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I hear and agree with you sentiment. However after do G the same with my IX without a doubt I will do this with my E53. 2+ years not a swirl mark to be seen and I don't have to do any waxing etc. So it works out for me.
If you want to save about $4400, consider this advice from another post - I archived it and plan to use it after my "TST" (Teflon like) coating wears out:
I have been compounding, waxing, polishing and detailing my cars for over 60 years. However, for the past 15/20 years I have been leasing so all I have done is wash my cars.
In September my wife's car came off lease, a 2018 Ford Edge Sport and in February my 2019 E450 came off lease. I decided to buy both. Time to give them a shine: Like you I did a lot of research on the Internet about ceramic coating. I also remember the lawsuits and settlements in the 1990's about paint sealants, so I was extremely skeptical about claims of "lifetime" coatings including today's ceramic coatings.
Here is what I decided to do:
On my wife's Ford Edge I washed the car and then did the entire car with Meguiar's cleaner wax.: This was the first time in over 10 years I had done an entire car. It took me less than 2 hours! In the past an SUV would have taken well over 4 and closer to 5 hours to complete. Although 3 years old and never having been waxed, the paint was in terrific shape. My conclusion is that today's paints are far superior to paints of even 5 to 7 years ago.
I then applied Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax: total time under 15 minutes. Total time to apply both Meguiar's cleaner wax and hybrid wax just over 2 hours.
I then did the same on my 2019 Mercedes E450: total time under 2 hours. Total cost: under $20.
Now many, many months later when it rains, 90% of the dirt on the car just washes off. Car washing is a dream: water beads up and the gloss in the paint is fantastic. Every six months after washing I plan to re-apply the Hybrid ceramic coating, time under 15 minutes. Cost about $3.
I am totally satisfied and recommend to others what I have done. I see no reason to spend hundreds even thousands for a "professional" ceramic coating. Todays paints are so good, that a professional ceramic coating, at least in my opinion, is complete overkill.
If I had a new car, I would wait 6 months to let the paint set and hardened: than if after washing and drying, apply the hybrid ceramic wax. If the paint shows any wear and tear, then use the cleaner wax and then the hybrid wax.
What I really like about the Meguiar's is that you can first use a cleaner wax to get the finish in mirror condition and then apply the hybrid ceramic wax over it:
I like it, but I need to do some further research or even call Meguiar's. Since I ordered my E53 with matte white, I don't think I should be applying any product with a wax. The Gyeon Matte Evo is only $100 and I should be able to wash, decontaminate, and apply the ceramic coating in a few hours. I doubt I can go wrong with Gyeon coating since it is made specifically for matte paint, and it has a great reviews.
Originally Posted by Holtgraver
If you want to save about $4400, consider this advice from another post - I archived it and plan to use it after my "TST" (Teflon like) coating wears out:
I have been compounding, waxing, polishing and detailing my cars for over 60 years. However, for the past 15/20 years I have been leasing so all I have done is wash my cars.
In September my wife's car came off lease, a 2018 Ford Edge Sport and in February my 2019 E450 came off lease. I decided to buy both. Time to give them a shine: Like you I did a lot of research on the Internet about ceramic coating. I also remember the lawsuits and settlements in the 1990's about paint sealants, so I was extremely skeptical about claims of "lifetime" coatings including today's ceramic coatings.
Here is what I decided to do:
On my wife's Ford Edge I washed the car and then did the entire car with Meguiar's cleaner wax.: This was the first time in over 10 years I had done an entire car. It took me less than 2 hours! In the past an SUV would have taken well over 4 and closer to 5 hours to complete. Although 3 years old and never having been waxed, the paint was in terrific shape. My conclusion is that today's paints are far superior to paints of even 5 to 7 years ago.
I then applied Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax: total time under 15 minutes. Total time to apply both Meguiar's cleaner wax and hybrid wax just over 2 hours.
I then did the same on my 2019 Mercedes E450: total time under 2 hours. Total cost: under $20.
Now many, many months later when it rains, 90% of the dirt on the car just washes off. Car washing is a dream: water beads up and the gloss in the paint is fantastic. Every six months after washing I plan to re-apply the Hybrid ceramic coating, time under 15 minutes. Cost about $3.
I am totally satisfied and recommend to others what I have done. I see no reason to spend hundreds even thousands for a "professional" ceramic coating. Todays paints are so good, that a professional ceramic coating, at least in my opinion, is complete overkill.
If I had a new car, I would wait 6 months to let the paint set and hardened: than if after washing and drying, apply the hybrid ceramic wax. If the paint shows any wear and tear, then use the cleaner wax and then the hybrid wax.
What I really like about the Meguiar's is that you can first use a cleaner wax to get the finish in mirror condition and then apply the hybrid ceramic wax over it:
Quick question, did anyone get a AMG addendum to the standard E class manual?
NO! I was very disappointed about this. Actually, I am surprised. The last E model discussed online, even on the App, is the E July 2024. It has many of the features we discussed in this Forum that are no longer available in the newer 2025 models.
Yea, I was hoping that it was just me. I was thinking my salesman was slipping. I have had to watch some YouTube videos, dig through manuals, etc., to try and figure some of the AMG-specific stuff out. Next question, where is the engine signature sticker? I looked and didn't see it.
