Mercedes-Benz Firemist Red Metallic (548/3548) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color has a reputation for turning heads on the SL and S-Class because it strikes a balance between executive class and sports car energy. Whether it sits on a sleek Cabriolet or a stately sedan, it carries a visual weight that standard reds lack. Since your Mercedes-Benz has likely seen its fair share of sun since the late nineties or early 2000s, you are dealing with a finish that has depth and character. It is a sophisticated choice that makes the car look expensive even when it is standing still in your garage.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish, which means the look relies on how those tiny flakes sit within the paint. If you apply it too heavily in one spot, the flakes will bunch up and create dark patches or stripes, a problem known as mottling. Keeping an even flow is the only way to ensure the repair blends with the rest of the panel. Metallics are less forgiving than solid colors because the orientation of the flake changes how light reflects off the surface, but the reward is a finish that glows when the light hits it.

Best Practices

You can find your specific paint ID on the driver's side door jamb or under the hood on the radiator support. Before you spray or dab Mercedes-Benz Firemist Red Metallic (check for code 548/3548), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. The metallic particles are heavy and sink to the bottom of the container. Test the color on the included card to confirm the match against your current finish. When you start the repair, keep the container moving and apply light layers. If you rush the process, you will lose that deep red clarity. Give each layer enough drying time so the finish sets properly without sagging or trapping solvent.