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I also used the Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax on my S560 and what a fantastic shine! Gonna use it on my new E450 wagon when weather warms up.
I was sceptical but the hybrid ceramic wax isn’t that expensive so what the heck…..used it on my wife’s S2000 over the weekend. OMG. It’s never looked that shiny. Eazy Peazy to use too.
Well i bit the bullet! .
Eur 1500, so cheap it wasn't ! (body + wheels + windows)
paint is smooth like a baby's bum; Let's see over time how it works out.
9 year guarantee they say
Seeing how you're in France, I'll let you know about my experience.
I got suckered into the MB dealership offering paint protection from Permagard [ [url]https://www.permagard.com/automotive ] which is a French company providing aviation, marine and automotive paint sealants.
To be fair the product is very good, and my feeling is that it is a Silicon Dioxide (ie ceramic) application on the car. After 18 months, water still beads up and glides off quickly and smoothly like the day after application. As JTK44 said, the dirt from driving around simply washes off with pressure washing at the car wash or at home. I am surprised by the longevity. There's been a few times that bird poop was on the roof for about a week. The first rinse pass removed the poo, but the water streaming pattern made it look like it did etch itself on the roof. However, with 2 more soap and rinse passes that spot looked the same as the rest of the panel, with the water beading up in the same shape as the rest of the car and then streaming off. Bear in mind that the roof is glass, not metal due to the panoramic sunroof. One week ago, a person commented how good the car looked otherwise as if it had been recently polished (it hasn't). On this basis, I'm happy with the product.
However, as I am the one who washes the car - doing a contact wash (2 bucket method) once every 6 weeks or so, I noticed the poor workmanship at the dealership. There are panels where I can see the faint swirl marks from the time the car spent 4 months at the dealer lot in 2020. A professional detailing shop would have compounded and corrected the body before applying the sealant. I plan to get the car properly detailed next time and a new ceramic coating applied when the car hits 2.5 years of ownership.
My Car is a march 2020 built W213 E300 (MY19) in Obsidian Black Metallic that I bought as a demo from the dealer in Nov 2020.
I've enjoyed the same beading and shiny DIY results using SiO2 infused car wash soap and detailing spray for fraction of the cost of a professional application.
Last edited by E430_4MATIC; 05-20-2022 at 09:59 AM.
So far I'm stil very happy with it (ok it's been only 5 month).
Coud i have doen it myself?
Maybe, though many say it's difficult to get the same quality as a detailer....
One thing that is not great is the coating on the windows:
the windscreen wipers wil smudge it, as will openig/closing of windows
So the windows never look very clean (looking from the inside)
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by Egonvdv
So far I'm stil very happy with it (ok it's been only 5 month).
Coud i have doen it myself?
Maybe, though many say it's difficult to get the same quality as a detailer....
One thing that is not great is the coating on the windows:
the windscreen wipers wil smudge it, as will openig/closing of windows
So the windows never look very clean (looking from the inside)
Years back people were putting Rain-X on their windshield. In light rain at highway speed water seemed to dissipate rather well. However, as the rain increased and you turned on the wipers, the wipers did not work well and the only solution was to remove the Rain-X. Rain-X worked well on the side and rear windows.
I am definitely going to get ceramic coating! I have two local shops to check out and the cost is about the same at both. Thanks for all the help and insight here.
after 1.5 years still happy with it / still easy to clean the car.
but i don't think it will last for the whole duration of my 4 year lease
Which product did they actually use? They have several listed on their site, the Exov5 coating is 55 pounds but the kit it comes in is 99. So did they basically charge you almost 1400 in labor and paid 99 for the kit plus applicators? The way those guarantees work is they probably have a second application included in the price when it wears off. That product itself only claims that it lasts 18-24 months.
I'm still using Turtle Wax Hybrid solutions, #1 seller on Amazon. I might switch and try Griot's 3-1 Ceramic wax, some claim it last longer than Turtle Wax. Just did an application a few days ago, less than 1/2 hour to do one coat, easy on easy off, much less work than wax. They say two coats is supposed to last a year, I think mine was a little bit less than that, but it holds up well for many months at least.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by cetialpha5
Which product did they actually use? They have several listed on their site, the Exov5 coating is 55 pounds but the kit it comes in is 99. So did they basically charge you almost 1400 in labor and paid 99 for the kit plus applicators? The way those guarantees work is they probably have a second application included in the price when it wears off. That product itself only claims that it lasts 18-24 months.
I'm still using Turtle Wax Hybrid solutions, #1 seller on Amazon. I might switch and try Griot's 3-1 Ceramic wax, some claim it last longer than Turtle Wax. Just did an application a few days ago, less than 1/2 hour to do one coat, easy on easy off, much less work than wax. They say two coats is supposed to last a year, I think mine was a little bit less than that, but it holds up well for many months at least.
Not to repeat myself, I just did my semi-annual application of Meguiar's Ceramic Hybrid wax - the other semi-annual application will be done in the fall.
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
Originally Posted by JTK44
Not to repeat myself, I just did my semi-annual application of Meguiar's Ceramic Hybrid wax - the other semi-annual application will be done in the fall.
Which product did they actually use? They have several listed on their site, the Exov5 coating is 55 pounds but the kit it comes in is 99. So did they basically charge you almost 1400 in labor and paid 99 for the kit plus applicators? The way those guarantees work is they probably have a second application included in the price when it wears off. That product itself only claims that it lasts 18-24 months.
crystal serum ultra GTECHNIQ
Body + wheels + windows
1250 euro + 20% tax = 1500
this does NOT include a free touch-up
of course what i'm mainly paying for is labour .
so if you have the time & patience it's cheaper to do it yourself
crystal serum ultra GTECHNIQ
Body + wheels + windows
1250 euro + 20% tax = 1500
this does NOT include a free touch-up
of course what i'm mainly paying for is labour .
so if you have the time & patience it's cheaper to do it yourself
Oh yeah, that's a detailer only product, one way to keep the price up. The 50ml bottle they sell in Canada for $152 or $122 US. There's also a light version that's supposed to be good for 5 years that you can buy for $110. Guess I'll stick with my $14 Turtle wax ceramic spray til it runs out, doesn't last 9 years, but for almost a year, it's not bad.
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
Originally Posted by Egonvdv
crystal serum ultra GTECHNIQ
Body + wheels + windows
1250 euro + 20% tax = 1500
this does NOT include a free touch-up
of course what i'm mainly paying for is labour .
so if you have the time & patience it's cheaper to do it yourself
Originally Posted by cetialpha5
Oh yeah, that's a detailer only product, one way to keep the price up. The 50ml bottle they sell in Canada for $152 or $122 US. There's also a light version that's supposed to be good for 5 years that you can buy for $110. Guess I'll stick with my $14 Turtle wax ceramic spray til it runs out, doesn't last 9 years, but for almost a year, it's not bad.