C300Sport

I have always preferred to have my car freshly washed/vacuumed prior to taking it in for service. I have always thought that a mechanic would see that I am particular with my car and maybe be more thorough/careful with it themselves. Also, if they do scratch/mark/dirty something, it will be easy to notice and address.
My girlfriend thinks I am nuts but I wanted to know if any other auto enthusiasts do the same thing?

joshg1001

hmm i kind of do the same thing. if the car is ridiculously dirty, then i will wash it before bringing it in. but its its moderately clean, then i dont bother. i mean its going in and then coming out with a car wash anyways.

i however, clean my engine bay...

VD$

I prefer to keep it clean throughout the year and do not do anything special before taking it to service. Dealership will wash the car before returning it back to you - it's a part of the standard procedure. So you will notice all scratches right immediately. Also mechanics will cover the car with protective blankets as soon as it enters their garage, so they will not even notice that is was shining. May be you doing too much...

PolePosition

Same here

C300Sport

I guess from having too many cars scratched by careless car washings, I am the only one that washes my car. I know it is a nice touch from the dealer but I have always passed on the offer...probably a little over the top but my last black car made it 8 years with no swirling...hoping my silver Benz will be flawless for at least that long.

PolePosition

I always make sure to tell my SA that I DO NOT want them to wash my car.

VD$

Paint on MB is scratch resistant, so it is safe to let then wash it. I used automatic car wash on W203 for 3 years and never had any problems. Japanese cars are more sensitive to it.

Ron Jr

My car is ALWAYS clean so that would be normal for me.

AMGfan

+1...Also take the drop off inspection seriously with regard to condition of car and mileage at drop off.

With that in mind, the pickup inspection is also a must. Don't just check in at the cashier and drive off. You have less of leg to stand on if there is a dispute if you notice something when you get home.

I've had to learn the hard way so take the extra time to be meticulous and observant.

PolePosition

I agree! I always do a walk around with the SA so he can confirm that there is no damage, scratches, etc at drop off and I check it again when I pick it up.

RLE

I have always done this, including the engine compartment and tires. And I know they are more careful with cars that show the owner cares about the car.

I would never allow them to wash it because I know from personal experience that damage can occur. And as far as commercial car washes, well...........

syrAMG

I do the same thing for the same exact reason
easier to see the damages if they have been placed, and the service staff are more careful in treating the car because its clean.

Moto_Guzzi

You have a valid point....

My letter to workshop manager at each service..

Dear sir,

This is my car, not the bank's so excuse me if I install the following rules for our future relationship to be troublefree:
1-Do not wash the car inside or out.No carwash.
If you feel the engine bay needs a protective treatment, I am a call away.
2-Only you or qualified mechanic to get inside this car. No unqualified mech/person to open any door, or drive the car.
3-If faults is detected by diagnostics, I am a call away, or better waiting in your reception.
4-Parts replaced must be valid proved, even if motorplan in place.
>I don't want any unecessary fidling.
5-I will tell you if I noticed something wrong.

Note: Dear sir do not take this personally, but from my side I must prevent situations leading to fraud/damage as much as I can.
On the positive side, I did my homework before the buy, and chosen your dealership on merit and further on good faith, so let these rules just be.

chilledbenz

Nano particle paint is just as bad as any other water based paint. My car has lots of swirls and even a couple scratches, nothing down to the metal, but there are at least four "cat hair" scratches on my trunk alone. So much for scratch resistant paint.

C300Sport

Scratch resistant...maybe...but no paint is scratch proof. Even if the shop employees mean well, it is a production line type procedure. Even if they use lambs wool mits, chamois, etc, it is the same supplies that just washed the dirty/sandy car that went in front of me...no paint is going to stand up well to a wash mit full of sand and grit....I would much prefer to let my car stay dirty than to wash it in that manner.

AMGfan

+1000...

Derspeed

I like to make sure the techs are aware that I keep my cars very nice. It seems to work. So no, you are not alone.

bones932

I am the same....NO Free Carwashes......I am particular about the clear bra and don't need to find a corner lifting because some car jockey doesn't care.

Larry

drevil2k2

Now I am going to think twice about having it washed by the dealership.
Like many, I have pride in ownership and keep the car clean as possible. I normally have my detailer wax/seal the car twice a year and run the car through a touch free car wash when I am lazy.