The automotive industry is full of abbreviation and acronyms. They’re everywhere, they’re inescapable, and for the most part, they’re not all that important. We’ve seen just about every this-type and that-line you can possibly imagine, and while a majority of these alphabetical additions tend to just denote variations on standard equipment or options, every once in a while, something special comes along. Something with lineage. What started as a small office in the late 1960s for developing, designing, and engineering racing engines specifically for Mercedes-built vehicles, quickly evolved into one of the most widely recognized performance powerhouses we all have come to know & love today as “AMG.” It’s safe to say that Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher might have had an idea of what the future of AMG would look like, but chances are not even they could have imagined something as spectacular as what now resides at Mercedes-Benz of Lynnwood. Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
We work closely with MB Lynnwood to ensure their inventory is well protected with a wide variety of XPEL Ultimate clear bra packages, so when this fully-optioned out SLS AMG Black Series arrived straight from the factory, we were excited to assist in preparing it for display in their upper-level showroom. This SLS takes everything that is great about AMG, and cranks it to 11. Drawing inspiration from the SLS AMG GT3, the Black Series features massive ceramic brakes, carbon fiber everything, titanium exhaust, a bump to 622 hp, and much, much more. With how much time & technology went in to crafting this spectacular machine, it seemed necessary that we show it an equal amount of affection in crafting the perfect detail to get the SLS looking its best.
We work closely with MB Lynnwood to ensure their inventory is well protected with a wide variety of XPEL Ultimate clear bra packages, so when this fully-optioned out SLS AMG Black Series arrived straight from the factory, we were excited to assist in preparing it for display in their upper-level showroom. This SLS takes everything that is great about AMG, and cranks it to 11. Drawing inspiration from the SLS AMG GT3, the Black Series features massive ceramic brakes, carbon fiber everything, titanium exhaust, a bump to 622 hp, and much, much more. With how much time & technology went in to crafting this spectacular machine, it seemed necessary that we show it an equal amount of affection in crafting the perfect detail to get the SLS looking its best. Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
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Once we had our fun ogling over every inch of it outside, we pulled the Black Series into the wash bay for an extra foamy 24-step hand wash. After the bath & clay bar decontamination, we scoured over the paintwork for flaws & points of correction. The car had reportedly been buffed & polished from the factory, but sadly, it sure didn’t look that way under hard lighting. Wash scratches are one thing, but this Black Series had taken a considerable lashing somewhere down the line. Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection There were plenty of swirls, hazing, and halos abound. It seemed it would take a little more than a simple single stage polish to put the black back in Black Series. Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
We’re not entirely sure how this type of condition constitutes being “buffed” or “polished” by any definition really, but fortunately enough the damage was still within the realm of correction Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
Typically a New Car Detail consists of a single stage polish & synthetic sealant, but this Black Series deserved something more. After Mike had assessed the worst of it, he set to work on the SLS’s multi-stage treatment & reconditioned all the painted surfaces to a state that’s better than new! Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
In the meantime, our resident paint protection expert, Tim, put together a form-fitting pattern for the carbon sills that hide beneath those iconic gull wing doors. Given how wide the car is, the sills offer up a pretty large surface area that could easily be scratched by anyone entering or exiting the vehicle. Even if they’re not optioned in carbon, it’s still a good idea to keep them protected & carefully wrapped up with some XPEL Ultimate self healing film. Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
Once Mike had worked over all the painted surfaces, we busted out the LEDs for a final inspection of the paintwork. Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
The multi-stage correction treatment worked wonders at elevating all the heavy scratching scratches & fogginess from the beautiful metallic finish, and there are no swirls left to spot. Without a doubt, this Black Series is by far one of the blackest around! Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
Before we had to send the AMG back to her new 2nd story home at MB Lynnwood, we were lucky enough to spend a considerable amount of time getting up close & personal in our photo studio. It’s not every day that we get to experience an SLS Black Series, and given that production has long since halted, it seems the chances of getting one in front of the lens is becoming even more rare. Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
The SLS Black Series is without a doubt the type of car that commands presence. The long snout, low slung roof line & shapely rear end make for a silhouette that speaks to the Mercedes design lineage, echoing back the likenesses of the 300 SL, and even carrying over cues from the ever-popular SLR McLaren. Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
Once inside, we get to see more of what modern day AMG has evolved in to, beyond the realm of pure performance. The interior is adorned with a combinations of supple leather & alcantara from the seats to the door panels, dash, and on the flat bottomed race-inspired wheel. Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
The cabin is tight, but form fitting & functional. The use of soft materials is set off beautifully with tasteful contrast stitching, lots of polished aluminum, and even more immaculate carbon weave that pulls the whole package together from inside out. When done right, there simply is no substitute for the appeal of meticulously crafted CF components. Vinyl could never look this good. All the more reason to protect it with XPEL Ultimate self healing film! Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
The new paint protection on the door sills is nearly invisible to the naked eye. Covering the wide step-zones with XPEL didn’t affect the clarity of the weave in the slightest; it will help preserve the look of the CF underneath, improve longevity, and protect from any “foot draggers” or potentially dangerous heels & shoe hardware that might scratch or damage the surface area when stepping in to the cockpit. Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
We’re not entirely sure what the top speed on this particular AMG is, but if the gauges are any indicator, it seems safe to file this one under “fast.” With an excess of 600 horsepower and 7 gears to work with, chances are the SLS AMG Black Series will get you to where you need to be quicker than you can say “motorenbau und entwicklungsgesellschaft.” Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
From behind, the view only gets better. The carbon wing & aircraft-grade supports are the perfect mix of DTM meets Eurofighter, while the titanium exhaust looks right at home, nestled under the massive carbon fiber diffuser. Doors up or down, it’s a tried & true modern-day icon of the Mercedes brand. Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
After we filled a few memory cards, it was time to say goodbye. We pulled the SLS out for one more wipe down & called ahead to make sure our friends at MB Lynnwood would be ready for delivery. Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Detail & Custom Paint Protection
We would have liked to have the AMG hang around for weeks to come, but keeping such an incredible car all to ourselves just wouldn’t be fair, especially now that it’s fully corrected, protected, & ready for some spirited sprints around the Pacific North West! Have an AMG of your very own on the way and want to make sure it shows up shining? Check out our New Car Care page for information on preventative care, paint protection, vehicle wraps, window tint, and more. Want to see the SLS Black Series in person? It’s now available for viewing at Mercedes-Benz of Lynnwood on the 2nd level showroom. Head over & check it out!