SLK/R171: Zaino vs "Mercedes Benz approved Paint Care"
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
2005 SLK350, Mars Red - Tan Interiors
Zaino vs "Mercedes Benz approved Paint Care"
I am trying to decide what maintenance products to use on my 350SLK (Mars red, Tan Interiors) once it arrives this June after a very successful Euro delivery last month.
I have read a lot of posts about Zaino polish, and clearly there are those who swear by it. However it is not a traditional wax; it appears to be some kind of polymer formula.
I know there used to be (or still are) some products that can damage the finish over time, or make it difficult to repair if it ever needs repainting. My concern is that it is one of those. (Although I believe they were silicone based.)
MB recommends "Mercedes Benz approved Paint Care" on page 336 of the SLK 350 manual. I presume that is just a quality wax.
Any thoughts on this? Has anyone had a bad experience with Zaino, or been warned against it. Are there negatives to using this product. Are there people who have tried Zaino, but gone back to MB Paint Care or other traditional wax?
Also, while were at it, any thoughts on Zaino's interior products (leather, plastic, glass)?
I have read a lot of posts about Zaino polish, and clearly there are those who swear by it. However it is not a traditional wax; it appears to be some kind of polymer formula.
I know there used to be (or still are) some products that can damage the finish over time, or make it difficult to repair if it ever needs repainting. My concern is that it is one of those. (Although I believe they were silicone based.)
MB recommends "Mercedes Benz approved Paint Care" on page 336 of the SLK 350 manual. I presume that is just a quality wax.
Any thoughts on this? Has anyone had a bad experience with Zaino, or been warned against it. Are there negatives to using this product. Are there people who have tried Zaino, but gone back to MB Paint Care or other traditional wax?
Also, while were at it, any thoughts on Zaino's interior products (leather, plastic, glass)?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 3
From: Thick Ascending Limb
2017 BMW X5M DG/AB
Zaino is wonderful. I have been using it for five years. It will do an incredible job protecting your paint and definitely will not harm it. I plan on continuing to use the Zaino leather care as I have liked it. When you apply Zaino please use it very sparingly. There is no need to apply it as if it were wax. Just a "sheen" of it is all that you need.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver
'01 BMW e39 540i, '06 M-B R171 SLK55
This may or may not be a silly question but it's been on my mind ever since I started debating whether or not to invest in a Zaino package...
With Mercedes touting its new clear-coat with "nanotechnology" and those bonding particles (ok so I glossed over the tech article about the paint because it was long and boring ;P) would this make any difference in the choice of car care products? Or am I a victim of this marketing hype for something that really isn't substantially different from the finishes on every other vehicle out there?
With Mercedes touting its new clear-coat with "nanotechnology" and those bonding particles (ok so I glossed over the tech article about the paint because it was long and boring ;P) would this make any difference in the choice of car care products? Or am I a victim of this marketing hype for something that really isn't substantially different from the finishes on every other vehicle out there?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 3
From: Thick Ascending Limb
2017 BMW X5M DG/AB
The great thing about Zaino is its durability. Also when you put a coat on the water beads up on your hood and moves toward the windshield when you drive like water does on a Rain-X'ed window. I also like the fact that Zaino is clear and doesn't discolor the rubber trim on the car.
Last edited by GBlansten; May 10, 2005 at 11:14 PM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
2005 SLK350
This may also be a silly question, but I was under the impression that Zaino was a protectant rather than a wax (or wax substitute as it were). If Zaino is a repeat process, why did I get blasted a few months ago by Zaino fans for having my car Simonized? I still wax it every four months or so... Simonize is a one time clear coat protectant that helps reduce dings and scratches, not a replacement for waxing...
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 3
From: Thick Ascending Limb
2017 BMW X5M DG/AB
Zaino is a polymer based protectant with outstanding optical qualities resulting in a great shine. There is no point in putting other products on top of Zaino on your car. Save your money and time on Simoniz if you plan to use Zaino.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
2005 SLK350
Good point. The Simonize was done first, and I've been using Zaino on top of it. Can't explain it and I better knock on wood, but this is the longest I've had a car (since September) without a single scratch or ding. Didn't apply the first Zaino coat until December. Don't know which is responsible, or maybe it's both, but I'm loving it right now. Either way, I think we can all agree that "MB Approved Paint Care" is something of a ripoff.
