E-Class (W212) 2010 - 2016: E 350, E 550
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Keeping it clean

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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 12:10 PM
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E 350
Keeping it clean

Hi Guys,
I notice that many of the members here keep their cars very clean and sparkling. Can you give some tips on how to maintain that brand new look to E 350. I mean what type of washing solutions, wax or cleaning clothes you use.
So far I have only used pressurized water spray to clean my car but would appreciate some more handy tips.
Thanks.
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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 01:31 PM
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I use Lexol Vinylex on the interior vinyl, plastics, etc. Works very well and is not shiny or greasy the way some treatments are.
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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by El Cid
I use Lexol Vinylex on the interior vinyl, plastics, etc. Works very well and is not shiny or greasy the way some treatments are.
+ 1.
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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 02:01 PM
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Living here in the desert we are lucky in that our cars seldom get "dirty", in the classic sense, since it almost never rains.

Our problem is simple dust and for that I use a California Duster to remove it. I used to be afraid it would scratch, but discovered through other forums, and my own experience, that it doesn't, if used properly. They also make a small version of it for interior use that is super-simple to use.

Regards,
Don
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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 02:27 PM
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2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
Originally Posted by El Cid
I use Lexol Vinylex on the interior vinyl, plastics, etc. Works very well and is not shiny or greasy the way some treatments are.
Do you guys spray this on the MBText also?

To the OP, I've been using einszett 930207 Glanz Wax on my wife's GL since we got it and it's really easy application with good results. On my E I spend some more time and have used a combination of Wolfgang Sealant 3.0 and Griots wax. Application is lengthier and more tedious however.

As you will read elsewhere, avoid the automated washes especially if it's dark...
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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 03:58 PM
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https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...thread-41.html

See post #1007, Eclassy gave a nice write up and has probably the cleanest car on here
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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 06:12 PM
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I use Turtle Wax Zip Wax n' Wash with a lambswool wash mitt for washing, Simoniz speed dry chamois for drying and NuFinish polish 2x a year. Every other application of NuFinish I use a clay bar first. For the interior I use 303 Aerospace for the trim and seats and just a basic APC if cleaning is required. I use regular oxy foam carpet cleaner if the mats and carpet gets dirty.
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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Airmousam
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...thread-41.html

See post #1007, Eclassy gave a nice write up and has probably the cleanest car on here
Here is a quick tip for user forums in case you weren't aware, if you click on the post number it will open a separate window that you can link directly to!

https://mbworld.org/forums/5957221-post1007.html

Post #1007

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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 07:28 PM
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How do you guys clean the navi screen?
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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 08:33 PM
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Originally Posted by shashivr4
How do you guys clean the navi screen?
Microfiber cloth and some water with dish soap in it. That's also the best thing to clean the tint side of tinted windows with since it won't chemically attack the think like window cleaner will.
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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 09:38 PM
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Originally Posted by LasVegasMike
Microfiber cloth and some water with dish soap in it. That's also the best thing to clean the tint side of tinted windows with since it won't chemically attack the think like window cleaner will.
Thanks! So, are you recommending not to use ammonia-free glass cleaner either for the interior of tinted windows?
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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 10:02 PM
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Originally Posted by shashivr4
Thanks! So, are you recommending not to use ammonia-free glass cleaner either for the interior of tinted windows?
When I used to tint windows we did the same thing they are still doing today, using a spray bottle with a few drops of liquid dish soap in it. We would clean the glass with it, and use it as we separated the tint from the backing. We would also use that to spray down the window before placing the tint on it, then clean all the windows with it.

So if it's good enough for the tint guys, it's good enough for me. Plus it's cheap! I save the windex for the chrome!
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Old Mar 10, 2014 | 12:49 PM
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Plexus

Originally Posted by shashivr4
How do you guys clean the navi screen?
Hi, another option is Plexus.
It was originally made to clean aircraft windshields.
Great on all plastic screens like navi and computer screens.

It cleans, polishes, and leaves some sort of dust repellent
(anti-static?) protection.

I use it on dash instrument faces and the plastic coated wood trim.

X2 on Aero 303 on all the dash and door panels. Used full strength
it is slightly glossy/satin finish. I dilute about 1:1 with distilled water
for lesser gloss. I like flatter look.
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Old Mar 10, 2014 | 02:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Mbenz260e
As you will read elsewhere, avoid the automated washes especially if it's dark...
I would to know what is the rationale behind this?
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Old Mar 10, 2014 | 02:38 PM
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Originally Posted by pamiboy
I would to know what is the rationale behind this?
Sorry I wasn't clear, I mean a dark color car, not night vs. day lol. Dark colors will show the swirl marks from the automated carwash more...
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Old Mar 10, 2014 | 04:03 PM
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I've always used Klasse All-In-One for exterior on all of my cars and its work great for me. Having white car is extra works because it get dirty fast and its showed!
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Old Mar 10, 2014 | 04:31 PM
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i use meguiars 135 synthetic detailer on the exterior of my car once ever 1-2 weeks with a clean microfiber towel, keeps its shiny and clean between full details. its also sold by the gallon so one $35 bottle should last over a year
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 03:34 PM
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Originally Posted by JoelE55
I've always used Klasse All-In-One for exterior on all of my cars and its work great for me. Having white car is extra works because it get dirty fast and its showed!
+1 for Klasse All-in-one.

Works great after clay bar. I like to follow with Klasse High Gloss Sealant. Lasts 6 months here in Florida.
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 04:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Airmousam
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...thread-41.html

See post #1007, Eclassy gave a nice write up and has probably the cleanest car on here
eclassy does have a clean car, and his posts always scintillate, but to say he has the cleanest car here is just too hilarious!
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Old Mar 19, 2014 | 12:11 PM
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E 350
Just to clarify a few points .
How often do you wax, how often for polishing?
Does wax and polish perform the same function.
Any difference between combined shampoo, wax solutions vs separate shampooing and waxing?
Any difference between paste wax vs spray wax?
Also some people feel that frequent shampooing removes the polish of car. Is it true?
Thanks.

Last edited by pamiboy; Mar 19, 2014 at 12:13 PM.
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Old Mar 19, 2014 | 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by pamiboy
Just to clarify a few points .
How often do you wax, how often for polishing?
Does wax and polish perform the same function.
Any difference between combined shampoo, wax solutions vs separate shampooing and waxing?
Any difference between paste wax vs spray wax?
Also some people feel that frequent shampooing removes the polish of car. Is it true?
Thanks.
to be really brief about this,
wax with a carnuba every 2 months, if using a sealant ever 4 months, more often if your car sees bad weather a lot.
polish is abrasive and is used to get rid of minor imperfections, not recommended more than once a year as it does remove a little layer of clearcoat every time, wax/sealant is a protectant that lays on top of the paint.
lots of shampoos are pretty similar, not a big difference between most good brands. all in one shampoos and waxes will last a lot shorter than using a separate wax and shampoo.
Paste wax and liquid wax are the same, just a matter of preference.
Frequent polish will remove the clearcoat, otherwise wash as often as you like making sure you use clean towels.
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Old Mar 19, 2014 | 12:55 PM
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Thanks a lot,
That was pretty informative.
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