SL/R230: Getting Car Detailed
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
2003 SL500 Sports Package
Getting Car Detailed
Hi -
I read the thread
about self detailing the car. My situation is this; my sl500 was delivered almost 16 months ago. It has never been detailed. I have some rock chips and swirl marks in the paint ( it's Agean Blue ).
I was going to try the dealership where I bought the car; Barrier Motors whom I've been very happy with. Would you guys trust a detail shop to do the right thing with your cars ??
Is there anything special I should ask them other then the obvious of fixing the rock chips ( a couple went through the clear coat for sure ) and taking out the swirl marks ???
My car is almost always in the garage but I have driven it in the snow ( all season pilot sports great in snow ) several times and it's showing some wear and tear.
I read the thread
about self detailing the car. My situation is this; my sl500 was delivered almost 16 months ago. It has never been detailed. I have some rock chips and swirl marks in the paint ( it's Agean Blue ).I was going to try the dealership where I bought the car; Barrier Motors whom I've been very happy with. Would you guys trust a detail shop to do the right thing with your cars ??
Is there anything special I should ask them other then the obvious of fixing the rock chips ( a couple went through the clear coat for sure ) and taking out the swirl marks ???
My car is almost always in the garage but I have driven it in the snow ( all season pilot sports great in snow ) several times and it's showing some wear and tear.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: CA
'99 E430
Don't take it to the dealer for detailing... you'll be disappointed and overcharged. There's got to be a better option in your area. Ask around... reputable hand car washes or paintless dent removers, car clubs, good paint shops, enthusiasts like yourself, they all should have a few leads for you.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
How many miles have you done? Sure, an R230 will look great if it doesn't do many miles, it's how it looks after lots of miles which really says how well built it is. My recipe for keeping a car in good condition:
- stay back from the car in front
- never use a mechanical car wash
- never let bird droppings or brake dust stay on the car for long.
- stay back from the car in front
- never use a mechanical car wash
- never let bird droppings or brake dust stay on the car for long.
Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Beverly Hills, CA
2003 E500, 2005 SL600
Originally Posted by markbsl
Hi -
I read the thread about self detailing the car. My situation is this; my sl500 was delivered almost 16 months ago. It has never been detailed. I have some rock chips and swirl marks in the paint ( it's Agean Blue ).
I was going to try the dealership where I bought the car; Barrier Motors whom I've been very happy with. Would you guys trust a detail shop to do the right thing with your cars ??
Is there anything special I should ask them other then the obvious of fixing the rock chips ( a couple went through the clear coat for sure ) and taking out the swirl marks ???
My car is almost always in the garage but I have driven it in the snow ( all season pilot sports great in snow ) several times and it's showing some wear and tear.
I read the thread
about self detailing the car. My situation is this; my sl500 was delivered almost 16 months ago. It has never been detailed. I have some rock chips and swirl marks in the paint ( it's Agean Blue ).I was going to try the dealership where I bought the car; Barrier Motors whom I've been very happy with. Would you guys trust a detail shop to do the right thing with your cars ??
Is there anything special I should ask them other then the obvious of fixing the rock chips ( a couple went through the clear coat for sure ) and taking out the swirl marks ???
My car is almost always in the garage but I have driven it in the snow ( all season pilot sports great in snow ) several times and it's showing some wear and tear.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
2003 SL500 Sports Package
Thanks For The Great Tip
Hey thanks so much - i would have gone to the dealership ... what do I know about it -- nothing 
. They have my business if they want it. 
. They have my business if they want it.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Exeter, CA USA
2002 BMW 745Li Black/beige, 2006 SL600 Capri Blue/Black still on order
Originally Posted by tiggerfink
I used to get my car detail twice a year for $240 bucks each time.
Steve
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 0
From: Memphis
SL500 and A-CLASS
When I was young and single 4 years ago, I was always too busy to do my own car. The MB dealer would charge about $135. I was never satisfied with their work. Then I took my car to a husband and wife detail shop, and they did one hell of a job.
But, I decided to detail my cars and they look just as good as the $240 job.
Below is what I do and use. Any good product will work.
Once a year detail
1. Wash car
2. Use a florescent light to look for scratches and swirls. Park car in the garage to go swirl/scratch hunting.
3. Clay entire car
4. Use a DA polisher and paint cleaner if needed. The paint cleaner that Mercedes sells is the same as one of Meguair’s paint cleaners
5. Wash wheels
6. Wash car
7. Use a true polish and put on with a DA polisher.
8. Wax entire car including wheels.
Mercedes wax is a polish/wax that is made by Meguair’s. I discovered a spray on wax that will last about 5 months. It is call Optimum. Also other wax products will do a better shine, glow, and reflection. I am looking for the best results with the least amount of time.
Every 4-month detail plan
1. Wash car
2. Clay if needed.
3. Wash wheels
4. Wash car
5. Wax entire car including wheels
Every month detail plan
1. Vacuum
2. Clean dash and trim
3. Clean leather
4. Wash
5. Clay if needed.
6. Wash wheels
Once a week I will spot clean with a quick detailer and wash wheels if needed.
But, I decided to detail my cars and they look just as good as the $240 job.
Below is what I do and use. Any good product will work.
Once a year detail
1. Wash car
2. Use a florescent light to look for scratches and swirls. Park car in the garage to go swirl/scratch hunting.
3. Clay entire car
4. Use a DA polisher and paint cleaner if needed. The paint cleaner that Mercedes sells is the same as one of Meguair’s paint cleaners
5. Wash wheels
6. Wash car
7. Use a true polish and put on with a DA polisher.
8. Wax entire car including wheels.
Mercedes wax is a polish/wax that is made by Meguair’s. I discovered a spray on wax that will last about 5 months. It is call Optimum. Also other wax products will do a better shine, glow, and reflection. I am looking for the best results with the least amount of time.
Every 4-month detail plan
1. Wash car
2. Clay if needed.
3. Wash wheels
4. Wash car
5. Wax entire car including wheels
Every month detail plan
1. Vacuum
2. Clean dash and trim
3. Clean leather
4. Wash
5. Clay if needed.
6. Wash wheels
Once a week I will spot clean with a quick detailer and wash wheels if needed.
Last edited by tiggerfink; Apr 1, 2005 at 11:35 PM.
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