ML Respray.

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Michel

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I bought a one-owner ML 320 a few months back.
It is a W163 2003 model known as an 'update' before Benz went to the W164 and fitted with factory seven seats!
Although a one-owner with log books and an impeccable service history, it was rather neglected in the body.
No rust whatsoever but a lot of little dings all over the sides and bumpers.
I had planned for it to be just a run around with not much money spent, however, I ended up getting things sorted out (thank you Helmet) and I was happy with the way it drove and handled.

But, the looks annoyed me (especially the dull headlights), so my faithful Jerry was entrusted in tidying it up.
That involved repairing all the dings, taking off the front and rear bumpers, door handles, lights, mirrors, etc. and a full respray!

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260ebenz

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Top work Michel and Jerry as well the ML will look top notch when finished.

Not even tempted to repaint the ML red Michel?
:D
 
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Michel

Michel

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More pics

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Michel

Michel

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Some more pics

Bonnet and bumper bars done!

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Michel

Michel

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Now, the masking begins!


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260ebenz

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Hello Michel top work look forward to the end results.

Bring the ML320 to the Concours next month?

Still overdue for the spin in the 6.9 forgot to say please.
 
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Michel

Michel

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Painted!

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The re-assembly begins tomorrow!
 
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Michel

Michel

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It looks good.

You were not tempted to change the colour to Red? :D

I was..... but that would have involved a lot of preparation as I would not accept just the outside to be painted.
I would have had to do the door jambs, inside the engine bay and the boot area.
And.... it is a car is not worth spending big on!
It's just an every day runabout that I just wanted looking decent. :D
 

Styria

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Well done. I am interested in the cost factor Michel - just south of $12000 ? Did you have many mechanical issues that you entrusted Helmet with ? As you know, maintenance and repairs on older Benzes, unless you have a friendly contact, can be quite expensive.

Anyhow, good to know that you now have a runabout that is not only reliable, but pleasing to the eye. Thanks for sharing. Regards Styria
 
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Michel

Michel

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Well done. I am interested in the cost factor Michel - just south of $12000 ? Did you have many mechanical issues that you entrusted Helmet with ? As you know, maintenance and repairs on older Benzes, unless you have a friendly contact, can be quite expensive.

Anyhow, good to know that you now have a runabout that is not only reliable, but pleasing to the eye. Thanks for sharing. Regards Styria

It was nowhere near that Godfather, I do get super mates rates.
And it was a quick paint job as there was absolutely no rust and not many repairs. It was a little more than half of that and done during down time.
Mechanically we had lights coming up on the dash and Helmet has to replace a sensor or two to turn them off.
The ML is great... not hot in summer (silver is a cool colour); has blue tooth for hands free telephone communication and all the mod cons.
Indeed Benzes and their spare parts are not cheap, but I was not interested in having another brand added to the fleet and the original purchase price was very cheap!
 

Oversize

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Don't you just love the look of new paint?? Looking forward to the finished project!
 
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Michel

Michel

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It’s been finished for months Mark. 😉
I just love seeing it , getting in it, driving it, etc.
 

260ebenz

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How are you Michel why not bring the freshly painted ML to the All German Day in a few weeks?
 

Oversize

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Pix? :)
 
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Michel

Michel

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How are you Michel why not bring the freshly painted ML to the All German Day in a few weeks?

The ML is just a runabout Tim.
Not worthy of a show day 😉
 
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