The instruction manual in my Mercedes convertibles has always said to avoid the touchless car wash if possible as the chemicals aren't optimal for the longevity of the roof.

 

I have my manual right here.... let me check mine. Standby. Edit: Avoid all automatic washes, including using a pressure washer on it, ever. Guess it's hand wash only from now!!!!

Like I said, I figured if the top made for winters and salt and grime, etc. etc. I feel it can handle one basic one pass touchless once a month or so, I would think at least. I get the most basic wash on purpose, one pass then a rinse.

It says to carefully wash it with a brush, and only to wash it and/or mess with it if it's visibly dirty. But it does say keeping it clean is easy with just water and a light spray from a nozzle.

Top is in great shape though, will post pics later.

 

 

Is that the gurgling, popping sound they make? I have a guy that drives by all the time and I couldn't figure out why his was making that noise as he was cruising by me at 10mph.

 

They're definitely tough tops but I think it's all about not needing to replace it prematurely. Glad you took a look at the instruction manual! I love a good long road trip in a convertible and I've had to spend extra time trying to get the car handwashed while out of state. The touchless car washes were always tempting.

 

I honestly don't think one or two are going to do anything. I wouldn't avoid one in a pinch, just get the most basic one.

And oh yes I haven't gone on a road trip yet with the SL...yet. Can't wait. The faster you go the more fun it is, and being a passenger is almost as fun as driving it.

 

No gurgling or popping at all in my experience. Just sounds like a very faint exhaust sound at acceleration from a nice car (what you'd expect from something semi-exotic or full exotic). I wonder if the driver can customize the sound since it's generated..??

 

LOL. You've never been wrong about anything, Steve. Anyhow, I agree.....I'm done arguing too. Have a nice day.

 

A number of vehicles with matte-paint-finishes are also advised to stay out of automated washes. That's because matte-finishes have a different type of clearcoat than traditional shiny ones.....and are less-resistant to damage from the automated washes.

 

Though that's a factor, the main reason is that automated washes use both chemicals and (for non-touchless ones) mechanical processes that are intended to polish to a shine. Since the whole point of a matte finish is that it's NOT polished, this ruins the look.

 

I absolutely have been, but I'm not wrong about this. You can even check with Formula 1 about it, it is not intended to be used as any kind of a final step protection product.

The clearcoat is the same clearcoat, its just matte and not glossy. No less resistant to damage, its just that when damage occurs you can't fix it, you can't polish out scratches and the mechanical burnishing by the equipment can cause glossy spots in the matte paint.

Thats one of the many reasons why if you want a matte paint you're way better off to have it wrapped in matte PPF.

This is an S580 that was done in matte PPF over glossy selenite grey and it looks amazing, and you can replace individual pieces of film and the film is self healing, etc.

 

That looks seriously nice!

 

Yeah it does.....^

I guess it's garage washes from here on out, boys and gals.

NBD, there's not a whole lot of real estate to wash on the SL.

 

Yeah matte finishes have grown on me a lot. One thing I was considering if I do keep my S560 is wrapping it in a matte grey/silver color to made it feel different. Dunno, something to think about:



Look into a rinseless wash...like Optimum No Rinse or McKee's 37 Rinseless Wash:


https://mckees37.com/products/n-914-...AaAqebEALw_wcB

Exactly what you need

 

Cool, thanks..

I agree that matte looks bad *** but how will it look 20 years from now??

I think the murdered out black (like an all black Escalade Sport) will age well, not sure about matte. What do y'all think?