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SPECIAL THANKS TO ERIC DECOLLIBUS FOR THIS SUPERB ARTICLE

"It's been a while since the last article. I no longer have the 325. My bimmer now is black, which we all know shows the most imperfections. I also want to steer those with rougher finishes in the right direction. Most of my last article still pertains, mostly the prep work, but there are some new additions. I've used so many products and have found one combination to work wonders on most cars. Dark colors especially.

Too often, I drive around in my 325i cabrio and see other BMWs with horrible swirl marks, streaks, or other detailing nightmares. The reason I notice this is because I do auto body work for a living. I've done it for quite some time. I won't call myself an expert, however with the right technique, your ride with gleam with joy.

Most of these cars have a factory paint on them called Glasurit. It is extremely durable and can be brought back to life. If the car was repainted, you're on your own.

Anyway, it appears in two forms. Base coat/ clear coat (most every metallic color) and single stage (most every solid color). Single stage paint will show up on your wax rag, so don't be afraid. Here are the steps I suggest:

1. Stay out of the sun! Wax and heat don't mix!
2. Use soft rags. Old flannel sheets are absolutely the best.
3. Wash it, rinse it, and clay it! Detailing clay is available at many places. Don't waste your money on a "clay lubricant". Soapy water will do just fine. After the wash and rinse, get some clean soapy water and begin. Do one panel at a time. Soap it up, and with gentle hands, slide the clay across the paint. The clay pulls a lot of the impurities from the finish. Do not scrub! Slide. Done well, the car should be as smooth as a baby's bottom. Rinse it all off, dry it, and pull'er into the shade.
4. Get some masking tape and cover any textured items (black moldings, handles, bumper trim, etc.) Certain compounds can stain. If you can get your hands on an orbital buffer, great, if not, at least you'll work out your shoulders. With the buffer or by hand use any of these:
   • Zymol HD Cleanse (High quality, tough to work with)
   • Meguires #2 Fine cut cleaner (Will do the job, nice to use)
   • Presta 2000 (Nice cleaner, wipe splatter so it doesn't sit)
   • 3M Dual Action (Beautiful to use, nice results)
   • Any fine cut cleaner. Let a professional use compound and a standard buffer, but if you insist on it, email me, and I'll help you out.

   Try to avoid excess product. It will only mix with the others and be messy. With these cleaners, a shine will develop.

5. Next step is the proper sealer. Think of the paint on your car as skin. The clay cleans your pores, the cleaner is like a washcloth, then we have the sealer and wax.
   We'll think of those as moisturizers. Sealer is a key part. This will take care of any swirls left from before. You can also use the orbital buffer(with a clean pad) with the sealer. The following work great:
   • Mother's California Gold Sealer&Glaze
   • Meguire's #7 sealer, or #9 swirl remover
   • Presta 3100
   • or anything that says sealer

   This step, done properly, will leave you with a wonderful wet look The car that is! Wipe all the residue off and continue.

6. Wax. What a wonderful word. Apply by hand, no machine. Below, I gave my personal rating what to use. If you're comfortable with something else, good luck.
   • P21S Carnauba Wax (We carry these right here at Bimmerzone.com)

   Make sure you don't use a "cleaner wax". Those have abrasives and hello again to swirls...back to step one.

7. Finally, demask the car, and give it another wash. Try not to use warm water too often. Cold water keeps wax on there longer. For black rubber, avoid any product that has a milky color. It'll turn brown in the sun. Use a silicone product(Black Magic, Tire Wet, etc.) on a rag. Don't spray it on directly.

Well, I hope this was helpful. Any questions or comments you can email me. And remember...garage lights are not flattering. If if looks good there it will be spectacular under the sun!

*Disclaimer: The articles presented/submitted on Bimmerzone.com are for the sole purpose of learning and basic information. In no way that information provided on Bimmerzone.com be considered professional advice and Bimmerzone.com will not be held responsible for any consequences resulting directly or indirectly from reading these articles. In our articles we mention about brand names and stores, these are for education, comparison and information purposes only.  We do not specifically endorse any companies.