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Mercedes-Benz C-Class and C-Class AMG: How to Find a Good Paint Shop

Don't let a paint shop take you for a ride. Before making an appointment, be sure you have all the facts you need.

By William Henderson - May 12, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and C-Class AMG (2007-2014).

Picking the right paint shop can be as vexing as picking your Mercedes itself. You don’t want one that will hold your car hostage for weeks on end, but you also don’t want to settle for the first one that can get you in. Finding that balance takes a little pre-work, some savvy research, spending the time you need to make the best choice, and even a willingness to negotiate – especially if the decision comes down to which of two shops will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Researching costs nothing, but the paint job itself can cost between $5,000 and $7,000 (for a nice paint job that isn't show quality) or upwards of between $10,000 and $14,000 (for a show-quality finish).

Materials Needed

  • Internet connection
  • Computer

Step 1 – Do your homework

There’s no reason to take your car to the first paint shop you find online. Instead, look for paint shops within a specific number of miles in proximity to where you live and/or work. To refine your search, look for paint shops that specialize in working with Mercedes-Benz vehicles. If you prepare by doing some research, this process will be that much more convenient and the outcome satisfactory.

Step 2 – Solicit opinions

Chances are you’re not the first person in your area to look for a paint shop for a C-Class, and you may even know someone who has taken in their Mercedes for a paint job. Asking around is one way to help whittle a lengthy list down to a more manageable list of potential paint shops to use. Consider looking for people who took in their cars for the same reason as you. The final result for someone who wanted to refresh or change the color of the car may be different for someone who took in their car after an accident. Also, consider asking about any special services someone got. Did they ask for a phosphate dip or e-coat? Did they ask the shop to use a specific primer? Did the shop use a color coat and top coat or just a color coat? The information you get from customer opinions can definitely help you decide which shop to use.

Figure 1. Be sure to have a list of questions ready, such as the number of coats the shop used and if he or she was happy with the finished product from day one.

Step 3 – Visit the shops

Before making an appointment, be sure to visit the paint shops. You don’t want to just drop off your ride and hope that it comes back the way you want it. Mercedes-Benz, for example, boasts of the great high-quality care it delivers. The team members it uses to paint cars must wear special suits and headgear, and are cleaned in a “clean room” before they’re allowed to enter the paint shop. Don’t expect every paint shop in your area to take these extreme measures, but the shop should have a plan in place to minimize your car’s exposure to potential contaminants like dust. Also, ask about the type of paint the shop uses. Though Mercedes-Benz has an official paint, you likely won’t be able to tell a difference if your local shop uses a different brand. Even if you asked others about whether the shop uses a primer, color, and top coat, ask the shop as well. Also find out if they will perform a phosphate dip or e-coat. Both are services Mercedes-Benz offers in its paint shop – just don't be surprised if your local shop can't measure up.

Figure 2. Visit the shops you're thinking about using before making an appointment. You want to see how the shop will store and treat your car while it's with them.

Step 4 – Check references

Unless you’re planning to use a paint shop someone you know has used, consider asking the shop for contact information for one or two “satisfied” customers. Before calling, jot down a few questions to ask, such as if they were satisfied with the paint job from day one, if the shop needed more time than expected, and if they would take back their vehicle in the future. Be wary of shops that don’t have good word of mouth. Chances are if a former customer won’t consider going back, then you’re better off taking your business elsewhere.

Figure 3. You wouldn't hire an employee without checking references, so don't pick a paint shop without doing the same.

Step 5 – Get the best price

Before making your appointment, ask for a quote. The shop may be able to give you a ballpark idea of price over the phone, but you may need to bring in your car to get a more accurate quote. Also ask how long the paint job will take. Don’t expect the shop to return your car on the same day or even one day later, but the shop shouldn’t need two or three weeks to complete the job either. Be sure to ask about any warranty the shop offers. If you’ve narrowed your list down to your top two favorites, then this final step is a good way to make your decision.

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