First wash of my Arctic White ML350 ...
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Joined: Jan 2011
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2011 ML350
First wash of my Arctic White ML350 ...
So I'm super paranoid on how to get my white ML washed...I can't really do it myself since my home schedule is crazy with twin newborns 
I know with a white car you cannot really see swirls versus a black car (which I also have an know full well how easy it is to get swirls), so should I not be so picky as to which detailer I bring my ML to get washed? I bought it back in April and it's really needing a wash
I'm no Northern California (Palo Alto) if anyone wants to recommend a detailer or better yet a mobile detailer.
I know with a white car you cannot really see swirls versus a black car (which I also have an know full well how easy it is to get swirls), so should I not be so picky as to which detailer I bring my ML to get washed? I bought it back in April and it's really needing a wash
I'm no Northern California (Palo Alto) if anyone wants to recommend a detailer or better yet a mobile detailer.
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Joined: Mar 2011
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2011 ML550
You're super picky about our ML and you haven't washed her for nearly half a year? I took delivery of my black ML in May, and over the past 2500 miles I must have washed her at least a dozen or more times.
Those bonded contaminants on your paint really arent doing you any favors. I'd recommend washing your car much more frequantly.
Those bonded contaminants on your paint really arent doing you any favors. I'd recommend washing your car much more frequantly.
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Joined: Jan 2011
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2011 ML350
Well also to add it's garaged and I only drive it sparingly, it's only got 500 miles on it so the grime and dust on it is minimal.
My point being, are swirls harder to see on a white car? If so I'll just goto my local "touchless" car wash (not sure why they call it "touchless" when 4-5 guys are seend wiping it down afterwards which is when clear coat scratching actually occurs!
My point being, are swirls harder to see on a white car? If so I'll just goto my local "touchless" car wash (not sure why they call it "touchless" when 4-5 guys are seend wiping it down afterwards which is when clear coat scratching actually occurs!
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Mercedes product
a white car is like a black car. it will show swirls and scratches, just not as easily.
i wash my ML about 1-2x a month. it's a DD and is not treated like a prized possession, but still kept up.
last week i did a clay, polish, wax. i used Einszett Paint Polish and Glanz sealant. i haven't taken it through a car wash, but used a touchless.
with the 20" wheels, you gotta be a bit careful as not to nail a wheel even in a touchless.
touchless will not really clean the vehicle. with white, a decently powerful shampoo is needed to clean up the grime. i use Meg's Gold Class or Sonax.
i wash my ML about 1-2x a month. it's a DD and is not treated like a prized possession, but still kept up.
last week i did a clay, polish, wax. i used Einszett Paint Polish and Glanz sealant. i haven't taken it through a car wash, but used a touchless.
with the 20" wheels, you gotta be a bit careful as not to nail a wheel even in a touchless.
touchless will not really clean the vehicle. with white, a decently powerful shampoo is needed to clean up the grime. i use Meg's Gold Class or Sonax.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Have NEVER used any sort of shampoo or soap to wash a car.
With a sufficient coat of wax it's completely unnecessary.
Never ever rub the surface, instead use a brush with plenty of water to flick dirt off rather than sandpapering your finish by rubbing it off. Why create swirls when it's unnecessary?
Yes, maybe some bug/tar remover on local spots only.
Claybars are good.
With a sufficient coat of wax it's completely unnecessary.
Never ever rub the surface, instead use a brush with plenty of water to flick dirt off rather than sandpapering your finish by rubbing it off. Why create swirls when it's unnecessary?
Yes, maybe some bug/tar remover on local spots only.
Claybars are good.
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2011 ML550
Well also to add it's garaged and I only drive it sparingly, it's only got 500 miles on it so the grime and dust on it is minimal.
My point being, are swirls harder to see on a white car? If so I'll just goto my local "touchless" car wash (not sure why they call it "touchless" when 4-5 guys are seend wiping it down afterwards which is when clear coat scratching actually occurs!
My point being, are swirls harder to see on a white car? If so I'll just goto my local "touchless" car wash (not sure why they call it "touchless" when 4-5 guys are seend wiping it down afterwards which is when clear coat scratching actually occurs!
No one is going to care for your car like you do, so I'd suggest putting aside an hour or two and washing her yourself.
Practice good car washing techniques, such as using the two bucket method, and you'll minimize swirls as much as possible. I recommend using two 5 gallon buckets, both with "grit guards" on the bottem.
I do not think you will be happy with the results of a touchless car wash. I only use those for the winter time, and my car always comes out looking completely half assed.
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2011 ML 350CDI Grand Edition
