Red shades to avoid

[colinallcars]

We’re thinking about getting a GLA and many of the ones for sale are red. Lots of issues are reported regarding problems, is there a definitive list of the shades to avoid?

 

[ALFAitalia]

I though it was just Fire Opal red and Jupiter Red....solid reds only.....metallic like Hyacinth are OK.....but this is based just on what I've read on this forum....never owned a re Mercedes myself. Experts will be along shortly to correct me !!!!

 

[Chrishazle]

You can add carneol red metallic to that list, problems with lacquer failure rather than actual paint, MB not interested. In the past 4-5 years had bonnet and roof resprayed, under 2 years later paint shop had to re-do the roof FOC due to lacquer failure, 2 years later (March this year) had bonnet and tailgate spoiler resprayed, rear passenger door plus panels either side plus both wing mirrir back casings could do with repainting, plus the black strips either side of the windscreen (which may extend the length of the roof) the lacquer has failed!

 

[AMGeed]

Mars Red is to be avoided as well. But a modern GLA should not be affected with any red paint problem.
Indeed it appears the only red option is Patagonia Red, an £825 option when new according to Car Wow.

Mercedes-Benz GLA Colours | Free & Paid Options

Browse and view all the available colours for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and find out how much the different paint options cost.

www.carwow.co.uk

 

[colinallcars]

Mars Red is to be avoided as well. But a modern GLA should not be affected with any red paint problem.
Indeed it appears the only red option is Patagonia Red, an £825 option when new according to Car Wow.

Mercedes-Benz GLA Colours | Free & Paid Options

Browse and view all the available colours for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and find out how much the different paint options cost.

www.carwow.co.uk

I’m looking at used, 2018-2020. Is that new enough to avoid problems?

 

[Chrishazle]

Mars Red is the USA version of Fire Opal Red in UK. I would hope that the millions that the Fire Opal Red fiasco cost MB in about 2007-2012 they would have fixed the problem by now!

 

[E55BOF]

Hyacinth Red is OK. My 2014 CLS in that colour is still fine.

 

[ALFAitalia]

I think the metallics are generally fine......

 

[colinallcars]

Went to look at two GLAs today, both Jupiter red.

The first one wasn’t at the showroom, it was with MB for a recall to be carried out. I asked the salesman about the paint problem. He openly said that they’ve had a few cars exhibiting it but MB recognised the issue and fixed it as appropriate. They had another Jupiter red one (but not of the spec we want) on the forecourt showing no signs of paint deterioration. He will call me when they get the car back.

On to the second showroom where the salesman was most apologetic, they didn’t have the car either - it was with MB for a full respray! This was on a 2019 car so the problem was still out there at this time but doesn’t affect every car in this colour.

Wife doesn’t want a black, grey or silver one so the choice is already limited, more so if I discount red ones.

 

[E55BOF]

Jupiter Red, Mars Red?

Same world different planet...

 

[GeeJayW]

I've not seen any mention of issues with Designo Hyacinth Red Metallic and our 2016 C-Class has no paint issues.

We had first hand experience of micro-blistering on a 2015 C-Class Coupe at about 18-months old.

Have you considered a blue one?

 

[barlow21]

what are the problems with that specific colour?

 

[GeeJayW]

what are the problems with that specific colour?

The issues are microblistering and lacquer peeling. A bare-metal respray is apparently the only fix and at one time MB would cover the cost. Don’t know if they still do.

Just google ‘Mercedes Fire Opal Red paint problems’ and you’ll get loads of hits, including:

Fire Opal Red ? | General Discussion

Hi I’d picked up in a few threads that a number of W204 cars had problems with the Fire Opal Red paint finish and were often repainted under MB Warranty. Was this a problem with all W204 cars or did it only affect certain models/years? Any information would be much appreciated. Andy

forums.mbclub.co.uk

 

[colinallcars]

Arranged to test drive another one today, this time a 2020 model. About an hour later the salesman called back; they have withdrawn the car from sale as there are signs of peeling lacquer. Another one off for a full respray at MB’s cost and red definitely off our list of colour options.

 

[AMGeed]

Arranged to test drive another one today, this time a 2020 model. About an hour later the salesman called back; they have withdrawn the car from sale as there are signs of peeling lacquer. Another one off for a full respray at MB’s cost and red definitely off our list of colour options.

Do you know which shade of red the car had?
Might be useful for me for a future purchase.

 

[Chrishazle]

Makes a pleasant change for MB to admit a lacquer peel problem, I've had that for quite a few years on my 2008 C220 and got precisely nowhere with MB, so far it's cost me about £1500 and I still have a NS passenger door and adjoining panels, wing mirror covers and windscreen trims to think about!

 

[colinallcars]

Makes a pleasant change for MB to admit a lacquer peel problem, I've had that for quite a few years on my 2008 C220 and got precisely nowhere with MB, so far it's cost me about £1500 and I still have a NS passenger door and adjoining panels, wing mirror covers and windscreen trims to think about!

I’ve only been to major dealerships, they seem to be playing ball with them.

 

[colinallcars]

Do you know which shade of red the car had?
Might be useful for me for a future purchase.

As mentioned above, seems to be solid colours.