Merc SL350 Detail..

[Alex_225]

Well it was only right that I give the other half's newly acquired SL350 a proper going over. It's in good condition but needed to look better.

Incidentally this was the first time I've used my DA in anger and actually polished a car's bodywork. Carried out the following steps.

Pre-washed with Valet Pro Citrus Pre-Wash.
Cleaned with microfibre wash mitts and Dodo Juice Born to be Mild
Rinsed
Clayed using Meguiars clay
Washed again

Now then I moved onto polishing. I did some homework and had a good chat with a detailing friend who Menzerna Medium Cut & Polish 2500 and Lake Country heavy cut pad. I wasn't aiming to fully correct the car but remove a number of marks and get a nice finish ready for protection - Collinite 845.

I didn't do any before pics but here's how she's now looking. Very pleased with the results. :thumb:

















It's a pretty car so only fair to get a few shots with the roof down.







It can now show up the CLS in terms of cleanliness...well not really but looks good.

Edited by Alex_225 on Saturday 16th July 16:59

[Craikeybaby]

Looks good! Silver is a good colour to hide dirt, but takes more work to look really good.

[Alex_225]

Couldn't agree more mate, it's not as satisfying a colour to detail as the likes of black or some of the deep metallics.

But for day to day use it's great for staying clean looking, also it seems that 90% of Mercs seem to be silver haha.

Now I've found my feet with the DA, I'm tempted to got at my E320 next.

[interstellar]

How is the other half finding the SL?

My wife has a GLA on a lease due back after Christmas and she's not fussed about another lease on a boring car as she terms them so she wants a cab.

As she doesn't do many miles I am looking to spend up to 15k on a nice cab for her. she doesn't want a small cab like the SLK,Z4 etc

Currently considering A5, 1 series or 3 series but I saw an SL350 and these tick all the boxes even though it would be a much older car.

Any regrets.

Also considering a 630i cab too.

[Alex_225]

You know, so far so good actually. It's a huge contrast from driving a diesel Focus but I think she's liking it. It's a very soft and easy car to drive, it's not exactly petite but sensors all round mean it's easy to park.

My other half was the same about the cabs, the likes of a Z4 or SLK were just a bit small too.

I'd actually say less and less regrets in the time she's owned it. Obviously you take a risk on an older car so going from a 2013 Ford to a 2006 Merc that has potentially high running costs. So far so good though, couple of bits of paint to tidy up, couple of bits of the interior I need to sort and the AC needs a re-gass. Otherwise it's great and getting better the more I get done on it, like the detailing.

Personally I think the SL is a bit more of a special car than the average saloon with the roof lopped off it but I do appreciate they are a little more practical. The SL is quite big, plenty of room for the driver/passenger but not a huge boot. Put it this way though, if I didn't own my CLS63, I'd totally look for an SL55!!