Question for you all. First, I was thinking about doing a car wrap but that's a pretty hefty price, so in lieu of a car wrap I was thinking of a ceramic coating. The reason is that I don't have a "Covered" parking structure. I live in Los Angeles, and the weather is pretty good 365 days a year. If I don't go the ceramic route, then it's the wax and polish route, and if I'm smart, I use a car cover when I get home.

Thoughts/Ideas/Suggestions?

Thank you.

Use Graphine instead of Ceramic

CQuartz works well. It produces a great shine. I don't know how long it lasts or how hard a shell it produces. It seems to do both okay. I wash first using wool mitts, and dawn dish cleaning soap. I sometimes compound or polish next using Mguiar's compound or polish, and a Porter Cable random orbit polisher. I no longer use wax.

The best way to prepare the car for a coating is to clay the car first. Exoforma has Graphine and Ceramic in 6h and 9h. You really have to know what you are doing with 9h. 6h will last a year or more with a Graphine or Ceramic detailer after a wash. .

I won't be doing this proses rather I will be taking it to a professional.

I used Avalon King, It was a fun process and after 3 coats (recommended) I'm happy with the results.

Was it DIY or did you have a professional perform the task? If the latter, what was the cost?

DIY, took about an hour or 2, just keep the car inside for a few hours and you're good. Most people quoted me anywhere from $500 - 1500

Good to know. Thank you. By the by...how is the 07 55 AMG treating you? I have heard horror stories about all the problems and issues with the "Newer" engine on the 07 and 08. That's why I was looking for a 04-06 model.

No problem, really? I've not heard of any issues with the engine on the 07-08, I know that there was a larger throttle body which resulted in a bit more power + torque. I feel like the 07 just drives much better, the steering is a bit sharper, you have paddles instead of the buttons, and the reliability has been top notch. I went for the 07 because of the improvements to the ABC suspension. I'm about to install some MBH long tubes within the next week + swapping out the engine mounts for some Black series, my car only has 24k miles, but it's just one of those "while you're in there" jobs.

24k in miles? GREAT!! I wish you the best on your car. I know that I'm going through a world of s..t with my 07 550 but that's another story altogether.

Yep, 24k in miles, I'm hoping that the engine mounts + exhaust nuts, O2 sensors etc come off quite nicely... But, that's probably been jinxed now... Well, hopefully you can find the right information on this forum regarding the problems with your 550. This site is great and some members here know so much.

I already know the problems with my 550, and it looks like I will pay close to what I put down as a payment (12k) to fix the issues. I'm already 7k deep and I have only had maybe a tad more than one month. But hey, I made a very poor decision when I purchased the car. I trusted them but never verified.

I agree with Gene. Clay bar is necessary for best results. It is easy and gets rid of those invisible specks attached to the paint. I have been using Adam's Ceramic Coating.

Clay bar is good; but I doubt it removes swirl marks or light scratches. You are making a clear coat shine... probably polyurethane. If swirl marks are severe, use an orbital buffer and compound, if light, buffer and polish. I would ask any detailer what prep work he/she does. You can wash your car, and study the clear coat in bright sunlight. I have seen statements like ceramic coating hides scratches. I doubt it.

If you have bad swirl marks and light scratches could use a buff out with swirl remover product. The Clay deep cleans and opens any pores of oxidation or dirt making the surface clean for the coating. Even with the buff out the product leaves its own residue. So the car would have to be washed first and then use of the clay. It is all about if you are using 6h or 9h. You can get in trouble with 9h if the surface is not prepared exactly.

What is the deciding difference between 6h and 9h. If someone dropped their clay bar in the sand, what can I er.... someone do with it?

Throw it in the trash quick!

It is actually just a dozen or 2 grains of dirt. I parked the clay bar years ago. Same verdict? trash it?

It only takes one grain of sand to permanently scar your clear coat and paint. Not worth the risk. Clay is cheap; paint is expensive.

If you were being serious dropping clay bar in sand and you have to ask then well you are wasting people's time. If you want to know the difference between 6h and 9h take if from me you are not ready for 9h. If that is the case hire a professional. Or 3 coats of 6h will get you there almost in the same place.

That is very insulting. You probably have no clue. I am finishing the polish on the 2004 500SL AMG as we speak. I used some Meguiar's compound on serious sections. I am following with Meguiar's polish on those sections and the rest of the clear coat. I am following with 9H. I have been using 9H for about 5 years with excellent results. I do what I can to help members of the forum. If you need any tips on how to use 9H, or detailing advice, let me know.

2004 500SL AMG? In my search there is no such animal unless it's an AMG sport package which still does not make it an AMG.

It has the AMG Sport Package.

Calm down. It was you who said dropping clay in sand. And I asked if you were being serious. So what are you so insulted about anyway. And since you say you are an expert using 9h and you want to help members maybe you should tell us the possible issues using it when you have no experience. Btw compound is more abrasive than clay and your recommendation to use an orbital sander is even worse with Polish. And you don't own an AMG.