OK - so I'm a new owner of a 2007 ML350. Wondering if you guys wash your ML yourselves or do you take it to a car wash?
I'm looking at the Mr.Clean Autodry but was wondering if it really works...
Any thoughts?
I never use an automated car wash on my cars. I can do a better job myself, and it is satisfying. You also get to inspect for minor damage and issues while you do it.
I try to wash mine once a week (less in Winter here in rainy Oregon). My routine:
1) Hose down body with Griot's Garage nozzle.
2) Apply soap with expoded bristle brush. I'm not super particular on the car wash soap, but prefer those that are biodegradable and don't have shine agents in them.
3) Hose off
4) Apply Girot's Garage Rubber Cleaner to tires and Wheel Cleaner to wheels.
5/ Clean tires and wheels with appropriate Oxo brushes.
6) Go over quickly with California Water Blade.
7) Dry with Detailer's Paradise purple microfiber waffle weave towel.
8) Apply Griot's Garage Rubber Protector to the tires.
That's the basics. Total time, about a half hour. In addition, Mother's Mag and Aluminum Cleaner on the exhaust tips occasionally. Detailer's Paradise also has a great microfiber cloth just for glass. I use a good carnuba wax twice a year.
Many years ago, i would wash my cars with TLC. Now I have found a really great car wash and use that only (my ML has only seen that). It never took me 30 minutes to wash my car so a 10 min drive through car wash is really a time saver. Would love to wash my car but just do nat have the time anymore
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2006 ML350 Pewter/Ash, Trim Pkg, Sunroof Pkg, Entertainment Pkg, NAV, Heated Seats
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2001 BMW 325i, Leather, Premium, Heated Seats, CD changer
I take all of my cars to an automatic car wash and I've never had a problem. Who has time to wash thier own cars? I'm always working trying to pay for these cars!
__________________ 2007 ML350 (White w/Macadamia, P1, Sport, Sunroof, Nav, Heated Seats) 2008 BMW 535i (White w/Cream, Sport, Nav, Active Seats, Heated Seats, Park Assist, Lane Departure, Comfort Access) 2006 CLS500 (Pewter w/Cashmere, P2, Wood Pkg, Keyless Go, Parktronic)
I have a 1 week old metallic black 07 350. I have not figured out how to wash it yet!! It is so easy to scratch the grossy black paint. I wonder how those owners with black ML look after their babies?
If I don't wash mine myself, I take it to a place where they only hand wash the car. It's a bit more expensive, but its better than going through a car wash with all those brushes!!
When I wash it myself, I like to use either Meguires Gold Class car wash, or my #1 preference Zymol car wash. When I am done and the truck is all dry, in between waxes, I will use the Meguire's quick wax or quick detailer. The smoother you keep the surface, the easier it is to wash and get all the grime off. I like using Meguire's waxes also. I'm about to do a deep cleaning on my 06 ML350.....I'm going to clay the entire truck to get rid of all the oxidation and grime, and then i'm going to apply a few coats of wax on it. She'll be shining better than brand new!
PS and for people with black cars: I used to have a blace suv, and in order to get rid of the swirls and haze, I would use 3m hand glaze after the car was dried and after I waxed. Worked GREAT! Another option is to use the Zaino Brothers system. It looks great, but I haven't worked up the courage to try it yet...hehe.
I am on my second Mr. Clean Autodry in three years. I broke the hose fitting off of the first one. I love it but was a little aprehensive until I saw one in use by a detailer in Hawaii. Hardest part was trusting that it in fact would work. I still occasionally use a micro fiber towel to clean off the windows and a few spots. So far no water spots on my Aspen Rain M-B or any of my other vehicles. The soap is not as strong as other commercial car washes but it usually doesn't need to be.
I take all of my cars to an automatic car wash and I've never had a problem. Who has time to wash thier own cars? I'm always working trying to pay for these cars!
Did anyone have issues with car wash attendents not knowing how to operate
the shifter ?
No issues here in DC suburbs even when I valet park the car. I used to check with the attendants before, but not any more. I think they see enough cars to know what to do
Washing the ML350 
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