Officially farewell W212, Hello F10 (new pics)....
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 761
Likes: 23
From: Oklahoma
W211 E320 & W212 E550
Lol.
Yeah, I just wanted a clean slate, I accept some swirls will happen, but at least I wanted to have them done under my care (hopefully none will happen at all, but you get what I mean). I don't expect the car to look flawless under direct sunlight.... as long as it's good-enough in direct light, and looks clean/un-marred in less intense lights then I'm good, which is pretty doable with some proper yet not too intensified care I'd hope/think.
I'm gonna make sure to very adamantly inform the Dealer how **** I am about my paint, and to watch out for it. I'll even mention that I'll go over it after picking it up with my LED flashlight to make sure things are copacetic.
Brad: Do you have any experience with a California Car Duster? It's been great to me on my other cars with less-delicate colors, but I've been very adamantly advised by some pro's to not let it touch my BMW Jet Black. It sucks as it was always a great way to keep my cars looking clean for longer by prolonging the washes, and on black, which shows dust so immediately, I was really counting on it to extra benefit the prolonging effect.
Yeah, I just wanted a clean slate, I accept some swirls will happen, but at least I wanted to have them done under my care (hopefully none will happen at all, but you get what I mean). I don't expect the car to look flawless under direct sunlight.... as long as it's good-enough in direct light, and looks clean/un-marred in less intense lights then I'm good, which is pretty doable with some proper yet not too intensified care I'd hope/think.
I'm gonna make sure to very adamantly inform the Dealer how **** I am about my paint, and to watch out for it. I'll even mention that I'll go over it after picking it up with my LED flashlight to make sure things are copacetic.
Brad: Do you have any experience with a California Car Duster? It's been great to me on my other cars with less-delicate colors, but I've been very adamantly advised by some pro's to not let it touch my BMW Jet Black. It sucks as it was always a great way to keep my cars looking clean for longer by prolonging the washes, and on black, which shows dust so immediately, I was really counting on it to extra benefit the prolonging effect.
Oh, also get you a small swiffer duster for the interior if it is black. Those things are awesome!!!
Thread Starter
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
Thanks! Yeah, I really wanna use it. My car will be waxed at every wash (I have a wash/wax combo I'm gonna use when I wash the car that in my experience so far has worked very well, in cleaning the car and then leaving a nice slippery-feeling coat of wax on it), so I'd hope that could help ease any negative effects of a Cali Duster if there were any.
I've always used Chamois ("Shamee"), but my way of washing my F10 will be different so it'll require all Microfibers.
I just purchased 6 VERY plush Microfibers. I really thought the MF's I was using on my cars before were plush.... these new ones I got you could sleep on! Lol. Hopefully they'll take care of the paint nicely. I just have to make sure to wash them right, and always scan them to ensure no particles are on them before I swipe the car with them, as that can obviously ruin everything.
I've always used Chamois ("Shamee"), but my way of washing my F10 will be different so it'll require all Microfibers.
I just purchased 6 VERY plush Microfibers. I really thought the MF's I was using on my cars before were plush.... these new ones I got you could sleep on! Lol. Hopefully they'll take care of the paint nicely. I just have to make sure to wash them right, and always scan them to ensure no particles are on them before I swipe the car with them, as that can obviously ruin everything.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 761
Likes: 23
From: Oklahoma
W211 E320 & W212 E550
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 138
Likes: 16
2010 E350 Luxury 4Matic
[QUOTE=RNBRAD;5544221] Hand washing is a big no no!!! If you can't wash a car with high pressure water and not touch it to get it clean, then get ready for significant swirls.
QUOTE]
I think opposite. Hand washing - done properly - should be the safest form of car washing while the high pressure is a no no.
QUOTE]
I think opposite. Hand washing - done properly - should be the safest form of car washing while the high pressure is a no no.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Thanks! Yeah, I really wanna use it. My car will be waxed at every wash (I have a wash/wax combo I'm gonna use when I wash the car that in my experience so far has worked very well, in cleaning the car and then leaving a nice slippery-feeling coat of wax on it), so I'd hope that could help ease any negative effects of a Cali Duster if there were any.
I've always used Chamois ("Shamee"), but my way of washing my F10 will be different so it'll require all Microfibers.
I just purchased 6 VERY plush Microfibers. I really thought the MF's I was using on my cars before were plush.... these new ones I got you could sleep on! Lol. Hopefully they'll take care of the paint nicely. I just have to make sure to wash them right, and always scan them to ensure no particles are on them before I swipe the car with them, as that can obviously ruin everything.
I've always used Chamois ("Shamee"), but my way of washing my F10 will be different so it'll require all Microfibers.
