What and how to wax my Mercedes Benz M-class 430 years 2000 model?

Hi. I have a black ML430 but I would like to know what to buy and how
to take care the exterior and interior of my car?  I have all leather
and black exterior.

I would like to know what is the best products to buy (either retail
store close to Arcadia, CA or online) for my car and instructions on
how to wax my car.  This is a car that I want to keep for life but I
don't have lots of time but I do want take care of it myself.

First off, I recommend reading the following article on car care from
Progressive Insurance:
http://www.progressive.com/RC/VSafety/rc_clean.asp

For instructions and tips on waxing your vehicle:
http://www.epinions.com/content_2227019908
http://www.autodetail.com/waxing.htm

For more detailed instructions, you need to look at the instructions
that come with the wax.  To buy wax I suggest visiting a local
Autozone (http://www.autozone.com - they have an online store locator)
or other automotive store.  The below link also has a list of wax and
waxing equipment manufacturers:
http://www.autodetail.com/manufacturers.htm

To clean your interior, you need to "condition" your leather.  I found
a good selection of leather conditioners are ProperAutoCare.com.  They
have descriptions and reviews of each product.  I would again also
look at a local automotive store.
http://www.properautocare.com/leatcarprod1.html

You can find an entire of list of car care products and companies in
the following Yahoo directory:
http://dir.yahoo.com/Business_and_Economy/Shopping_and_Services/Automotive/Supplies/Car_Care/Makers/

I found these websites by using the below search terms on Google:
"leather conditioner automotive"
"waxing instructions car automotive"
"interior car care leather"
"bmw car care"
"car wax instructions"

Please ask me to clarify if you have any further information you want
to know.  Thanks for using Google Answers!

xemion-ga

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Request for Answer Clarification by want_to_dotnet-ga on 27 May 2002 20:44 PDT

Hi. 

I know there are more than hundreds of waxing products on the market
that I can get my hands on.  But I would like to know which car care
products to buy specific for my car model which is Mercedes ML430
(Black) that you know will work well.

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Clarification of Answer by xemion-ga on 27 May 2002 21:58 PDT

To be honest, I'm pretty sure your paint and interior are the pretty
much the same paint and interior that most other cars have.  However,
here are some links that should help you out:

"While a contributing Editor to the BMW Car Club of America's
magazine, the ROUNDEL, I recommended Rejuvenator Oil and, likewise to
the BMW CS Register. Now, as Editor of the BMW M Register I have again
extolled the virtues of Rejuvenator Oil. My wife and I use Leatherique
for touch-up prior to concourse and we use Rejuvenator Oil religiously
on the interiors of all our BMW automobiles."
Stan Simm, Vice-Chairman, International Coucil of BMW Clubs, The M
Register, April 20, 1987
http://www.leathermotive.com/rejuvinator_oil.html

Zymol Car Wax
http://www.zymolforbmw.co.uk/
http://www.zymol.com

Here is a BMW website message board post asking users what wax they
use on their BMW's.  I suggest checking it out and reading their
comments.  They list several different brands.  You may need to
register before viewing the thread.
http://forums.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e46m3/archives/forum.php?postid=335557&page=7

Thanks and let me know if you need any further information!

xemion-ga

I used to work Trak Auto which sells wax product and other auto parts.
It has been my experience that my customers were satisfied with
Meguirs wax product and I've used it and they were clearly better
product

If you want to keep your car in concours condition, I'd suggest buying
a detailer's handbook from Griot's Garage for $12.95.
    http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L1=L1_1000&L2=L2_1001&SKU=10212

It will give you information that will help you care for your car in
an outstanding way with as much or as little time as you have for the
work involved.  Griot's catalog lists many fine products for specialty
car care. Their "Best of Show" wax is easy to apply and gives longer
protection than most "auto store" waxes. Carnuba is the thing to use
on your painted surfaces. I say this from personal experience on both
concours and everyday rides.
      http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L1=L1_1000&L2=L2_1005

Griot's leather care products really consider the quality and
conditioning of your leather interior.  The idea here is to use a
gentle cleaner and a penetrating moisturizer.  (really like skin
care)..
      http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L1=L1_1000&L2=L2_1006

Due to the nature of disc pads on your car, the wheels can develop
dirt spots and an unattractive appearance quickly. A good quality
cleaner is needed which can spot clean your wheels as needed.  Griot's
has suggestions as follows:
       http://www.off-road.com/mbenz/

Although there are many wheel and tire brushes out there, I suggest a
good small soft scrub brush to get your wheels and tires clean.  A
tire shine product (mainly silicone) is the way to keep your tires
clean and shiney.

You may also wish to visit the factory where the M-Class SUV's are
built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  They are eager to give tours.
    factory:         http://www.mbusi.com/

Joining an online club is another way to keep in touch with other MB
owners.
    off road club:   http://www.off-road.com/mbenz/

While the answer and comments you have received are excellent, you may
want to give Griot's Garage a try for the pride of ownership and
maintenance this car deserves.

Have you tried alt.auto.mercedes? There are several threads on which
brand of  wax is preferred by other Mercedes owners.

http://groups.google.com/groups?group=alt.auto.mercedes