New 08 E550 this week. Let dealer detail?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Irvine, CA
2008 E550, 2012 GL450, 2014 GLK350, 2015 S550, 2020 GLC350e
New 08 E550 this week. Let dealer detail?
I'm to take delivery of an 08 E550 this week. It arrived into the VPC a couple of days ago.
I've read on other forums NOT to let the dealer wash and detail as they'll damage the clear coat and to have a professional do it.
Is this right or should I just let the dealer do it and have it re-detailed after it starts looking dirty again?
Thanks,
Vik
I've read on other forums NOT to let the dealer wash and detail as they'll damage the clear coat and to have a professional do it.
Is this right or should I just let the dealer do it and have it re-detailed after it starts looking dirty again?
Thanks,
Vik
Banned
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 2
From: NY
Every detailer whether it be at a dealership or professional detailer does varying quality work. I think in general dealerships tend to offer lower quality work but then again it comes down to the detailing at your specific dealership and the actual detailer. I've heard so many dealer prep horror stories that I tend to recommend you never should get a dealer prep, even when they insist on it. I would rather bring it to someone I could trust or do it myself. If you don't know of any other detailers you could be taking an equally big chance by using their services. I'd look for some referrals for a quality detailer in your area. I'm not sure how close you are but I know of a very talented detailer that does high quality work if you want to contact him his info is: Reflection Obsession, Chino Hills, CA 91709, Phone: 626-831-1663 E-Mail: Reflectionobsession@gmail.com. If you would like to learn more about how to prep a vehicle yourself I'd be happy to send that information over to you. I have my new car prep routine that helps clean, shine and protect most surfaces on your vehicle.
Greg @ Detailed Image
Greg @ Detailed Image
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,261
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From: Sacramento, CA
Several MB's Superperformance MK III Cobra
I'm to take delivery of an 08 E550 this week. It arrived into the VPC a couple of days ago.
I've read on other forums NOT to let the dealer wash and detail as they'll damage the clear coat and to have a professional do it.
Is this right or should I just let the dealer do it and have it re-detailed after it starts looking dirty again?
Thanks,
Vik
I've read on other forums NOT to let the dealer wash and detail as they'll damage the clear coat and to have a professional do it.
Is this right or should I just let the dealer do it and have it re-detailed after it starts looking dirty again?
Thanks,
Vik
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 40
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2008 S class
I Dont Know, I have had really good results when i got my S550 but I agree that maybe some dealers would not do as well a job.
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 165
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From: KS
08 E-550 4-matic Sport; '15 RAM, '15 X3, '15 Charger SRT
Dealer prep
After talking to my sales rep I am going to let the dealer only wash the the silver E-class when it comes in two weeks. She says they normally wax it. She claims when they peel the protective wrap off the car it needs to be at least washed to get the residue off. I know I could demand they do nothing but I'll error in the middle and let them wash it as I want to apply Menzerna FMJ when I get it home. I'm also going to stop by and speak to their "detailer" and get a feel for things. I think I can tell by speaking to them what kind of prep shop they run.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
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w208
dont do it!
I am a professional...... I would never let 90% of detail shops touch my car....... make sure they alwys use clay and a dual head orbital buffer....... NEVER a highspeed.....you only need that for corrections... do yourself a favor.....spend a little more to have it done right. I tell my customers who are getting new cars ordered to specifically ask the dealer NOT to detail it. PS.... you have to wait 60 days to wax it. Good luck and have fun with your new baby
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Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 165
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From: KS
08 E-550 4-matic Sport; '15 RAM, '15 X3, '15 Charger SRT
Dealer prep
If it needs claying I intend to do that as well. I will just allow a simple wash if I have a good feel about the people I speak to. But, I thought the need to wait two months before waxing/sealing was no longer necessary with most of todays cars. The car came off assembly line about the end of September. Can you expand on this?
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Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: KS
08 E-550 4-matic Sport; '15 RAM, '15 X3, '15 Charger SRT
Dealer prep
Here is a reference I found concerning waxing new cars.
How long should you wait before waxing it for the first time?
"A new car that has a factory paint job can be waxed the moment it is rolled out of the plant," according to Meguiar's (Dept. ETD, 17991 Mitchell S., Irvine, CA 92614, 800-347-5700, www.meguiars.com), which offers a wide range of car care products for use by hand or with a buffer. "Cars that have factory paint jobs are cured at much higher temperatures, because the car goes through the paint booth without the rubber, plastic and cloth components. This means the paint is cured by the time the car is completed.
"Aftermarket paint finishes, however, are cured at a much lower temperature to ensure the booth doesn't melt nonmetal components. In this case, allow for a 2- to 3-month curing process before your first wax application."
How long should you wait before waxing it for the first time?
"A new car that has a factory paint job can be waxed the moment it is rolled out of the plant," according to Meguiar's (Dept. ETD, 17991 Mitchell S., Irvine, CA 92614, 800-347-5700, www.meguiars.com), which offers a wide range of car care products for use by hand or with a buffer. "Cars that have factory paint jobs are cured at much higher temperatures, because the car goes through the paint booth without the rubber, plastic and cloth components. This means the paint is cured by the time the car is completed.
