So what is the best way to remove the diesel exhaust stains from my nice formerly white 300D around the exhaust pipe?



Thanks,
Paul

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1993 300D 2.5 Turbo Diesel - 201k miles

Since its just soot / carbon, a decent car wash detergent takes it right off the paint and some liquid cleanser for the chrome bumper.

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Adam Lumsden
(83) 300D
Vice-President of the MBCA International Stars Section

If the soot is built up thickly and all of it doesnt wash off with a good car wash, use a good quality paint cleaner- meguiars for example. Apply it to the soot coated area, and buff away with a clean soft cloth- microfiber is a great option.
Then polish, and wax the area treated for protection.

Now if you are feeling ambitious- treat the whole car following the same steps- this way the car will have a consistent shine, and the paint will be clean. White cars can suck up alot of dirt and soot into their finish without looking dirty- depending on how clean your car is, you may be very surprised as to the difference in color from the soot stained area compared to the rest of the car, once you have cleaned, polished, and waxed that one spot.

Some of my favorite products are-

Meguiars paint cleaner
Meguairs Color-X - a polish and wax in 1 step- enhances the pigment in the paint to make the color look its best.
Meguiars NXT tech wax- the easiest wax I have used, producing a beautiful deep and shiny finish.

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Nate

1995 E420
1992 BMW 525i
1984 300D Turbo sold
1993 Volvo 244 sold
1995 Volvo 944T R.I.P!


"The details are not details. They make the product."
-Charles Eames

www.cbs.nu

I haven't had this problem yet myself, but what I hear from others is that Neverdull polish wadding is the stuff you want to use. I tried it on the valve cover, didn't do enough to cut through the thick black tar, but it did liquify the top layer to a light oil. That should be enough to get rid of the diesel soot.

A word of caution though, don't use it indoors, or even the garage if it's attached to the house. It really stinks. And if you happen to be living with a whiney type you'll get to hear about her headache that seems to be the worst pain ever felt by a human and the choking fumes and on and on and on...

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1982 300CD Petrol/Black Leather

Man that's funny... my girl would fit into the category I believe.

Paul

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1993 300D 2.5 Turbo Diesel - 201k miles

If the soot particles are embedded in the paint, detailing clay will also help remove it. Make sure to use the lubricating spray.

Using Neverdull wadding on fine MB paint gives me nightmares and cold sweats. It is great for metal and alloy but I Strongly suggest using any other products reccommended for paint finishes...McGuire's is good and there are plenty of others you can read about on this forum. However, I have successfully used mineral spirits to soften and wipe away soot on the lower valence followed by a good carwash, clay treatment, a little polish, then lots of wax. Also, an injector tune-up does wonders

When I get buildup from the diesel exhaust I use Turtle Wax Platinum Liquid Gloss Wax...Comes right off with very little elbow grease....Often simple washing and rinsing will not remove the diesel soot film. Just apply the wax in a circular motion and wipe off with a clean cloth....nothing to it.

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1993 300D 2.5L 240,000+ miles

I ended up using Meguiars ColorX on it. Man that stuff ROCKS. I just wipe and the haze is gone! I would recommend to all.

Paul

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1993 300D 2.5 Turbo Diesel - 201k miles

Try WD-40. Works great.

Also try Mr. Clean magic eraser with soapy water. It will remove almost any stain.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".