Apparently the trick is to use the smallest imaginable amount....for the thinnest possible coating. One of those small tins...bought mine from Rusty Cullens ten years ago...should last a lifetime.

But even then it seems as if dirt attraction occurs.

While I haven't always observed this practice, it seems best to apply the grease on as hot a day is possible and in direct sunlight...this, I would think, facilitate getting a thin coat.

FWIW my regimen is to clean with alcohol and re-apply grease once a year or so.

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14 E250 Bluetec 4Matic "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 159k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 179k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver on Tan, 145k mi, wastegate conversion, ALDA delete

19 Honda CR-V EX 77k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife