Hello everyone. My first post and I am sure all E Owners except me know how to wax this car without getting wax on the plastic panels. I have to say that I have an orbital buffer I will be using to apply and then buff out (but not to remove the dried white wax). What about the big side rear windows, do they also get waxed?
Next, drivers door key lock. The key does not easily engage the lock. I have slide the key in and out until it engages. I tried graphite and then the dealer tried some "special" stuff which I am sure was WD-40. Has this problem cropped up before?
Last. I have an 03 an it has a rear air deflector and seeing an E without the deflector, I think gives the rear end an unfinished look. Check one out.
Thanks
Scott (o3, silver, roof racks, side step runners, rear air deflector, large arm rest, carpet package)

1) I do not wax my windows, because I'm afraid it will build up and acquire an off color. I prefer to apply the wax on paint by hand, with a foam applicator specifically for the job. I use a piece of paperboard (like from a cereal box) slid into the joint between the painted panel and the plastic panel to keep from getting wax on the plastic. After the wax dries to a haze, I buff it off, also by hand, with a microfiber cloth.
2) I don't know of the lock problem
3) What was 3 again?

Oh, yeah, the air deflector does look nice on an E. Can we see pics of yours?

1) I do not wax my windows, because I'm afraid it will build up and acquire an off color. I prefer to apply the wax on paint by hand, with a foam applicator specifically for the job. I use a piece of paperboard (like from a cereal box) slid into the joint between the painted panel and the plastic panel to keep from getting wax on the plastic. After the wax dries to a haze, I buff it off, also by hand, with a microfiber cloth.
2) I don't know of the lock problem
3) What was 3 again?

Hey thats a good idea about the cardboard slid into the joints. Before I bought my EX I was concerned about the wax getting on the plastic panels too. For me it was one more reason to buy the EX and not the LX (I'm not knocking the LX at all). But its nice to see that people have solutions for everything :-)

Sorry, make that a 2003 model year.
The cardboard sounds good but I would be unable to hold the cardboard and a buffer. What about those no buff waxes?
I have no pics at this time.
Thanks

Eagle 1 wash as you dry works like a mofo -- you can get it on the unpainted panels. It's a liquid not a paste.

But it circumvents the issue of the white curd on the panels

quality carnauba and sealants will not stain your plastic. you can actually wax without fear.
Lesser quality waxes tend to stain which is a pain. I will not use a product that stains trim.