who's hand washing their W212
10-29-2016, 04:43 PM
#26
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10-30-2016, 10:07 AM
#29
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2015 E 250, 1999 BMW M Roadster, 1939 International Harvester, 2023 GLC
I agree why pay? Plus the time. I have a very nice full service wash less than a mile away. Basic exterior wash is around $12, full everything maybe $20. Plus a tip. Then the 5 min drive to & from wait in line and another 15 for wash and towel. On a hurry I can do a pretty good job in 15 min.
My 05 E CDI with 225,000 still looked quite nice other than the chips from all the miles.
My 05 E CDI with 225,000 still looked quite nice other than the chips from all the miles.
10-30-2016, 12:02 PM
#31
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2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Used to, but no longer physically able to so I use an automatic car wash. The kind where an attendent places it the end of a conveyor.
To be honest, can't tell the difference between my hand washing and waxing and the car wash. Finish still looks greaat. Plus it gets washed and waxed a whole lot more frequently now.
I get the exterior wash and was only since I prefer to do the inside myself. Also do not let them use a brush on it, apply tire gloss, etc.
To be honest, can't tell the difference between my hand washing and waxing and the car wash. Finish still looks greaat. Plus it gets washed and waxed a whole lot more frequently now.
I get the exterior wash and was only since I prefer to do the inside myself. Also do not let them use a brush on it, apply tire gloss, etc.
10-30-2016, 01:06 PM
#32
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ecu tune; edok tcu tune; BB intakes; dyno tuned
Clay bar about twice a year ... the finish indeed is amazing after clay ... love that feeling of the clay bar snagging the rough grit on the surface as you work the car
10-30-2016, 01:18 PM
#33
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Used to, but no longer physically able to so I use an automatic car wash. The kind where an attendent places it the end of a conveyor. To be honest, can't tell the difference between my hand washing and waxing and the car wash. Finish still looks greaat. Plus it gets washed and waxed a whole lot more frequently now.
My only warning would be to check the inside lip of your wheels to make sure the conveyor track is not scraping against them (if that's even a concern, some don't mind what is not visible). Just a heads up.
10-30-2016, 06:43 PM
#34
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2014 E550 4MATIC TUNED - Turbo Upgraded Stage 3
Up in Vancouver (Raincouver), Canada
Handwash my car once a month in winter, rest of the time just drive into touchless wash.
In summer, always handwash...
Handwash my car once a month in winter, rest of the time just drive into touchless wash.
In summer, always handwash...
10-31-2016, 08:50 AM
#35
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2013 E550 4Matic
in the past I was really particular on technique washing and rinsing one panel at a time. Now days I start on the roof and pretty much wash the entire car in one shot before rinsing. I use two wash mitts though exchanging often in the process. Of course a good hose wet down prior to any washing and I do my wheels last. In hot weather I may rinse more frequent. Always wash in the garage, I have a nice pitch out the drive so the water goes away quick. I do find the W212 pretty easy to wash.
In the ole-days I was a wax fanatic too. Modern paints really have nice gloss and hold up well. Maybe wax 1 to 2 x per year.
In the ole-days I was a wax fanatic too. Modern paints really have nice gloss and hold up well. Maybe wax 1 to 2 x per year.
10-31-2016, 09:11 AM
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2012 CLS63
keeping it swirl free for the next owner 
10-31-2016, 11:44 AM
#37
Originally Posted by PeterUbers
Clay bar about twice a year ... the finish indeed is amazing after clay ... love that feeling of the clay bar snagging the rough grit on the surface as you work the car
Has anyone had an experience with deteriorating paint quality overtime?
10-31-2016, 12:05 PM
#38
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2010 e550 p2
A friend told me that each time you clay bar and polish, you are thinning the pain coats. It will look great for a couple years each time but overtime the protective coating of the paint will be gone. I do agree that after clay bar application the surface feels really smooth.
Has anyone had an experience with deteriorating paint quality overtime?
Has anyone had an experience with deteriorating paint quality overtime?
as it only removes chemicals and contamination to make it smooth , clay dont mess up the paint nor protective coats.
as far as i understand
10-31-2016, 01:00 PM
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ecu tune; edok tcu tune; BB intakes; dyno tuned
if you clay incorrectly or choose the wrong clay yes you can mar the finish
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10-31-2016, 05:56 PM
#41
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11-01-2016, 02:48 PM
#43
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I go to the local hand wash once a week and wax the Benz myself every month or so. Besides vacuuming and washing the windows, I do the interior myself with the right leather and vinyl products. The shop does an unlimited wash monthly and includes my wife's car. This is very good, she interested in ever washing or even take her car to the car wash.
11-02-2016, 12:29 PM
#46
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Washed the car, twice, without much improvement. As a final gesture before calling our insurer I got a clay bar kit.
As you stated, the result was simply amazing. With appropriate care to not scratch the car, the results are literally better than new. It is so smooth and wasn't at all difficult.
Thank you for your help!
11-02-2016, 12:39 PM
#47
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Never saw or heard of a clay bar incident.
General rules of thumb:
(1) Stay away from body lines. Gently wipe over the flat, smooth, surfaces. Don't scrub.
(2) Then when all done, if you must touch a body line start on the flat surface and as lightly as you can wipe towards the body line.
(3) Be generous with lubricant
(4) If you drop your clay bar, don't even think about re-using it. Throw it directly in a garbage can.
When prepping a car for paint, the effect of not sanding body lines, then following the technique here, made an amazing difference in the finished product. We'd also use guide coats in the primer and light (shadows) to ensure we had body lines straight. Today some manufacturers can approach that look with heating body panels during the stamping process, but on an old car the effect is amazing.
11-05-2016, 12:06 PM
#48
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2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
May not be a good idea
The Operator's Manuals used to warn against using touchless washes. The chemicals they use are much stronger than those used in normal car washes.
11-05-2016, 12:08 PM
#49
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2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
If it rains
I have used the rain before, even backing my car out of the garage to do it. Works about 30% of the time if a heavy rain. Otherwise, just leaves a lot of water spots. Of course, does not do the sides at all.
