Holograms On Brand New A Class!

[samtaverner]

Hi guys,

I was wondering if I could have a few opinions please. I picked up a brand new 2021 A200d 3 weeks ago and everything was great until I had the car washed, I noticed some marks appeared when sun light hit the paintwork at different angles, I have spoken to a few detailers and they are adamant that it has had some machine polishing done to it which causes holograms in the paintwork. It was just strange how before I had it washed I didn’t notice. Is this something that you’d expect after being handed a brand new car? Advice would be greatly appreciated!

Many Thanks

 

[MrGreedy]

Wow! That is impressive (not in a good way).
My view is, buying any car from any main stream dealer and expect the paintwork to be in poor condition. New. Old. Whatever. Flipping metal is dealer speciality. Looking after customers and their cars are often not (unfortunately). That's why there are so many great independent garage specialist and detailing specialists these days.

It might be a different story buying from a specialist exotica dealer or ultra expensive classics.

 

[headsforthinking]

Hello,
Yes, unfortunately machine polishing can leave those marks when not done properly. The question would be why a new car would need machine polished.
Having worked in quite a few main dealers (not MB), it is not uncommon to have slight defects corrected prior to the PDI and customer handover.
I'm sure someone more familiar with preparing MB cars for sale will be able to give a better interpretation of the process.

 

[Bigdrew]

Who ever machine polished it did certainly not know what they were doing I dare say it must have had some perfections when it got delivered its surprising how many new car have them one way or another we get a lot of new cars with scratches etc in my work

 

[ChipChop]

There is no panel joint in the area of the paint blemish so sunken factory bondo is not the explanation.

 

[samtaverner]

It is going back to Mercedes on Friday to be looked into further. Mercedes tried playing it off saying it looks like it’s due to a poor clean and under the sunlight it really shows, so they have asked me to bring it in to wash and polish if needed free of charge

 

[whitenemesis]

You say "you had the car washed", by whom?
Take it back and ask that they fix it. Or suggest you get a reputable detailer in to sort it at their cost.

 

[Will]

That’s not washing inflicted though. Clearly polishing holograms there. How is the rest of the car or is it only on that one area?

I’d probably get some paint depth readings taken first if that were mine - hopefully something minor that can be sorted out easily, but still not ideal for a brand new car?

 

[Will]

Have a close look for any compound/polish residue - eg around the fuel filler and the seals near the rear hatch?

 

[samtaverner]

That’s not washing inflicted though. Clearly polishing holograms there. How is the rest of the car or is it only on that one area?

I’d probably get some paint depth readings taken first if that were mine - hopefully something minor that can be sorted out easily, but still not ideal for a brand new car?

I’m pretty sure it’s only in that one area. I know I’m quite gutted actually, I just hope they resolve it for me!

 

[kam09]

It's not really a surprise really.. as someone above mentioned, they must have had the need to get that section polished due to damage or imperfection.. however looks like they have attacked it with a rotary polisher and a typical bodyshop cutting compound and then not refined the paintwork after hence the hologram effect.. I would tell the dealer I want an independent detailer to sort the paintwork at the dealers expense..

 

[samtaverner]

You say "you had the car washed", by whom?
Take it back and ask that they fix it. Or suggest you get a reputable detailer in to sort it at their cost.

It was washed by someone who’s been washing my car for years, with no problems at all.

 

[whitenemesis]

It was washed by someone who’s been washing my car for years, with no problems at all.

They didn't bring it to your attention, they must have seen it when they cleaned the car?
Hopefully the dealership sorts it for you

 

[grober]

The factory applied film to protect the paintwork during transit or temporary storage in large distribution centres/dockside may not have been totally removed before finishing for sale. this might give rise to the effects you are seeing?

Exterior Archives - UF Car Care & Detailing Blog

 

[chic0821]

I never let the dealer prepare my new cars. I tell them to leave the transit packing etc on & arrange for my detailer to pick up the car & work his magic. The car valeters in the dealership are never given sufficient time to do a proper job. Not their fault as its an expense the dealers don't want. Do not let them persuade you to buy "Supaguard" or whatever its called as its rubbish & leaves white residue around the edges. Spend your money with a professional detailer

 

[mioba]

It is going back to Mercedes on Friday to be looked into further. Mercedes tried playing it off saying it looks like it’s due to a poor clean and under the sunlight it really shows, so they have asked me to bring it in to wash and polish if needed free of charge

Jesus, wouldnt let them do that. Never