Am I the only one doing this?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,601
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
Am I the only one doing this?
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?
My girlfriend thinks I am nuts but I wanted to know if any other auto enthusiasts do the same thing?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,073
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From: San Francisco, CA
2017 E300
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...
i however, clean my engine bay...
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 48
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From: Fairfield County, Connecticut
E350W4
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...
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 366
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From: New York
C350
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?
My girlfriend thinks I am nuts but I wanted to know if any other auto enthusiasts do the same thing?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,601
Likes: 28
From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 48
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From: Fairfield County, Connecticut
E350W4
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Tampa, Florida
06 SL65 / 97 993tt /11 Suburban/ 2012 GTR (AMG è la mia Famiglia la Bestia è la mia protezione)
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 366
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From: New York
C350
+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.
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Totally clean
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?
My girlfriend thinks I am nuts but I wanted to know if any other auto enthusiasts do the same thing?
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...........
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: New York City
W212 2011 E-350 4Matic
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?
My girlfriend thinks I am nuts but I wanted to know if any other auto enthusiasts do the same thing?
easier to see the damages if they have been placed, and the service staff are more careful in treating the car because its clean.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 604
Likes: 29
From: SA
2008 C350-Sport-AMG-Active Agility Pack(Not reliable) +Izuzu KB6 3L(It seems Reliable)+Mazda
Letter to the Mercedes Workshop Manager
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.
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.
Last edited by Moto_Guzzi; Nov 24, 2008 at 02:31 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: United States
2008 R350 & 2008 C300
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.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,601
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 5
From: Tampa, Florida
06 SL65 / 97 993tt /11 Suburban/ 2012 GTR (AMG è la mia Famiglia la Bestia è la mia protezione)
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.
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: GTA North
2011 BMW 335xi titanium silver.
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.
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.
