splattj.... On these E300 Diesel I used Knights Spray Nine, Compressed Air, and an assortment of brushes to clean out the dash and interior trim. Be very careful with Mercedes Benz Tan (Parchment, Java) trim, because if you use too aggressive a cleaner it will bleed and fade. I use Auto Magics New Car solvent to remove all of the shoe scuffs on the entry plates. NEVER use anything like acetone or lacquer thinner on the plastic trim on these interiors. THEY WILL FADE !!!
The dash, door and center console were dressed with Stoner's Trim Shine and buffed with a MF towel to lessen the shine and give a more natural new look to these surfaces.
GSRstilez... The wood on all three of these vehicles were in very good condition, and I used AM's Seal-It to give them a good quick shine.
The interior was vinyl and although it looks and feels very similar to leather it is less prone to wear. I do not know what Mercedes calls their vinyl these days (most likely leatherette), but in the 1970's and 1980's it was referred to as "Mercedes Benz Tex". This material was superior to leather IMO because of its durability. I have detailed low milage E-Class Diesels from the early 1980's and their original Tex is free of wear and tear that is common on leather (especially the bolsters). I used Auto Magic's Vinyl and Leather Cleaner on this material, and used a squirt of Spray Nine and agitation where needed to remove any stuborn residue on the vinyl. I did not dress the vinyl whatsoever, and found that dressing the vinyl seating leaves it looking cheap and slippery.
All three cars were clayed, but I admit they were washed before my arrival. Cleaning the wheels indoors is an incredibly dirty task and I went through about 15 blue surgical towels during the wheel cleaning process.
The paint on all three cars were buffed with Meg's DACP and an Edge Green Pad followed by Meg's SFP and a blue pad prior to sealing with Four Stars UPP. I topped all three cars with Auto Magics EZ Paste Wax, because of its ease of use and it deepening look from the carnubu in it. I would compare EZ Paste to Meguiars #26, but even easier to remove !!!
The hood of the E300 Diesel needed some wet-sanding with 1200 grit followed by 2000 grit to remove some serious orange peel. The hood was repainted and some paintshop neglected to complete the job properly. I buffed the hood with a yellow wool pad and High Temps Heavy Cut Leveler prior to the DACP+SFP treatment mentioned earlier.
Ben Z... All the cars are owned by a small high end auto dealer that specializes in low milage European, collectible and antique cars. Yes I really enjoy detailing for him !!! I have detailed some absolutely incredible car for him, and have driven most of them also !!!
SilverLexus... The white stuff can only be described in one word. NIGHTMARE !!!
...1 for each Mercedes...Or actually, since they're German, grab a Grolsch!
I have 2 Lightnings a 93 (custom painted red and black) and an 02 (red) and neither has ever been a daily driver. Some poeple......... Just joking.