I just purchased 6 VERY plush Microfibers. I really thought the MF's I was using on my cars before were plush.... these new ones I got you could sleep on! Lol. Hopefully they'll take care of the paint nicely. I just have to make sure to wash them right, and always scan them to ensure no particles are on them before I swipe the car with them, as that can obviously ruin everything.
K-A,
Do you wash/wax your car every day, twice a week, just once a week?
Seems like owning a black car is a major pain. I would never have time to own one...
Thread Starter
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
I actually washed it once, but I did a purposefully half-arsed job as it was just over a week before I took it to get a true Paint Correction.
Now that I have a relatively "clean slate", I can start my own upkeep on it, and see how I do myself.
I plan to wash it probably once every other week, ideally, we'll see though. It's a short Lease, but pretending that I'd have this car for a long time (or any black car for that matter), I'd probably do the best I can do on my own, and pay $200-$300 every 6-12 months for a Paint Correction (clay, polish, buff if needed, seal, etc.).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
I haven't even gotten started with my own care-process with this car. It's been an endless battle since I got it. First the tint shop got spray all over it the day after I got it, so I couldn't really enjoy it in a totally clean state after the Dealer detailed it. Then I made the mistake of taking it to a Hand Wash (told myself it'll be my ONE treat while I had the car, as I'd wash it myself afterward, terrible mistake) and they swirled the hell out of it. Then I took it back for them to "fix", which opened up a whole other can of worms, as they buffed it improperly and put holograms all over it, therefore now I had a 3 week old car that'd been buffed twice already.
I actually washed it once, but I did a purposefully half-arsed job as it was just over a week before I took it to get a true Paint Correction.
Now that I have a relatively "clean slate", I can start my own upkeep on it, and see how I do myself.
I plan to wash it probably once every other week, ideally, we'll see though. It's a short Lease, but pretending that I'd have this car for a long time (or any black car for that matter), I'd probably do the best I can do on my own, and pay $200-$300 every 6-12 months for a Paint Correction (clay, polish, buff if needed, seal, etc.).
I actually washed it once, but I did a purposefully half-arsed job as it was just over a week before I took it to get a true Paint Correction.
Now that I have a relatively "clean slate", I can start my own upkeep on it, and see how I do myself.
I plan to wash it probably once every other week, ideally, we'll see though. It's a short Lease, but pretending that I'd have this car for a long time (or any black car for that matter), I'd probably do the best I can do on my own, and pay $200-$300 every 6-12 months for a Paint Correction (clay, polish, buff if needed, seal, etc.).
I just bought a Chrysler Town & Country minivan for my wife to drive. It is Black but I don't think I will have to do all that what you are going to do to your black drive...
I will have it waxed probably once yearly and washed at non-contact washes just because it has the old fashioned antenna on it??? I can't take it to a wash with brushes / hanging strips.
Very impressive van in all though.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 333
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento, CA
E350 BT
I haven't even gotten started with my own care-process with this car. It's been an endless battle since I got it. First the tint shop got spray all over it the day after I got it, so I couldn't really enjoy it in a totally clean state after the Dealer detailed it. Then I made the mistake of taking it to a Hand Wash (told myself it'll be my ONE treat while I had the car, as I'd wash it myself afterward, terrible mistake) and they swirled the hell out of it. Then I took it back for them to "fix", which opened up a whole other can of worms, as they buffed it improperly and put holograms all over it, therefore now I had a 3 week old car that'd been buffed twice already.
I actually washed it once, but I did a purposefully half-arsed job as it was just over a week before I took it to get a true Paint Correction.
Now that I have a relatively "clean slate", I can start my own upkeep on it, and see how I do myself.
I plan to wash it probably once every other week, ideally, we'll see though. It's a short Lease, but pretending that I'd have this car for a long time (or any black car for that matter), I'd probably do the best I can do on my own, and pay $200-$300 every 6-12 months for a Paint Correction (clay, polish, buff if needed, seal, etc.).
I actually washed it once, but I did a purposefully half-arsed job as it was just over a week before I took it to get a true Paint Correction.
Now that I have a relatively "clean slate", I can start my own upkeep on it, and see how I do myself.
I plan to wash it probably once every other week, ideally, we'll see though. It's a short Lease, but pretending that I'd have this car for a long time (or any black car for that matter), I'd probably do the best I can do on my own, and pay $200-$300 every 6-12 months for a Paint Correction (clay, polish, buff if needed, seal, etc.).
I'd have a pro correct it and apply one of the new nano sealants like the Quartz stuff. I've been hearing pretty good things about it being tough and very scratch resistant.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
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
I've already figured that out, lol. Been spending more on detailing and detailing products on this car already than I did my previous 3 cars combined. lol.
