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I purchased a BLACK 2014 E350 convertible - LOVE IT. This is my 3rd black car, I also own a black Lincoln MKT and a black Lexis LS460 L. Both cars show every swirl, water mark, etc. I want to clean this one the right way from the start - so what do you use to keep your cars clean and polished? Do you bring to an automatic car wash?
2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 Cabriolet, 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S
I wouldn't take any nice car to an automatic car wash, let alone a black one.
Those swirl marks you see are actually fine scratches in the clear coat. You can polish that out with a good cutting compound followed up with a polish and a good coat of wax. I like Meguairs personally. A good detailing like this will cost you around $100-150 at a car detailing place and really should be done twice a year. It might be more to remove swirls from an entire car.
I take my car to a hand wash car wash only or do it myself.
the key to a black car is never to wash or dry it in the direct sun... this promotes swirls. i would also recommend only wiping the car down with a soft microfiber towel and a quick detailer product applied after each washing will aid in upkeep. my favorite for a dark colored car product is "chem guys" V07 hybrid spray. hope this helps.
Last edited by andrew e coupe; Aug 21, 2016 at 12:52 PM.
I wouldn't take any nice car to an automatic car wash, let alone a black one.
Those swirl marks you see are actually fine scratches in the clear coat. You can polish that out with a good cutting compound followed up with a polish and a good coat of wax. I like Meguairs personally. A good detailing like this will cost you around $100-150 at a car detailing place and really should be done twice a year. It might be more to remove swirls from an entire car.
I take my car to a hand wash car wash only or do it myself.
+1 No automatic car washes on anything you care about. I had a black '04 Jaguar XJ8 that I took to a mechanical wash when it was a few weeks old. I was shocked to see the swirls on a brand new car. Rewaxed the car and never returned. I use the local handwash place and ask them to rinse their mitts before they wash my car.
My black 2012 has never been through one. I hand wash it with a sponge and diluted liquid car wash my dealer gives me - it's what they use and I swear it's slipperier and leaves more of a shine on the car than others I've used, although dealer claims it's pretty much the same stuff as other liquid car wash products. They buy it in bulk and he doesn't know the brand.
Most important: about two years ago I began using an electric leaf blower to dry the car, instead of using towels, microfiber clothes, etc. No swirls, scratches, water spots, etc.
As already said, don't wash and dry it in the sun, with or without a blower. But if you do get water spots, I've found MB's Quick Wipe takes them right off easily, if the area is not too large. MB Parts sells it or at least they did as of 6 years ago when I bought several. On the label it says "formulated exclusively for Mercedes Benz automobiles by Meguiars," but perhaps Meguiars has a similar product with their own label. It can easily remove a variety of contaminants with a simple wipe or two and has never scratched.
2000 c230 kompressor special edition, 2012 E550 coupe (sold), 2017 C63 sedan (sold), 2018 C63S Coupe
Great advice from everyone! If you're planning to wash the car yourself i would suggest using the 2 bucket method. Use a grit guard in each bucket. I also use a separate sponge/mitt for the body and wheels/tires. Seems to help a lot.
Before polishing or waxing, get a clay bar kit. Griots and most other polish manufacturers sell clay bars. Clay really cleans the surface.
Next, and in order to reduce swirls, invest in a random orbital polisher. I have used a Porter Cable for years and it really reduces swirls. Again most polish manufacturers sell a RO polisher. Also get foam pads for polishing and waxing.
After claying, apply a light grade polish with the RO. Wipe off with a microfiber towel then apply wax. Again, wipe off with a microfiber towel. I have a black AMG and it's a bit@h to keep nice. The RO really works and you can do your car in half the time.
I use Griots #2 and #3 polish. Then I apply Zano as my final coat.
Brand names are a matter of personal taste and comfort. They are all pretty good.
I have had 4 black MB cars including a CLK350 coupe, a C63 and the e400 I currently have. I have never put any of them in a professional car wash whether it was hand or machine wash. I agree, wash in the shade, get the special sponges that are covered by microfibre and use the best car washing detergent you can afford. Dry it slowly with a good quality chamois and don't press hard. Wash the car weekly. Hand dry the wheels all the way in. Have never seen a swirl mark in my cars. It is a pain in the butt to do each week. Sort of a love/hate relationship.
I have two black AMG's. I also never take my cars to a car wash.I agree with what has been previously recommended. I use Klasse sealant as a final step.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
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