Car wash question
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 262
Likes: 30
2014 GL450
Car wash question
I did a search and didn't find anything. Being a new owner of a CPO 2014 GL450, I'm not sure what the procedure is to take the car to a car wash. Reading through the old threads, I know folks were recommending to hand wash, but being in Michigan, it would be tough with the colder climate and snow.
I read the manual and it says the following. Since I've KEYLESS-GO, do I need to go through the extra step of removing the ignition cover and inserting the key? I cannot just shift it to N with the engine running?
Reason I'm asking is coz' on my wife's '15 X3, there are additional steps needed else the car thinks it may be rolling away and will put on the parking brake.
The car wash I usually frequent is one where you drive up to the tracks and the tracks pull you in.
[Using the SmartKey]
- Make sure that the ignition is switched on. RWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the brake pedal and keep it depressed.
- Shift to neutral N.
- Release the brake pedal.
- If the electric parking brake is engaged, release it.
- Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
[Using KEYLESS-GO]
- Make sure that the ignition is switched on. RWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the brake pedal and keep it depressed.
- Engage park position P.
- Release the brake pedal.
- Remove the Start/Stop button from the ignition lock.
- Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
- Switch on the ignition.
- Depress the brake pedal and keep it depressed.
- Shift to neutral N.
- Release the brake pedal.
- If the electric parking brake is engaged, release it.
- Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
I read the manual and it says the following. Since I've KEYLESS-GO, do I need to go through the extra step of removing the ignition cover and inserting the key? I cannot just shift it to N with the engine running?
Reason I'm asking is coz' on my wife's '15 X3, there are additional steps needed else the car thinks it may be rolling away and will put on the parking brake.
The car wash I usually frequent is one where you drive up to the tracks and the tracks pull you in.
[Using the SmartKey]
- Make sure that the ignition is switched on. RWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the brake pedal and keep it depressed.
- Shift to neutral N.
- Release the brake pedal.
- If the electric parking brake is engaged, release it.
- Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
[Using KEYLESS-GO]
- Make sure that the ignition is switched on. RWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the brake pedal and keep it depressed.
- Engage park position P.
- Release the brake pedal.
- Remove the Start/Stop button from the ignition lock.
- Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
- Switch on the ignition.
- Depress the brake pedal and keep it depressed.
- Shift to neutral N.
- Release the brake pedal.
- If the electric parking brake is engaged, release it.
- Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 298
Likes: 32
From: America's Mitten
on GLC300 #2, a 2022 CPO purchased b/c I really dislike the X254's UI (GL350 before those)
Overthinking this, I think.
I have 14 gl350 keyless go, too.
I pull up to the automated drive through wash, pop it in neutral -- turn off the rain sense wipers -- pay the owner (it's quaintly staffed by him or his mom, plus a pre wash wipe/hose jockey at the line) and off we go once the roller hits. Not touch the key, not even thinking of it. Engine still running, not shut off, though I've done it both ways with other cars. Sometimes I bring stuff and clean the inside of the front windows while moving through the tunnel, and this place has no towel guys so I touch up myself after exit.
This CPO Benz became mine in March so my wash visits number a handful so far: Mostly I've been hand washing my cars all summer since the weather has been so perfectly lovely, but as you say it's Michigan so that shall end.
Your car will act if it senses rolling with an open door, at least while the engine is running. Mine engages park if I open the door and the car senses any possibility for rolling away or over me even if I do not exit. Keep the doors closed for this car wash, plus you'll stay dry that way!
You read the CPO extension threads here and did not or won't pay full price for your extra two years unlimited miles CPO coverage, right?
I have 14 gl350 keyless go, too.
I pull up to the automated drive through wash, pop it in neutral -- turn off the rain sense wipers -- pay the owner (it's quaintly staffed by him or his mom, plus a pre wash wipe/hose jockey at the line) and off we go once the roller hits. Not touch the key, not even thinking of it. Engine still running, not shut off, though I've done it both ways with other cars. Sometimes I bring stuff and clean the inside of the front windows while moving through the tunnel, and this place has no towel guys so I touch up myself after exit.
This CPO Benz became mine in March so my wash visits number a handful so far: Mostly I've been hand washing my cars all summer since the weather has been so perfectly lovely, but as you say it's Michigan so that shall end.
Your car will act if it senses rolling with an open door, at least while the engine is running. Mine engages park if I open the door and the car senses any possibility for rolling away or over me even if I do not exit. Keep the doors closed for this car wash, plus you'll stay dry that way!
You read the CPO extension threads here and did not or won't pay full price for your extra two years unlimited miles CPO coverage, right?
Last edited by mustbebenz; Sep 17, 2016 at 08:24 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 6,398
Likes: 695
From: Northwest Illinois
2014 E350 also restored: 1969 Camaro convertible SS 1957 Chevy Belair 2dr hardtop
above is correct make sure the rain sensor is off. if I get the full service I put the key in the ashtray cup and leave the car running. Have not run into problems yet
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 262
Likes: 30
2014 GL450
Ok. Thanks. Sounds like I just need to put it in N but keep the engine running and don't accidentally open the door. As you can see from the manual, in both cases (with or without keyless-go), it says specifically to switch off the ignition.
I've a feeling the extra steps outlined in the manual (putting the key in the actual slot) will still keep it in N in case the doors are opened. I've to try this out.
Just didn't want to mess up when I do take it in for a car wash coz' when I took my wife's X3 in for the first car wash, it was nerve wrecking coz' I needed to do the extra steps. I cannot just shift to neutral AND keep engine running. On the X3, it'll think the car is rolling away regardless of whether your door is opened or not. After shifting to N, I need to press the start/stop button once to turn off the engine but still having power (something like Accessory II mode in other cars). Of course making sure the automatic hold and parking brake are not engaged as well.
About the CPO extended warranty, yes I did get a break from the list price of $3499 for extra 2 years. The finance guy was willing to work with me on the extended warranty price as well as pre-paid maintenance for B-A-B service. The sales woman was firm on selling price and any extras.
I've a feeling the extra steps outlined in the manual (putting the key in the actual slot) will still keep it in N in case the doors are opened. I've to try this out.
Just didn't want to mess up when I do take it in for a car wash coz' when I took my wife's X3 in for the first car wash, it was nerve wrecking coz' I needed to do the extra steps. I cannot just shift to neutral AND keep engine running. On the X3, it'll think the car is rolling away regardless of whether your door is opened or not. After shifting to N, I need to press the start/stop button once to turn off the engine but still having power (something like Accessory II mode in other cars). Of course making sure the automatic hold and parking brake are not engaged as well.
About the CPO extended warranty, yes I did get a break from the list price of $3499 for extra 2 years. The finance guy was willing to work with me on the extended warranty price as well as pre-paid maintenance for B-A-B service. The sales woman was firm on selling price and any extras.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 663
Likes: 49
From: Bucks Cty, PA
2015 gl450
If you open drivers door while in gear it throws car into park. Don't know if specific to only keyless operation, but it slams truck in park fairly quickly.
Found that out as I tried to avoid running over basketball in driveway.
Found that out as I tried to avoid running over basketball in driveway.