"Aftermarket paint finishes, however, are cured at a much lower temperature to ensure the booth doesn't melt nonmetal components. In this case, allow for a 2- to 3-month curing process before your first wax application."
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
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w208
just wait
your better off waiting till the end of november then spending a few hundred bucks having it done right. It is not going to hurt being naked for that long.....plus you will have some wash scratches by then that will be buffed out by a detail......enjoy the car for a bit!
Banned
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,164
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From: NY
After talking to my sales rep I am going to let the dealer only wash the the silver E-class when it comes in two weeks. She says they normally wax it. She claims when they peel the protective wrap off the car it needs to be at least washed to get the residue off. I know I could demand they do nothing but I'll error in the middle and let them wash it as I want to apply Menzerna FMJ when I get it home. I'm also going to stop by and speak to their "detailer" and get a feel for things. I think I can tell by speaking to them what kind of prep shop they run.
Greg @ Detailed Image
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: KS
08 E-550 4-matic Sport; '15 RAM, '15 X3, '15 Charger SRT
Dealer prep
Thanks, that's good advice. I'm not familiar with the wrap they ship in so that must have been the reason the sales rep said, "well, we need to get all the residue off" including doing the waxing. I will go in and talk to them as you describe. I definitely don't want them attempting to get something off that won't easily wash off.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 2
From: NY
Just to clarify the wrap does not leave behind a thick residue that's easily noticed. However if your detail oriented like myself this is something you'll be able to see much easier in the right lighting or when your detailing the vehicle. The residue will come off moderately easy if you scrub the surface, however if you scrub the surface, especially with the wrong materials, it can add lots of fine swirls and micro-scratches. Instead of scrubbing I prefer the use a pre-wash degreaser (before washing), clay bar or polish if needed. Most imperfections are added during the washing and drying process so I always am especially critical of the washing and drying process. If you want to read more about what causes swirls and how to prevent them I recommend reading this related article in our blog post. If you have any other questions please let me know.
Greg @ Detailed
Greg @ Detailed
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Several MB's Superperformance MK III Cobra
I'm to take delivery of an 08 E550 this week. It arrived into the VPC a couple of days ago.
I've read on other forums NOT to let the dealer wash and detail as they'll damage the clear coat and to have a professional do it.
Is this right or should I just let the dealer do it and have it re-detailed after it starts looking dirty again?
Thanks,
Vik
I've read on other forums NOT to let the dealer wash and detail as they'll damage the clear coat and to have a professional do it.
Is this right or should I just let the dealer do it and have it re-detailed after it starts looking dirty again?
Thanks,
Vik
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,947
Likes: 8
From: Oklahoma City
2015 AMG C63 S
I'm to take delivery of an 08 E550 this week. It arrived into the VPC a couple of days ago.
I've read on other forums NOT to let the dealer wash and detail as they'll damage the clear coat and to have a professional do it.
Is this right or should I just let the dealer do it and have it re-detailed after it starts looking dirty again?
Thanks,
Vik
I've read on other forums NOT to let the dealer wash and detail as they'll damage the clear coat and to have a professional do it.
Is this right or should I just let the dealer do it and have it re-detailed after it starts looking dirty again?
Thanks,
Vik
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: KS
08 E-550 4-matic Sport; '15 RAM, '15 X3, '15 Charger SRT
Dealer prep
I took delivery of a E-550 the end of Oct. via a dealer in Denver. After going through this thought process of what, if anything, to let them do prior to me taking delivery I decided on the following: I interviewed the guy that is in charge of the dealer detail department and expressed my concerns. He took the time to explain what they do and how and said he detailed cars for others on the side. He seemed like he was truly particular about how things got done under his watch. My decision was then to let the dealer wash only. I then did my own detail (similar to what Greg suggests on these posts) when I got the car home. I am satisfied that no swirl marks were done by their washing. My car was silver. I also took the car to an independent shop to apply the front clear bra - it was $400 less than dealer quote!
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: OC
02 E320 Blk, 09 E350 Blk
Never let dealer touch your car
I'm to take delivery of an 08 E550 this week. It arrived into the VPC a couple of days ago.
I've read on other forums NOT to let the dealer wash and detail as they'll damage the clear coat and to have a professional do it.
Is this right or should I just let the dealer do it and have it re-detailed after it starts looking dirty again?
Thanks,
Vik
I've read on other forums NOT to let the dealer wash and detail as they'll damage the clear coat and to have a professional do it.
Is this right or should I just let the dealer do it and have it re-detailed after it starts looking dirty again?
Thanks,
Vik
Hey, I live in oc, socal area Don't let them touch your car esp if you have blk car...
I've been to all these dealers in OC they do really dirty job...lots of swrils, water spot, towel marks...
House of Import
Caliver in anaheim hills
Fletcher Jone newport beach
N, Nigul in Mission V...
If you really want them to touch your car, go to Downtown LA motor they really do care your car as they do on their own car...
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