What to do if a shop scratches your paint?
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Joined: Oct 2008
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E320
What to do if a shop scratches your paint?
I had my jl audio sub + amp installed today at Audio Express in Phoenix, off 24th ST & Indian School Rd. After driving home, I noticed some streaks by the rear right tail light where the trunk lid would close. (it kinda looks like someone took a rubber eraser and just ran it through that area, I know, probably not very detailed but I'm not a very vivid person) So I figured that the installer probably leaned over that side into my trunk towards the rear battery to either remove the trunk lining or something of that sort. I tried to rub it off with a microfiber cloth and some water but it won't come off, unfortunately.;
Obviously, these streaks weren't here before, and I am pretty angry about it being there, so my question is, what do I do? What would you all do?
Need tips and pointers before I hurt somebody!
Obviously, these streaks weren't here before, and I am pretty angry about it being there, so my question is, what do I do? What would you all do?
Need tips and pointers before I hurt somebody!
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From: Wyckoff, New Jersey & Alphabet City NYC
86 190E 2.3-16v, 92 500E, 03 CL55 AMG, 08 E3504M Brabus
The unfortunate truth is, it sucks but its life. You can try to complain if you want and see what they'll do, but more likely than not, you'll be wasting your time. Are you actually missing paint or do you see lines in the clearcoat? The latter is a much easier fix than actual missing paint which is a rare occasion from something like a brush up/lean over type incident. Take a picture and let us see it. Most likely, you can bring it to a body shop or detail guy and they'll take care of it for you.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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Try using some Meguiar's Cleaner Wax (liquid) in the burgandy bottle. You should be able to find it at Walmart or any auto parts store. This stuff is great and it's cheap at only $5 - $6.
If you can feel the "scratch" with your finger nail, then don't waste your time, as it isn't coming out!
Let us know how it goes!
If you can feel the "scratch" with your finger nail, then don't waste your time, as it isn't coming out!
Let us know how it goes!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2008
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E320
Thank you for the tips and advices. FORTUNATELY, they aren't really scratches with any deep grooves that you can feel.. I apologize if I mislead you to thinking there were scratches from my post. Visible to the eye, yes, however.
It is currently midnight, I will take photos in the morning hopefully and will post.
Thanks again!
It is currently midnight, I will take photos in the morning hopefully and will post.
Thanks again!
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
The same thing happened to my wife's Jetta. She took it in for an oil change and when she got home she noticed that a part of the trunk and side of the car looked like someone rubbed a giant eraser on it. I managed to wax it off with some Meguiars wax (don't remember which product but any wax should get the job done).
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E350 Saks Edition
Rule 1: Anytime I drop one of my cars off for service or anything else, I make a point both verbally and on the write up that there are no scratches, dints, or dings.
Rule 2: Before I take delivery of the car, I do a walk-around to ensure no damage was done.
I don't trust ANYONE with my stuff!
Rule 2: Before I take delivery of the car, I do a walk-around to ensure no damage was done.
I don't trust ANYONE with my stuff!
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Out Of Control!!
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Try using some Meguiar's Cleaner Wax (liquid) in the burgandy bottle. You should be able to find it at Walmart or any auto parts store. This stuff is great and it's cheap at only $5 - $6.
If you can feel the "scratch" with your finger nail, then don't waste your time, as it isn't coming out!
Let us know how it goes!
If you can feel the "scratch" with your finger nail, then don't waste your time, as it isn't coming out!
Let us know how it goes!
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: New Jersey
'06 E500 Flint Grey - Charcoal
To remove light scratches/swirls use a cutting polish .. I've got some swirls and next time want to try Ultima Paint Prep Plus Pre-wax Polish .. seems to have great reviews.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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Rule 1: Anytime I drop one of my cars off for service or anything else, I make a point both verbally and on the write up that there are no scratches, dints, or dings.
Rule 2: Before I take delivery of the car, I do a walk-around to ensure no damage was done.
I don't trust ANYONE with my stuff!
Rule 2: Before I take delivery of the car, I do a walk-around to ensure no damage was done.
I don't trust ANYONE with my stuff!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
That's the only thing that sucks, I mean you get looked at as some **** whackjob or something. I can see the term "it's not like your dropping a Ferrari off or anything" used or some crap like that. But if something happens, you KNOW you were an idiot for not using those **** precautions.
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That's the only thing that sucks, I mean you get looked at as some **** whackjob or something. I can see the term "it's not like your dropping a Ferrari off or anything" used or some crap like that. But if something happens, you KNOW you were an idiot for not using those **** precautions.
And they don't even like you less if you know more than them
Member
Joined: Jul 2006
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Never ever use a Rubbing Compound on a Clear Coat!!!!!!
The Carnuaba Wax you mention will only put a protective layer over that mark you are trying to get rid of. The Cleaner Wax will remove the imperfection and also leave a protective coating!!!!!!!!!
Go buy it, the stuff is great!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Rule 1: Anytime I drop one of my cars off for service or anything else, I make a point both verbally and on the write up that there are no scratches, dints, or dings.
Rule 2: Before I take delivery of the car, I do a walk-around to ensure no damage was done.
I don't trust ANYONE with my stuff!
Rule 2: Before I take delivery of the car, I do a walk-around to ensure no damage was done.
I don't trust ANYONE with my stuff!
I took mine to the MB dealer did a walk around,, then went to pick the car up and found the windshield broken. The shop mgr first stated.
You brought it in here that way. Then we got the service mgr and the detail walkaround report. No broken glass on delivery. They bought me a new windshield. But we did a complete walkaround. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Rule 1: Anytime I drop one of my cars off for service or anything else, I make a point both verbally and on the write up that there are no scratches, dints, or dings.
Rule 2: Before I take delivery of the car, I do a walk-around to ensure no damage was done.
I don't trust ANYONE with my stuff!
Rule 2: Before I take delivery of the car, I do a walk-around to ensure no damage was done.
I don't trust ANYONE with my stuff!
After the fact is a waste of time.
