Aarrgh! Mercedes Dealer runs my new C63 AMG through their car wash!!

[ajschaller]

Ok.. I'm a newbie to the forums and need some advice. I can't believe that the Mercedes dealer ran my new C63 through their mini-car wash. I thought they were hand washing it!! Any advice? It doesn't look damaged or marred.. it seems to maybe have lost a tiny bit of luster but maybe it is my imagination. Advice? Suiggestions? THanks!

[Mr. Clean]

Maybe it will take closer inspection to see any marring or maybe you got lucky and there was none. The reduced luster could be from the removal (via the wash) of any glaze that had been applied to the paint during prep - you don't mention how new.

Advice? Establish a regular maintenance "program" Wash it yourself using proper technique and tools and keep the surface protected with your favorite wax or sealant.

And welcome to Detail City!

[ajschaller]

It was brand new.. only 6,000 miles and I"ve kept it in my garage and washed it myself prior. Any technique or products you'd suggest to add the luster back?

THanks for the advice - most appreciated!

[Ronkh]

http://www.detailcity.org/forums/poo...z-kit-6-a.html

[Jngrbrdman]

If you believe you may be imagining a loss in luster, then it is probably just your imagination. Their automatic car wash isn't going to strip the clearcoat off your car or anything like that. It probably won't even hurt the wax you had on it. In fact, it probably did less damage than they would have done if they hand washed it. Mercedes dealership or not, they probably have some minimum wage high school kids doing the car washing. Dealerships rarely have professional detailers on hand to do car washes. Unless there is something specific that is needed to be done to the paint, they usually just have either one of the wash kids do it or whatever mechanic is available.

Either way, I wouldn't worry too much about it. If you don't immediately notice damage, then there probably isn't any. I would recommend that you let the dealership know that you'll take care of your own washings and not to have anyone at the dealership touch it, but even in that case I would put a sign on your dash that says not to wash it.

[ajschaller]

THanks Jngrbrdman! You're probably right. Guess I needed some reassurance from folks that are in the biz. Putting the sign in there is a good idea also.

T

[Beemerboy]

I say that if you lost any luster it was from the wax or protection the chemicals washed off in the tunnel. No big deal that can be added back on.

What have you done to the car so far, except washing?

I've got a few years in detailing (30 plus) and if you need some help let me know.

[Ronkh]

[Ronkh]

if it can do that to glass, imagine what it can do to paint.

[ajschaller]

Thanks Beemerboy - I've only washed it thus far with microfibre cloths. Very careful about taking the water off as well. Garage kept since I've had it. Was thinking about when was the right time to polish it as well. Open to suggestions and advice.

[Beemerboy]

Originally Posted by ajschaller

Thanks Beemerboy - I've only washed it thus far with microfibre cloths. Very careful about taking the water off as well. Garage kept since I've had it. Was thinking about when was the right time to polish it as well. Open to suggestions and advice.

New car prep I do a lot of, your ready any time for a clay, mild polish / paint cleaner and then sealant / wax or both.

New cars have a lot of stuff on them even from the dealership. Take a plastic sandwich baggie and put that on your hand, palm side down run your hand over a the top part of the back bumper after you've cleaned it. My guess is its going to be ruff feeling, that's the stuff that clay will take off, and my guess is there is plenty on your car unless your dealership did that before delivery