Cost for a Good Paint Job?

What should I expect to pay for a good paint job for my silver1993

190E?

The top, hood, and trunk have developed white "water marks" which no amount of buffing or waxing can remove. The shop recommended by the local Mercedes dealer would not give even a price range over the phone, and another shop said to expect $4K - $5K . That's about what the car is worth and while I like my 190E, I'm not sure I want to spend that kind of money on it.

Thanks, Will

Reply to
Will Deatrick
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If it isn't worth that much, you could get a decent (not perfect) paint job from your local Maaco. They have upgraded paint jobs up from their 249 special. It's good, but not great. Why put a $4000 paint job on a $5000 car?

Reply to
Sandjicpl

Stay away from paint shops that specialize in MB, BMW, Porshe, etc. as they will be high dollar. Try to find a good body/fender/paint shop in a smaller town. Their hourly labor rate will be much lower than a big city and many of these smaller shops take more pride in their work. You should be able to get a quality job for about $2500. A friend of mine has a shop and he does incredible paint work for that price. His prep is total, everything is taken off the car, he uses quality paint and materials.. He told me that he will have about $1000 in just materials alone for a 560 SEL size car. The rest is labor costs...and a reasonable profit for him. The idea that it cost $4K to $5K is riduclous. It can cost that much but it doesn't have too....shop around and do your homework and you will get a quality paint job at a fair price. And forget Maaco...even if you upgrade the price their painters are not used to doing real quality paint work...most of their stuff is pretty sloppy and you won't be happy.

Reply to
Rockman59

Thanks for the suggestions Sandjicpl and Rockman59. I guess I will put the $$ towards my new MB. I like the 190E but would prefer something a little larger.

Will

Reply to
Will Deatrick

OR, just shop for another 190E that is in much better condition and sell yours as well. You may end up with a much better overall car with better resale the second time around.

Satish

Reply to
Satish Tummala

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