheels.
Each wheel and wheel well demanded approximately 10-12 minutes of dedicated cleaning due to the heavy build-up of dirt and brake dust. Brushes were used to access and clean within the wheel well areas.
Alt text: After detailing, Mercedes AMG wheels shine with a deep clean and restored finish.
Following rinsing, water beading was observed, indicating the presence of existing waxes or sealants. These needed to be removed to ensure proper paint polishing. Chemical Guys Wash & Clear at a paint prep ratio (2oz/gal) was used to aid in stripping these. A Gilmour foam gun was used to pre-soak the car, followed by a two-bucket wash system, incorporating CGWC in the wash bucket. Given the heavy contamination, the wash mitt was thoroughly rinsed in the dedicated rinse bucket with a Grit Guard after each section to prevent reintroducing dirt to the paint.
Alt text: Applying foam wash to a Mercedes SL500 using a Gilmour foam gun during the detailing process.
After washing, the car was clayed using Optimum Instant Detailer as a lubricant. A high-quality lubricant is paramount during claying to prevent marring. Significant contamination was found on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, necessitating thorough claying to achieve a smooth surface ready for polishing.
To ensure a pristine surface, a second foam wash was performed post-claying, leaving the paint “squeaky clean” and prepped for polishing.
Alt text: Car shampoo dwelling on the surface of a Mercedes SL500, preparing for polishing.
While swirl-free, the paint exhibited random scratches and water spot etching, particularly on horizontal panels. Menzerna PO203 was chosen for a one-step polishing process. This versatile polish offers both effective cutting power when paired with the correct pad and a finish ready for Last Step Products (LSP). Multiple IPA wipedowns were performed afterward to ensure no fillers or masking effects were present.
Alt text: Car detailing expert Todd Cooperider polishing the paintwork of a Mercedes SL500.
Undersides of side skirts are often overlooked in detailing. These tight areas were polished using a 4” white spot buff pad. An exercise mat provided cushioning for working in these lower areas.
Alt text: Using Menzerna Power Finish to polish the lower side skirt area of a Mercedes SL500.
The result after PO203S polishing, before LSP application.
Alt text: Inspecting the paint finish of a Mercedes SL500 after polishing with Menzerna Power Finish, before sealant application.
The glass roof was polished to remove heavy water spotting using a PC polisher, a white polishing pad, and Optimum Poli-Seal. Optimum Poli-Seal provides sufficient cut for glass cleaning, leaving a slick, protected finish for months.
Alt text: Polishing the panoramic glass roof of a Mercedes SL500 to remove water spots and enhance clarity.
The Aegean Blue Metallic paint is a dynamic color, shifting between grey and light blue depending on light conditions. This macro shot reveals the flake detail within the paint.
Alt text: Macro detail shot of the Aegean Blue Metallic paint on a Mercedes SL500, showing metallic flake.
Post-polishing, an IPA wipedown was followed by an Optimum Instant Detailer wipedown to prepare the surface for sealant. Optimum Opti-seal, a preferred sealant for its ease of application and natural finish (avoiding a plasticized look), was applied using a red applicator pad. After curing, it was buffed with a soft MF towel and a light mist of Optimum Instant Detailer.
Following sealant application, P21S 100% wax was applied by hand with a separate red applicator pad. While not the most durable wax, P21S 100% delivers an exceptional finish, easy application, and quick removal, requiring minimal cure time.
The underside of the trunk lid, above the license plate, is another frequently missed area. This area had accumulated approximately three years of grime.
Alt text: Underside of a Mercedes SL500 trunk lid before detailing, showing accumulated grime and dirt.
After cleaning.
Alt text: Underside of a Mercedes SL500 trunk lid after detailing, showing a clean and grime-free surface.
Even the emblems presented cleaning challenges beyond simple surface dirt.
Alt text: Mercedes emblem before detailing, showing dirt and oxidation buildup.
Emblems were polished using a PC polisher, a white pad, and 106FA polish. All-in-one products like Optimum Poli-Seal or Klasse AIO are also effective for emblem polishing.
Alt text: Mercedes emblem after detailing, showing restored shine and cleanliness.
Before:
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 badge before detailing, with visible dirt and grime.
After:
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 badge after detailing, with a clean and polished finish.
Exhaust tips were also in need of attention. They were cleaned using P21S TAW and 0000 steel wool, followed by polishing.
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 exhaust tips before detailing, showing carbon buildup and dullness.
After:
Alt text: Mercedes SL500 exhaust tips after detailing, polished to a bright shine.
The final results speak for themselves. These initial after-shots were taken indoors due to persistent cloudy and rainy weather. The owner graciously allowed the car to remain for a few extra days until sunlight permitted outdoor photography.
Alt text: Showroom quality shine on a 2006 Mercedes SL500 after professional car detailing.
Alt text: Detailed 2006 Mercedes SL500 in Aegean Blue Metallic, showcasing depth and clarity of paint.
Alt text: Impeccably detailed 2006 Mercedes SL500 interior and exterior.
Alt text: Professionally detailed 2006 Mercedes SL500 with enhanced paint gloss and reflection.
Alt text: High-quality car detailing results on a 2006 Mercedes SL500, highlighting paint correction and protection.
Alt text: Luxury car detailing on a 2006 Mercedes SL500, achieving a flawless finish.
Alt text: Close-up of a perfectly detailed wheel on a 2006 Mercedes SL500.
Moody indoor shots reveal the depth of the finish.
Alt text: Indoor shot of a 2006 Mercedes SL500 after detailing, emphasizing paint reflectivity.
Alt text: Mirror-like reflection on the hood of a detailed 2006 Mercedes SL500.
Alt text: Tire shine and detailed wheel of a 2006 Mercedes SL500 after professional detailing service.
Finally, with the sun making an appearance, we captured more images showcasing the true brilliance of the Aegean Blue Metallic paint. While this color doesn’t always lend itself to extreme reflection shots, the results are nonetheless striking.
Flawless trunk lid.
Alt text: Sun reflecting off the trunk lid of a defect-free 2006 Mercedes SL500 after detailing.
Immaculate side panel.
Alt text: Sunlit side panel of a 2006 Mercedes SL500 showcasing the detailed paint finish.
Perfect hood.
Alt text: Sun-drenched hood of a 2006 Mercedes SL500, reflecting a clear sky after detailing.
Alt text: Exterior of a 2006 Mercedes SL500 detailed to perfection, under natural sunlight.
Alt text: 2006 Mercedes SL500 exterior, detailed and gleaming in the sunlight.
Alt text: Rear view of a 2006 Mercedes SL500 after a comprehensive car detailing service.
Reflection and wetness combined.
Alt text: Wet look and deep reflections on the paint of a 2006 Mercedes SL500 after detailing.
Alt text: Driver’s side rear view of a 2006 Mercedes SL500, highlighting the detailed finish and paint clarity.
Alt text: Side profile of a 2006 Mercedes SL500, showcasing the results of professional car detailing.
Finally…
Alt text: Close-up of the Mercedes SL500 badge, perfectly clean and detailed.
Total detailing time: 11 hours.
For any questions or further discussion, please feel free to leave a comment below.
