I’ve had ceramic coating from the beginning so can’t provide a before and after comparison. But at least from my experience mine doesn’t accumulate that much dust over a 2 to 3 week period between washers. They seem to also clean off without a lot of effort.

 

Very nice pretty sure that is what OP wants to hear.

 

OP, you said the Sonax didn't help as much as you hoped, which one did you buy? There were 3 mentioned. I honestly don't know what is the difference between all of them or it is just marketing, anyone else have any ideas?

 

I got the Beast, honestly, it worked, and I haven't tried the other versions of Sonax, but it did work, it's just those litlle holes on my wheels still need manual scrubbing which is time consuming.

 

I see, nature of the beast I guess.

 

Hello everyone: I would consider ceramic coating (that seems to pop up as one solution), questions:
1) Which brand do you suggest or have positive experience with?
2) Other than thoroughly cleaning the rim, is removing the tires necessary?
3) How much effort/process is required for good adherence and
4) I assume that the finish will become somewhat more glossy and will that make dust less prone to adherence, yes?
Appreciate your comments and/or suggestions,
LTBM

 

1. I had mine professionally done and don’t recall the brand they used. Overall my guess is if it’s a highly rated installer you should be good.
2. I assume they remove the wheels from the car but there should be no need to remove the tires from the rim.
3. Good question for someone that did it themselves.
4. The finish looked exactly the same or at least no perceived difference after application. So no need to worry about glossiness. I also applied ceramic to the magno paint and it also looked exactly the same after or no perceived difference. Ceramic works mainly because it has a lower coefficient of friction (more slippery) than the paint on the wheels or car itself. Also ceramic is more resistant to bonding with other chemicals and compounds which is another reason it works.

 

Some thoughts based on my experience with quartz coating of wheels:


1) Since the wheels on both of my MBZ's were professionally coated along with the bodywork when new, CQuartz Finest Reserve was used on both. Available to authorized installers it's arguably one of the best quartz like coatings on the market with Modesta having a slight edge for some applications. Minimal brake dust adhesion and ease of wheel cleaning on the W212 sedan has been remarkable, couldn't' be a stronger advocate of proper quartz wheel coating.

There are other quartz coating products available specifically for wheels that have some advantages. CQuartz DLUX is popular for wheel coating, retail availability and low cost make it a choice for detail shops and DIY installers. The downsides being a short useful life (1 - 2 years) and a low gloss finish. The other end of the wheel coating spectrum is Modesta's BC-06 that is available only to their authorized installers. This product has excellent heat resistance and longevity (up to 10 years) while providing a clear gloss finish.

2) Wheel cleaning and prep before coating is critical, can't stress the importance enough. The wheels have to be removed for a proper job, and certainly when coating the barrels (my recommendation) - tires don't require removal. From experience, I would strongly recommend against a DIY attempt - most certainly for the complex AMG multispoke wheels.

3) See above - and note that the prep involves a variety of additional products along with the associated expertise/experience to get the job done correctly.

4) Quartz coating products used for wheels vary in appearance, the popular CQuartz DLUX mentioned above has a low gloss finish while the high-end Modesta BC-06 with optional Top Coat has a glossy/clear appearance that retains the underlying wheel finish. Both will provide a significant reduction in wheel dust and dirt adhesion though neither will magically eliminate the need for cleaning.

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There are few wheels that merit professional quartz coating more that the AMG multispoke. Looking at rough price estimates, a detail shop might charge somewhere around $250 to $450 to prep and coat four wheels (could be on the high side considering the multispoke's complexity). The coating products they choose from might include CQuartz DLUX, Gyeon Q² Rim, Zirconite ZQ5 or others they prefer. Would recommend getting quotes from reputable shops along with some research on the coatings they recommend. And you might seriously consider the high-end Modesta BC-06 coating available from their authorized installers. Though relatively expensive, likely in the $500 to $600 range, the quality and longevity may be well worth it. Frankly, if I had the multispoke wheels it would be my first choice. The link to their website and installer network is given below:

https://www.modesta.co/installers.html

 

Thanks J. Raymond & utsteve98.......excellent information.
LTBM

 

For what it's worth....I washed my car this morning after owning it for 3 weeks and driving 300 miles. On the wheels I used Meguiar's Ultimate All Wheel Cleaner, a soft bristle wheel brush and for the 40 holes I used a 1" soft bristle lug nut brush. I bought a set of 5 lug nut brushes on Amazon for $7 and found the 1" to fit good. I didn't expect the brush to hold up for the price but after doing all 4 wheels the brush still held it's original shape. As for how clean did the wheels get well I'd say pretty clean for the small amount of time I spent. Spray on the cleaner, wait 2 mins it turned purple quickly, used the wheel brush on all outside wheel surfaces and then used the small 1" brush in each hole. Sprayed off with a garden hose. Before cleaning brake dust heavy on any wheel surface using a finger to check. After cleaning significant reduction in brake dust. Clean enough for me.....

Amazon $7 Detailing Brush Set -5 Different Sizes Premium Natural Boar Hair Mixed Fiber Plastic Handle

 

I have these wheels in the same color CLE as yours. I have put up pictures on another thread.

Unfortunately, I always take my car to a car wash and they will never do it as good of a job as you. I sometimes tell the guy to please clean the rims thoroughly and I get a rag and show him exactly what I mean. Then I tip him a couple extra dollars. Otherwise, you just have to touch it up when you get home. It's pain in the butt, but I've always cleaned my rims myself and it makes the car look so much nicer.

I have a brand new 2025 CLA convertible with the same 20-in black rims. I am not a fan of the black rims honestly and I prefer the alloy rims. Is there anyone who would be willing to do a straight up swap on the rims while retaining our own tires?.

If so, please let me know.

Thanks

 

I got one of these brushes with some other brushes I bought. It works, but not perfect. I also bought these and I tape 4 of them together to make somehwat of a "square". It fits in the square hole and you move it in and out and maybe around in a circular motions on each hole and it does an ok job. I'm not a good car cleaner so if I'm doing it, it's never going to be perfect. I had a mobile detailer guy come by just after I bought it, I'm going to have him come back, he did a good job.

 

I just cleaned those Wheels right now! It's tough. I am meticulous and no car wash can clean it the same way.

Just remember nobody is going to clean your wheels the way you would.

The best you can do is pay the guy drawing your car a few extra dollars to really clean the wheels well.

Otherwise, in the areas you pointed the arrows at
... You can take the towel and wrap it around your finger then go into each hole. That works

 

Did you ceramic coat yours beforehand?