3.5L

Until earlier this year, I've always washed and detailed my vehicles. But when my right shoulder went sour on me last April, I gave up and started taking both of my vehicles to a local car wash.

The car wash is billed as "hand wash" and they truly are just that. We can walk along a windowed corridor and watch the action. Now that I have completed about 8 visits, I can truly say that the car wash does a great job. I've been opting for some step-up service that includes a wax job and I must say that both of my vehicles look great.

At this stage of my life, I can truly say that this service is well worth it for me.

Rascally Wabbit

I too struggle with shoulder issues although much better since surgery three years ago. Bought random orbital buffers of different sizes & still wash at home. When we lived in the Midwest, I washed my vehicles weekly almost year around. Luckily there was a do it yourself car wash a block from our house. In winter I would go there with a bucket of hot water & car wash soap. The bays had heated floors, warm water & garage doors at one end. My limit on low temperature outside was about 28 degrees (F). On really cold days, the local dealership (Saab not MB) offered free hand car wash on Saturday.

fcch

3 seasons, I'll do it myself in the driveway, ... winter is another matter.


There's a dyi place real close to home. Power washers etc, enough anyway to keep the car looking respectable.


The dealer does a pretty good job washing and detailing each time I bring it in. Services and tire rotations mean I'm in the local MB dealership every 4-5 weeks, so at least some of the road salt gets washed off.

Rascally Wabbit

If you are in Quebec, I understand the three season limit. Hotel De Glace explains your winter weather compeatly!

fcch

Yup, ... I would handwash myself all the time, ... Winter here doesn't let me.


We're in the midst of a 3 day storm here ... The 250 GLK is a really nice winter/snow vehicule


Merry Christmas to you all.
Happy motoring.

cyclrder

I had my black car washed at the dealer by hand when it was in for service...you can already see the fine scratches from the experience. Nobody can clean the car as well as an accomplished home car wash or the professional detailer.

I only let the dealer do it because I asked them specifically if this wash would be the same as the wash they give new cars for delivery... Clearly it wasn't.

You don't notice the fine scratches unless it is a dark color.

Anyway... Just my 2 cents.

Washing procedure that I use:
1. Use http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...mate-wash-wax/
2. A foam sponge that never touches the inner edge of the wheel well or bottom of the fenders.
3. Wheel cleaner that I spray on first while the wheel is dry...one at a time
http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...-tire-cleaner/
4. Tire shine that doesn't flip up onto the body. http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...-tire-coating/

Every change of the season or to remove the above fine scratches...3m imperial hand glaze is your savior! http://www.autogeek.net/3mimhanglaz.html

bugelrex

Hand wash is only relevant if they use a clean towel or several towels for the entire car. This is very time consuming and expensive. If you can provide them the towels to use, this will almost ensure no scratches

fabbrisd1

The "major" problems depnding on the car wash: wheel scrapes from the equipment moving the car thru the line, excess chemical left on the running boards can "stain" the finish on the aluminum boards, and hard water spots in hot weather...

If you guys want to easily do the real deal - when clean - hand apply thin even coat of Glanzwax sealant (Blue Top) one section at a time - dries to a haze in a couple of minutes but let set for 30 minutes to cure - seals "orugh" nano-clearcoat - good for wheels too:


With Glanzwax sealant base - since the nano-clearcoat now has a smooth bonding layer - use a spray carnuAba on-top for additional depth/lustre and to extend life of the base sealant, again by hand one section at a time:



Keep the beat !

cyclrder

I forgot to add that I use old bath towels to dry the car.

107123210

The owners manual says not to use touchless car washes. Doesn't say anything about the ones with the big rotating brushes!

I asked dealer about the touchless - He said he was surprised to see that, but supposed it was because of the stronger chemicals those washes might use.

For our climate, he felt there was really no choice - run vehicle through a carwash. Most of them spray underside of car which is a big plus for getting the salt off the sometimes unprotected steel parts.

So far, all I have done, is gone to the DIY carwash and washed the salt and dirt off with the high pressure soap followed by high pressure rinse. Then dry off with artificial chamois or microfiber (better).

Mostly, I just don't use the GLK in this crappy weather. Wish I had a car that I really didn't care about!

koalatm

I hand wash in the warm months and wand wash in the winter months. In the winter if I want the vehicle to look "perfect" I'll just detail spray it in the garage after I wash it.

Hand washing is actually the most dangerous type of washing, as it's the easiest to do completely wrong and to subsequently scratch the hell out of the clear coat.

NYCGLK

I have never used car wash and tell dealer not to wash my car during service. They claim they have whatever touchless wash, but I can see their rental C300s and they look like crap (esp. in darker colors). I would rather wait until there is a warm day to wash it myself than take it to a wash.

GLK has been my primary car that I drive in all conditions (salt, dirt, snow). If you properly wash the car the paint is very durable and excellent. Mine looks like new after 5 years (45k miles) and there are no swirl marks.

mjhawkins2346

A finish will show swirl marks easily from a car wash not being careful or my cleaning if I'm not religious about the chamois or the towels being clean. I just expect to use some Meguire's Swirl Remover on a routine basis to keep it nice and swirl free.
I have enough in life I can get **** about. Hand washing slowly and carefully to go easy on the shoulder might help your shoulder too if you're careful. I have a troublesome shoulder and the car washing ritual seems to help me if I go slow and easy.

NYCGLK

I mentioned in other threads...I used NuFinish a few times a year, which is much easier to apply. It also makes dirt very easy to wash off. I barely touch the car with sponge. After 5 years, there are zero swirl marks except for a few on the running boards.

107123210

I received a package in mail from MBCanada.

It contained a small book "A History of Passion" and a booklet entitled "In the Driver's Seat". Under Vehicle care, it say "You can have your car washed in an automatic carwash from the start. Brushless car washes are preferable"

So this contradicts the manual.

FC_GLK

We have a 'German Touchless Wash' close by. I've been through there probably 10 times with no issues. Its not perfect but I'm not worried about it. Just trying to get that Winter grime off. Its good enough and saves me freezing my butt off washing it in the driveway.

107123210

Even my dealer agrees we have no option but to use the car washes here. And most of them are touchless.

From GLK manual: