I wish I had the time to devote to detailing my 94 C280, but usually do not. Even if I did, it has been a bit too cold to do it properly, and I have no heated garage.

Does anyone have recommendations for a good detail shop in Northern Virginia, specifically the Leesburg / Sterling area?

Looks like you and I are neighbors. I'd also be interested in a good detailer, both engine and body. Embassy Auto Wash doesn't cut it!

Yeah, looks like we're all neighbors.

I can't recommend a good detailing shop, but as far as car washes go I can tell you where NEVER to take your car:

The car wash next to the Mobil at the corner of Route 7 and Baron Cameron (near Reston and Great Falls). They did a terrible job to my 16 valve. After telling them four times not to lower my antenna, they did anyway. Now it's stuck and I can't listen to the radio. Their wheel cleaner also rubbed all the paint off of my wheels.

Never go there. I've had pretty good luck with Embassy-- as far as car washes go.

__________________

Current:
2014 VW Tiguan SEL 4Motion 43,000 miles.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (wife's).

Past:
2006 Jetta TDI 135,970 miles. Sold Nov. '13.
1995 E-320 Special Edition. 220,200 miles. Sold Sept. '07.
1987 190-E 16 valve. 153,000 miles. Sold Feb. '06.
1980 300-D 225,000 miles. Donated to the National Kidney Foundation.
1980 240-D manual, 297,500 miles. Totaled by inattentive driver.

Yep, I went there once and was not impressed. I generally go the Embassy Auto wash in Sterling. They do an OK job, but you end up having to clean the wheels and door jams yourself. Don't go to the Embassy in McLean. They locked my wife's keys in her car twice. Scatch the heck out of the paint the first time, the second time I drove from Sterling with a spare set of keys. What losers.

Funny you mention the Embassy in McLean. I used to live there before buying a place in Reston. That's the car wash I use and have been generally pleased with them.

I guess you've had some bad luck there.

I also think the main reason why the guys at the car wash at the Mobil lowered my antenna against my wishes is that they simply didn't speak English-- but that's a different thread!

__________________

Current:
2014 VW Tiguan SEL 4Motion 43,000 miles.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (wife's).

Past:
2006 Jetta TDI 135,970 miles. Sold Nov. '13.
1995 E-320 Special Edition. 220,200 miles. Sold Sept. '07.
1987 190-E 16 valve. 153,000 miles. Sold Feb. '06.
1980 300-D 225,000 miles. Donated to the National Kidney Foundation.
1980 240-D manual, 297,500 miles. Totaled by inattentive driver.

I recently moved out to Reston from the cold NY

I've tried Three-Cees (the one off Baron Camernon) they suck and are too overpriced and charge extra for the interior cleaning

Embassy off 50 is where I usually take it

living @ an Apt without a garage, I'm always dealing with bird $hit

Ren

PS sorry for asking but where do u all take ur car to service ? (is there one in reston) i know people talk about a guy @ Tysons

Hey Ren - I used to live in Reston (Northpoint). I usually take my ML to Embassy Auto Wash in Sterling. I have my vehicle serviced by HBL. I think their service is crappy, but driving to American Service Center in Arlington is not possible for me. -Norm

HBL of Tysons hasn't always been in the Mercedes business, so they often make stupid mistakes. Three out of the last four times I've gone there for basic parts (lights, oil filter, wiper blades), they've gotten the parts wrong. I don't do business with them anymore.

As far as service goes, use RC-Imports in Rockville. They are across the street from the subway so getting downtown isn't a problem. 301-762-4205

I've had my cars serviced by them for nine years and they're great.

__________________

Current:
2014 VW Tiguan SEL 4Motion 43,000 miles.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (wife's).

Past:
2006 Jetta TDI 135,970 miles. Sold Nov. '13.
1995 E-320 Special Edition. 220,200 miles. Sold Sept. '07.
1987 190-E 16 valve. 153,000 miles. Sold Feb. '06.
1980 300-D 225,000 miles. Donated to the National Kidney Foundation.
1980 240-D manual, 297,500 miles. Totaled by inattentive driver.

HBL started selling Mercedes at Fairfax Circle. They moved to Tysons and added Porsche and Audi. I've lived here since 1969.

As for detailing, my project manager does it but he charges for it, and I mean charges. If you're interested, send me an e-mail or PM. He lives in the Woodbridge area. We work in Newington.

__________________
Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.