Kurgan: Thanks, I'll look into those as well.
Kurgan: Thanks, I'll look into those as well.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 761
Likes: 23
From: Oklahoma
W211 E320 & W212 E550
[quote=mbuster25;5544588]
Hand washing is unavoidable in instances where the car is so dirty that you have to literally rub the dirt off breaking its surface tension hold on your paint. I have never hand washed my benz or show truck nore will I if I can avoid it entirely. It is just impossible to take any technique that "touches" the dirt and pushes it over the surface of your clear coat and not cause micro marring, I say it's impossible!! We can lessen the effect with good technique, frequent rag changes, bucket water, good lubricating suspension soaps, etc.. but we can't avoid it entirely. Best method to avoid it even more so, is high pressure water. This does not work as good as hand washing because it uses less abrasive friction. So if a person can remove whatever soil on the surface of your paint without actually touching it, your way better off. My black Honda civic I was meticulous, I would power wash the big stuff off then hand wash it, still would spider web the finish. There's just no technique to avoid it 100%, and main reason I drive my Benz only on good weather days. When it gets dirty enough where I literally have to touch the surface to clean it, I'm going to see the swirls, no question.
I've always owned a black vehicle, owned my 1st in 1989 and had as many as 4 at one time. I currently own 2, so I'm pretty familiar with what causes swirls, holograms, star bursts etc.. Silver and white car owners as well as lighter colors, will probably never notice it, at least not like a black car owner.
Hand washing is a big no no!!! If you can't wash a car with high pressure water and not touch it to get it clean, then get ready for significant swirls.
QUOTE]
I think opposite. Hand washing - done properly - should be the safest form of car washing while the high pressure is a no no.
QUOTE]
I think opposite. Hand washing - done properly - should be the safest form of car washing while the high pressure is a no no.I've always owned a black vehicle, owned my 1st in 1989 and had as many as 4 at one time. I currently own 2, so I'm pretty familiar with what causes swirls, holograms, star bursts etc.. Silver and white car owners as well as lighter colors, will probably never notice it, at least not like a black car owner.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
good point about the towels......I have soooo many friggin' towels it's nuts....
and when I wash them I always use some Dawn and a little bleach too.....dawn takes the grease right away!
some rags I only use a couple of times......wheels....tailpipes.....the really dirty stuff.....
deadbeat is being detailed as I type
and when I wash them I always use some Dawn and a little bleach too.....dawn takes the grease right away!
some rags I only use a couple of times......wheels....tailpipes.....the really dirty stuff.....
deadbeat is being detailed as I type
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,336
Likes: 8
Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
My cars are more fun to drive than to stare at. imho, unless you participate in concours events and own a collectible, just drive the thing and enjoy it. Otherwise it ends up owning you instead of the other way around.....
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
Thread Starter
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
Brad: Can you explain more about a high-pressure wash? Never really heard about it, at least not in a way where I can fathom it actually cleaning (and self drying without spots?) a car. And btw, your E looks stunning!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,976
Likes: 1,344
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
No truer words. I had a black on black 06 E350 4matic. Beautiful car that I got compliments everywhere I went. But I was a total slave to it.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 761
Likes: 23
From: Oklahoma
W211 E320 & W212 E550
Thank you very much, sir. I appreciate your level headedness and nice words! And haha, well put, I felt like doing the same.
Brad: Can you explain more about a high-pressure wash? Never really heard about it, at least not in a way where I can fathom it actually cleaning (and self drying without spots?) a car. And btw, your E looks stunning!
Brad: Can you explain more about a high-pressure wash? Never really heard about it, at least not in a way where I can fathom it actually cleaning (and self drying without spots?) a car. And btw, your E looks stunning!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 5
From: Paradise
w212 E550
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 761
Likes: 23
From: Oklahoma
W211 E320 & W212 E550
I have something similiar to that. They are absolutely awesome for spot free rinse. I use mine to wash and rinse my truck engine (all chrome). The spray pressure isn't very good, but for rinsing, don't need much, it's the washing dirt off that's the hard part.
Thread Starter
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 De-Ionizing water thing looks pretty cool, but damn expensive!
I don't have a driveway with hose handy, so I'm gonna have to use this Waterless Wash/Wax thing I've used before that does both surprisingly very well, and worked great on my last car.
I don't have a driveway with hose handy, so I'm gonna have to use this Waterless Wash/Wax thing I've used before that does both surprisingly very well, and worked great on my last car.
Thread Starter
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
Hmm, I know what you're referring to on the W212 and never knew what hell that was, lol (so it was speakers?).
I don't *think* my F10 has any mesh plastic on the dash and it's just a smooth surface, but will check when I go out tonight.
