What do you guys do to maintain the look of your W211's and how often? For example, some people here use the hand mop thing which has paraffin wax on it to keep it looking good. Others use microfibre towels to dry it off. Others take it to the car wash.

I'm asking because I ordered black and I'm curious what works, what doesn't, and how much effort it will take to maintain this gorgeous car.

Picking her up in 11 days and while some friends are going crazy over Halo 2, i cannot wait to pick up my MB.

There's a whole forum section devoted to vehicle care & detailing (https://mbworld.org/forums/detailing-automotive-care-37/.

For all my vehicles, black especially, I've found nothing better than Zaino (http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc). I've been using it for the past 5 years and am delighted with the results. Up until the last year, I did all my own washing & polishing. However, I've found a local detailer who does an amazing handwash and uses the complete Zaino system (see the Zaino site for details). After the initial prep & application, maintenance is quick & easy for DIY'ers. He does at least a good a job as I would do and it saves me valuable time.

never use cotton towels to dry your car. Anything microfiber is great.

Download the Autopia.com detailing guide. THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE for detailing enthusiasts. A must read.

I bought about 300.00 worth of stuff from Autopia when I got my car. The biggest keys are Sonus Waffle-weave microfiber towels for drying ( super absorbent and will not scratch), a good lambs-wool mitt, Microfiber towels and applicators for detailing, and the OXO duster. Specific products will be a matter of personal preference. So far I've used Klasse AIO sealant with a coat of Pinnacle carnauba wax over it. The Pinnacle goes on and comes off super easy, and it smells really good too.

No need to download - it's already available in the forum I cited above (https://mbworld.org/forums/detailing-automotive-care/76794-autopia-detailing-guide-no-need-download-here-chapters.html).

ahhhhh detailing now we're talking my language!

Zaino offers the best protection and offers a very good shine. I have found that the Klasse duo (AIO + SG) actually offer a better shine but SG can be a PITA to use so I stick with zanio.

Don't forget polishing!! Every 6 months I polish the car with a Random Orbital Buffer and the 1z product line. This gets rid of any swirls and micro-marring.

Microfiber is the way to go, but it requires proper care

Enjoy!

PS SheepSkin mitts are awesome for washing holds lots of suds for ensureing you aren't rubbing dirt into your paint

I've used Zaino, Pinnacle, Zymol, pretty much you name it. I recently started using the new Meguair's NXT wax and I am absolutely amazed. Incredible finish, great durability, easy application, and a price that simply cannot be beat. I use their car wash soap too, and it just does not leave water spots!

I used to swear by Zaino - but their entire process is tedious, their products are not the easiest to always get, and it requires a lot of them for the full effect. I use Mother's Showtime, then Mother's Claybar, then the NXT wax, and then in certain places the NXT Sealant. Absolutely great stuff, I suggest everyone give it a shot. The big bottle of NXT sells for $14.99 at any automotive parts store and comes with the foam applicator.

I've used it on about 5 other cars as well, all varying in colors and paint conditions - the results are absolutely amazing, even with just applying a coat of NXT without any other steps.

-m

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to detailing products and waxes (I like Zymol and Crystal Guard personally). The best thing to do is learn the proper method for applying and removing products from the paint surface and the Autopia guide is the best thing out there for doing that IMHO. Once you learn some of the common sense tricks, you are well on your way to a good paint finish. Hope this helps.

I like Meguiars products first, but I actually buy whatevers on sale.

Stock up on quick detailer and make sure you don't dry your microfiber with those static cling strips (i'm not even sure what the hell they are... ), but they seem to diminish the effectiveness and softness of the microfiber.

I use zaino as well, but other than that everything else I use on the car for cleaning comes from griots - their wheel cleaner and speed shine are particularly good.

i use their microfiber towels and sheepskin mitt among other things.

www.griotsgarage.com