Does the new 2025 E53 AMG come with a Carwash Mode or did I miss the secret handshake to unlock it?
Because if it’s in there, it’s hiding better than my socks after laundry day! Just for the record, I handwash my car 99% of the time; But just in case I get tempted to drive through a carwash and risk the dreaded brush encounter, I’d love to know if this feature exists!

 

I heard 2025 model year MBs across the lineup all don't have it anymore, I love to be wrong though.

 

Nope, doesn't exist. I only hand wash my car, and the only issue is that the handles keep popping in and out throughout the wash. Not a huge deal, but can be a pain sometimes. I use an air gun with the handles out to ensure I get as much water out of the nooks and crevices as possible.

I would never use an automatic car wash of any kind. Great way to cause damage. Although, I found out the dealership I bought the car from uses an automatic car wash with the spinning straps. Not good. I will be sure to tell them no wash the next time it's in for service.

 

I lock my car and move the fob away so the handles don’t pop out every time I touch them while washing.
I could swear I’ve seen instructions in the manual to put the car in car wash mode but don’t currently have access to the manual. It states it turns off the auto wipers and trunk opener sensors, etc.

 

Just put the key fob inside the car when washing. It wont lock and unlock during the washing process.

 

Or disable the key during the wash: https://www.mercedes-benz.ca/en/owne...ion-of-the-key

 

I've washed the car at least 12 times now. Locking the car means the mirrors pull in and I prefer them out when washing. With an unlocked car, the handles will pull in and pop out even if the key is off or out of range. Water hitting the handles makes it think you touched them making them pop out. Then after some time, they pull in. The only way to stop this is to lock the car, but then the mirrors fold in which I don't want. I could disable the auto folding mirrors while washing but it's not really a big deal to have the handles pop in and out.

 

Car Wash Mode is on pages 390 & 391 in my manual.

 

Cannot rely on the operator's manual for the most updated information, you could try using the in-car digital manual instead although even if it mentions there is car wash mode it might still not be there, here is an example from another model but same 2025 model year: https://mbworld.org/forums/glc-class...ml#post9051592

 

That said, usually the most updated information is in the digital operator's manual.

 

You’re absolutely right. I tried it according to the manual and there is no provision listed in the menu.

 

I still don't know why they removed it though...

 

It's a car not a museum piece!

It will get dirty and even a few nicks and dents.

Drive it and enjoy it!

 

Never said it's a museum price. I take care of ALL my stuff because that's the way I am. Washing a car on a regular basis keeps it looking good and I feel better driving in a clean car. Not to mention that letting bug guts, bird droppings, tar, tree sap, and other contamination will cause damage to the clear coat over time. What you do with your car is your business. What I do with mine is my business.

 

From your post #3:

"I only hand wash my car"

Like you, whenever possible I try to hand wash my car. But in December, January, February and March, when temps are below freezing and I have turned off the outside water, after driving through rain, sleet, slush and snow, and with road salt all other the car, it is better to take my car to a car wash rather than wait months to hand wash my car. Just because it is winter I still want to drive a clean car and my only option is a car wash.

Plus I have Meguair's Ceramic Hybrid wax on my car which is an excellent protection including from a car wash!

As I posted. it is a car, not a museum piece and it will never be a classic.

Drive it, enjoy it!

 

I just washed my car today by hand. It was 57°F and sunny. Great day to wash the car. Most would consider their car clean when I would consider it dirty. I use ceramic wax as well. Works great, but you still must wash it to keep it clean. It's just easier with ceramic wax. I don't typically deal with snow and slush but some years I do. I use a foam cannon and as long as it's above 40°, I can just do a quick foam spray and rince to get the grime off. I would never use an automatic car wash. I will use a manual bay at a car wash if necessary but only if it's my only choice.

 

How do you get all of the salt off of the underbody. The underbody will seriously rust sooner if you don't. There is a way to do it (see youtube), but it looks awfully uncomfortable when the temperature dips below freezing.

 

Your Mercedes come with a 10 year warranty against rust.

 

I also never use a car wash, I always wash my cars myself, all year round. Living in the NY area, as long as the temperature is above 34 degrees, I will wash my cars. I also have ben using a ceramic wax, and just recently tried Adams Graphene Ceramic Spray. So far I am pleased with the results and how it handles salty roads and rainy weather.

 

You got me curious since the topic of automatic washes were brought up, curious what you think of recycled water, is it like spraying salt water from other vehicles during the winter, for those who do touchless wash?

I too hand wash but sometimes I get lazy and wondered if it is better to keep the salt on the vehicle or go through a touchless with the risk of recycled water spraying salt water into places that normal driving will never reach. I thought about shell touchless.

 

I posted that I like my car clean in winter, so I have no alternative but to go to a car wash. I also have the Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic wax on my car, and the water beads up quite well whether I hand wash or take it to the car wash.

I am willing to take my chances on recycled water at the car wash. I assume there are filters in place that take care of most of the dirt, grime and salt. It is a trade off and I am willing to take whatever risk, no matter how small, at the car wash.

Having said that, today forecast is for high 40's low 50's and I will be hand washing my cars!

Happy New Year!

 

nice, happy new year to you too : )

 

I wonder if this applies to the G-Class as well.... I've never seen modern cars rust like these do.

Trenton O. Gibson
tgibson@highline-autos.com
Highline Autos
Direct: 602.909.9216
Office: 480.348.0777

 

[QUOTE=L1Wolf;9088649]Nope, doesn't exist. I only hand wash my car, and the only issue is that the handles keep popping in and out throughout the wash. Not a huge deal, but can be a pain sometimes. I use an air gun with the handles out to ensure I get as much water out of the nooks and crevices as possible.

I would never use an automatic car wash of any kind. Great way to cause damage. Although, I found out the dealership I bought the car from uses an automatic car wash with the spinning straps. Not good. I will be sure to tell them no wash the next time it's in for service.

Try leaving the keys in the car to avoid this.

 

Just did the last car wash for 2024. Not a thorough one with some stains left on it, but I'll wait maybe until April for a deep wash. Also noticed some paint chips - that's the way it goes.