The F10 has a really high end (and expensive) Bang & Olufsen sound system with those crazy looking raising speakers/tweeters Option, and there was one available when I got this car, but I chose this one (with the Harmon system I believe) since it had Sport Auto Transmission option (awesomely tuned 8-Speed for very responsive and fast shifts, with paddles) and M Sport.... and of course black.
I don't *think* my F10 has any mesh plastic on the dash and it's just a smooth surface, but will check when I go out tonight.
The F10 has a really high end (and expensive) Bang & Olufsen sound system with those crazy looking raising speakers/tweeters Option, and there was one available when I got this car, but I chose this one (with the Harmon system I believe) since it had Sport Auto Transmission option (awesomely tuned 8-Speed for very responsive and fast shifts, with paddles) and M Sport.... and of course black.
Last edited by K-A; Feb 15, 2013 at 09:56 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 761
Likes: 23
From: Oklahoma
W211 E320 & W212 E550
I was just wondering. Was reading about how Harmon through Mercedes design uses the plastic weave panel to capture and cancel sound reflections off the glass in the W212. I always wondered why it looked wierd kind of like speaker grill mesh. Also wonder how in the world the car is so "dead". I mean literally very little sound reflection in the interior.
You get to listen to the B&O? I've heard the one in the Gulwing was not all that it was cracked up to be. Problem is a lot of these big name companys build the OEM drivers but of less quality than their standard consumer products. But as everyone knows I've been thrilled with the HK, especially as a starting plkatfrom, it's just needed some tweaking. I'm going to open up the doors soon. I have 24 sq/ft of Dynamat Extreme coming in the mail. I might replace the mids in the doors while I have the panels off and see if I can improve on the OEM ones a little.
Also I believe if you have the HK system, you have some of the exact same drivers as the W212. The tweeters for sure.
You get to listen to the B&O? I've heard the one in the Gulwing was not all that it was cracked up to be. Problem is a lot of these big name companys build the OEM drivers but of less quality than their standard consumer products. But as everyone knows I've been thrilled with the HK, especially as a starting plkatfrom, it's just needed some tweaking. I'm going to open up the doors soon. I have 24 sq/ft of Dynamat Extreme coming in the mail. I might replace the mids in the doors while I have the panels off and see if I can improve on the OEM ones a little.
Also I believe if you have the HK system, you have some of the exact same drivers as the W212. The tweeters for sure.
Last edited by RNBRAD; Feb 15, 2013 at 11:52 PM.
Thread Starter
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
I was just wondering. Was reading about how Harmon through Mercedes design uses the plastic weave panel to capture and cancel sound reflections off the glass in the W212. I always wondered why it looked wierd kind of like speaker grill mesh. Also wonder how in the world the car is so "dead". I mean literally very little sound reflection in the interior.
You get to listen to the B&O? I've heard the one in the Gulwing was not all that it was cracked up to be. Problem is a lot of these big name companys build the OEM drivers but of less quality than their standard consumer products. But as everyone knows I've been thrilled with the HK, especially as a starting plkatfrom, it's just needed some tweaking. I'm going to open up the doors soon. I have 24 sq/ft of Dynamat Extreme coming in the mail. I might replace the mids in the doors while I have the panels off and see if I can improve on the OEM ones a little.
Also I believe if you have the HK system, you have some of the exact same drivers as the W212. The tweeters for sure.
You get to listen to the B&O? I've heard the one in the Gulwing was not all that it was cracked up to be. Problem is a lot of these big name companys build the OEM drivers but of less quality than their standard consumer products. But as everyone knows I've been thrilled with the HK, especially as a starting plkatfrom, it's just needed some tweaking. I'm going to open up the doors soon. I have 24 sq/ft of Dynamat Extreme coming in the mail. I might replace the mids in the doors while I have the panels off and see if I can improve on the OEM ones a little.
Also I believe if you have the HK system, you have some of the exact same drivers as the W212. The tweeters for sure.
I haven't heard the B&O actually.
On another note, I had a little taste of some potential "BMW problems" tonight.
We were driving to a belated VDay destination, and all of a sudden I hear a "pop" and my interior chime comes on as well as the interior lights. I thought I ran over something or my trunk popped open.... turns out my rear driver side door popped open.... on the freeway at like 75 MPH. It didn't actually swing open, it just unlatched from the full latch position. Very odd as I closed that same door earlier in the day and it was obviously shut, perhaps I didn't push it hard enough but still is no excuse for it to pop open when it was in fact in a fully latched position.
I hope this car doesn't remind me why BMW in all its successful might to impress me so thoroughly, can be a temperamental date itself.