Yea, I was hoping that it was just me. I was thinking my salesman was slipping. I have had to watch some YouTube videos, dig through manuals, etc., to try and figure some of the AMG-specific stuff out. Next question, where is the engine signature sticker? I looked and didn't see it.
2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
The July PDF edition has many more references to the E 53 than the January version. I'm not seeing gaps in the features, more in the specifications where the car is referenced but no data given.
Yea, I was hoping that it was just me. I was thinking my salesman was slipping. I have had to watch some YouTube videos, dig through manuals, etc., to try and figure some of the AMG-specific stuff out. Next question, where is the engine signature sticker? I looked and didn't see it.
You require a better. AMG for engine signature, usually 63 series. Not available at this time if ever on this E class.
I didn’t realize that before, to be honest. I just assumed that with all the rebadging and changes they’ve gone through, if the smaller C43 was handcrafted, the same would apply to the E53. Clearly, I was mistaken in my assumptions!
RED SEAT BELT UPDATE ...That is probably irrelevant to almost everyone, but closes the circle.
Recap: Despite appearing in the interior previews for the E53 build online (MBUSA), red seat belts will only be available with Black upholstery.
Out of curiosity, I had my local dealer inquire about replacing the black belts in my upcoming E53 vehicle with the OEM red belts. As many of you might have suspected the cost is enormous: $6,500 for parts and labor. Apparently these are backordered in the USA, so if I decided to do this I'd probably have to wait long enough to eventually realize how nuts it is. You can find "OEM" red belts online for much cheaper but I suspect getting budget seat belts puts you in the running to win the Darwin Awards.
I don't know why, but this is the second time I see a thread that has a new post but it's not there. I assume its been deleted but it won't ever stop showing the new post indicator even though there is none. Both times it was member @Mercuccio who had the missing post. The screen shot below is what I see. Once I post this, it goes away and looks normal. I'm posting this to both get rid of the incorrect unread indicator and raise awareness of this happening.
To add a few data points for the collective good:
I ordered a 2026 E53 Wagon recently. The order guide was available online for the dealer but no prices yet. Dealer informed me red seat belts were not available because I selected tonka/black interior. August 25 build date.
I don't know why, but this is the second time I see a thread that has a new post but it's not there. I assume its been deleted but it won't ever stop showing the new post indicator even though there is none. Both times it was member @Mercuccio who had the missing post. The screen shot below is what I see. Once I post this, it goes away and looks normal. I'm posting this to both get rid of the incorrect unread indicator and raise awareness of this happening.
My replies take days to get approved before they appear.
My original thread posts will appear, then they disappear until they are approved. Once the post is approved, it appears again.
To add a few data points for the collective good:
I ordered a 2026 E53 Wagon recently. The order guide was available online for the dealer but no prices yet. Dealer informed me red seat belts were not available because I selected tonka/black interior. August 25 build date.
I created a whole thread here for Red Seat Belts in a W214 E53. Back and forth with MB online, then on advice: sent letter (yes, in the mail) to MB HQ in US. Officially, the website is broken. So, as of 5 months ago, black upholstery or no red seat belts. If you want to replace what you get with OEM red belts you are looking at over $4K to get it done by MB. Cheaper, obviously, if you buy the parts yourself online and do it elsewhere, but I think there are special Darwin awards for doing that on such crucial safety equipment.
I decided to replace my Audi with this E53. I have mixed feelings. I like the E53, and I like the way it feels. Having said this, the Audi was also very friendly and much more straightforward in terms of technology. There was no need for complicated instructions and combinations of pressing buttons. The MB technology is like trying to decipher hieroglyphics after a few too many cups of coffee. Every button you press seems to have a secret mission as if they're all part of an undercover operation! Honestly, who needs that many hidden functions? It's like the car plays a game of hide and seek every time I want to turn on the AC or the music! Porsche and Audi are like that straightforward friend who tells you what they want for dinner, " I am craving pizza", instead of sending you down a rabbit hole of "I don't know, what do you want?"
Your comments seem out of place for this thread, but I had to comment because they match my opinion of the MB interface. I came out of a 2018 CLS and had zero issues with that car. Never thought to do a real test evaluation on how this new MBUX operated. Should have done that because I probably would not have purchased the car (I was replacing a 6 year old Volvo V90 Ocean Race with 35K miles). Love the drive train on the E450 AT but not the electronics. Will make it hard to pick a MB for my next vehicle.
Hi I'm interested in reading some comments , opinions.
Is the ordering for 2025 E53 done now? Of course I can go to a dealer but it's easier to ask here right now.
If ordering is open , any idea on lead time?
Any opinion/ knowledge of 2026 models? , anyone know of changes.
Does the E sedan drive luxurious as opposed to tight and small
I'm thinking of replacing my CT5 V , which I like from a ride and performance point , anyone have a similar comparison
Do you like your E53 or wish it were a little "more"
2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
The 2026 order guide will be definite. But what I have spotted on code 055 YoM X4/2 VIN coded cars have 321 Fingerprint Sensor as standard. The Non-055 and just 805 YoM X4/1 cars do not have it, and it was not an available option or part of a package such as Pinnacle. I don't know if the fingerprint scanner is in addition to the facial recognition or in place of it.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
