Just bought 2002 S55 AMG, what to do?

W

whitejavaS500

Member
Hey guys,

Just purchased (used) a 2002 Mercedes S55 AMG with 41000 miles on it. Im looking to make this car better than new, and I was hoping you guys could help me out by giving me an idea of a package of products to get. I do plan on purchasing a PC. The car seems a bit rough and does not seem to ever have gone through a rigorous detailing session. The car is a a Midnight Blue Metallic with Java nappa leather. I want this car mint, and I know you guys can help!!


Thanks

Ben
 

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sneek said:
Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car
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C'mon Sneek, the guy comes to get a little advice from the great minds at DC and you send him to Meguiar's? What are ya thinkin'? I know you're very involved at MOL but lets give DC members a chance.

I'm not knocking anything that Mike Phillips has to say, he's one of the best but some of the others are right here. You might be selling some of the talent on DC a little short. Have him do a search and read up on the posts of Jngrbrdman, JaredPointer, PEI Detail, GregCavi and holland_patrick to name only a few. These guys have not only talent but years of experience with products and procedures. We have some of the best in the business right here at DC. We've got excellent sponsors also, DetailCity.com, Poorboysworld.com, Autogeek.net, EdgePads.com. They have virtually any product one could need. I'm sorry if this post sounds like some big loyalty trip but the truth is you need look no further.

WhiteJavaS500, I would recommend taking a look at a PC/Edge 2000 Pad package to start off the buffing end of it. I believe both the DC store and Auto Geek sell this in a package. The condition of your finish will help determine what types of polishes you might need. Take a look at PoorBoys line of products, they're an excellent value when it comes to price/performance. Their product list is long and covers virtually every aspect of the game.

Ask yourself if you're interested in having a sealant or a carnauba wax finish, you may decide on a sealant topped with a carnauba. Of course a clay bar is a good way to start any of the real prep once you get the wash completed. You'll want to pick up one of these, a decent shampoo, sheep skin mitts, brushes buckets etc. You'll also of course need a good selection of microfiber towels. The list goes on with tire, vinyl and trim protectants, leather conditioners and carpet cleaners etc.

I haven't been too specific here simply because part of the fun of having this hobby is in researching the products reviewing customer comments and searching for great products at a reasonable price.

Each of the items/categories that I've mentioned above have volumes of information abouth them listed on this site. Look around and read up. The search button will be your best friend as you try to discover the magic combination for you. There is no best when it comes to products and even procedures. You have to try a few out and see what works best for you.

You've got a great car and it deserves the very best of what you can give it, have fun with this hobby. Good luck and happy hunting.

-GH
 
Gearhead got you pointed in the right direction with some very sound advice. The best thing you can do is read as much as you can on this site. It will help you learn proper techniques and it will also give you a lot of information on peoples preferences on different products. Detailing is really all about what works for you, so while there are many great products out there, you may only find a few that you really like. Congrats on the new car and have fun with the detailing.
 
sorry :p still kind of new here I'm using over 85% Meguiar's stuff. I just joined to do some research on PBs. Does anyone know where I can order small sizes of PBs because I still have a lot of Meguiar's stuff and I am very happy with it but I was just thinking about trying something new
 
I'm not sure if anyone sells small amounts. You could contact Steve, the owner of Poorboy's, for any information on his products.
 
nah don't want to bug him
ill just order one of their products the next time i but from eshine.
 
sneek said:
sorry :p still kind of new here I'm using over 85% Meguiar's stuff. I just joined to do some research on PBs. Does anyone know where I can order small sizes of PBs because I still have a lot of Meguiar's stuff and I am very happy with it but I was just thinking about trying something new
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I asked this same question a long time ago with respect the PB's line. The answer I received was that because PB's was inexpensive to begin with and and had a satisfaction guarantee that they didn't offer sample sized products. Things may have changed but that's the way I remember it.

I too have a ton of Meguiar's products (as in almost all of their professional and detailers lines) and use them all of the time. Their products are kind of the bullet proof standard and they make something for any part of detailing. I've also tried virtually all of PB's products. If your experience is anything like my own you won't be disappointed in any of the PB's products. The one thing that I suspect you will like is that almost across the board PB's products are easier to put on and take off than Meguiar's stuff.

Having said all of this if you're using Meguiar's pads take a look at Edge's 2000 line. It is slick.
 
GearHead_1 said:
I asked this same question a long time ago with respect the PB's line. The answer I received was that because PB's was inexpensive to begin with and and had a satisfaction guarantee that they didn't offer sample sized products. Things may have changed but that's the way I remember it.

I too have a ton of Meguiar's products (as in almost all) and use them all of the time. I've also tried virtually all of PB's products. If your experience is anything like my own you won't be disappointed in any of the PB's products.
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Great thanks! i know you have a ton of meguiar's products becuase your on MOL right now!
 
Thanks for the help,

I have been detailing cars for years, or so I thought, until I began looking at these forums last year. Most of the work I see is sensational, and of a caliber that I may not ever be able to acheive. Thanks again.

Ben
 
whitejavaS500 said:
Most of the work I see is sensational, and of a caliber that I may not ever be able to acheive.
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That's the problem, this mindset is more fiction than fact. I have no doubt that with a little focused practice, the right tools and the right products the average guy can accomplish awesome results. This takes a little dedicated work but it is not rocket science. The fact that you're willing to purchase the PC is certainly a step in the right direction. The car that you recently purchased is certainly a motivating event that will help tremendously.
 
Having a new black Porsche 997 C2S, I can tell you that with the correct products, your car will look new.

Prior to delivery, I dropped off some Menzerna P085RD (no longer in USA) for any polish work. Since it's not avalible anymore, the new Blackfire comes close. Or stick with Menzerna FPII and a nice soft pad if the finish is in good shape.

You could stop there or go to a glaze to finish-off any ultra-fine marring.

As for clay, I've yet to try the Sonus Ultra-Fine clay, but I hear it's quite good.

It's up to you for LSP (wax/sealant). Depends on the look you want. Waxes gives a deep wet look. Most sealants are more reflective and last longer.

For interior leather, you can't beat Zaino Z-10!

Deanski
 
Hey guys,

Im kinda bummed out, but I ended up taking advantage of the three day trial period of the car and actually I brought it back. I couldnt take the face that the 2003-up model had 500hp and was better looking, so I figured Id wait till I could get one of those. Long story short, I ended up buying a new 2006 White diamond Escalade with 20s. Im happy with the new ride, and im hoping to get into a 2004 S55 this september, when the lease on my other car is up. Thanks, and I would love if you could help me with the escalade, as it is an interesting color and I really want to make it pop. Pics to come!

Ben
 
whitejavaS500 said:
Hey guys,

Im kinda bummed out, but I ended up taking advantage of the three day trial period of the car and actually I brought it back. I couldnt take the face that the 2003-up model had 500hp and was better looking, so I figured Id wait till I could get one of those. Long story short, I ended up buying a new 2006 White diamond Escalade with 20s. Im happy with the new ride, and im hoping to get into a 2004 S55 this september, when the lease on my other car is up. Thanks, and I would love if you could help me with the escalade, as it is an interesting color and I really want to make it pop. Pics to come!

Ben
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Congrats on that ride for me I would look at Wolfgang Polish and Sealant those are killer on white and then top off with a good paste wax like Nattys by PB or P21S
 
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