I had the same problem with the hood of my 99 C280 Chipped like crazy, tried touch up, but it didn't look good, my car is brilliant Silver. Mercedes paint as well as many other manufactuers use a water based paint. Long story short I had the hood painted and the top of the front fenders, that is down to the trim for $400 and then I had a local sign sign cut and install some 3M clear plastic chip guard for $100. The body shop claimed he used more hardener in the paint then normal, but the plastic covering, which you can barely see. So I hope this is the last time I'll have to paint the hood for chips again. I also had a set of Audi front fender turn signal lights installed and wire to the turn signals of course, looks good. I'll post a pixs when I get my custom grille installed.