Best solution for new Jet Black BMW Z4

Gary - - IMO the salesman is blowing smoke! The paint shop will match the color by using the paint code number, not by eyeball! As for the wait-time for the fresh paint, you should ask the foreman at the paint shop. I recently had a run-in with a suicidal deer and was told to wait 6-7 weeks before putting anything on the paint except 3M Imperial Hand Glaze. According to the shop chief IHG was expressly formulated for use on new paint - it is very susceptible to UV dissipation, but does allow the paint carriers and solvent to evaporate, and also serves as a protective layer over the new paint.



I’ve come on pretty strongly about Jet Black paint care, but don’t loose any sleep over it. After you’ve done some experimenting and practicing with a random orbital buffer and a few mild polishes, you can easily reverse any marring that the dealer or you have caused. A full clean-up shouldn’t take more than a weekend.
 
I have a sapphire black 325 ci, and i love the way the paint sparkles in the sun. I think sapphire black definitely shows swirls LESS than jet black. You can see pics of my car in the gallery.



Some BMW dealers do a great job in their detail center. One such dealer is BMW of Manhattan, where they have a "BMW Spa", and use sound techniques and products.
 
jcattarulla said:
Some BMW dealers do a great job in their detail center. One such dealer is BMW of Manhattan, where they have a "BMW Spa", and use sound techniques and products.
Click to expand...
That’s good to hear! There should be a thread that lists the BMW dealers that use sound detailing techniques and products. No flames about the bad ones - just positive input about the good or outstanding ones!
 
jcattarulla,



I wonder if it has something to do with having the "BMW Spa" designation. I was at my BMW center (Kelly BMW) today and looked over the Jet Black Z4 they had in the showroom. It was gorgeous. I studied it for about 10 minutes and I could not find any swirls or scratches. I also checked a Black M3 conv and could not find any marks. I should be able to sleep a little easier now:)
 
Gary - - The next time you visit Kelly BMW take a look at their black cars that are out in the sun. Just like grocery stores use specially chosen lighting in the produce and meat departments, car dealers chose showroom lighting the will make their cars look their best. IMO most glazes will do a good job of hiding micro-marring under artificial light, but they don’t work as well in the sun. If the sun lit cars look good, then your dealer prepping worries are over.



I use halogen work lights (a dual 500W unit on a stand, a dual 250W unit on another stand, and a single 500W hand-held unit) when I’m chasing minor defect on my paint. If you want the best finish that you can get, then try this: Wash, polish, wax, etc. your car to perfection. Move it into the sun and do a touch-up with QD and a MF finishing cloth to make it even better. Then move it back into the garage and look at it using a 500W hand-held halogen. Hold the lamp at different angles at a distance of 18� to 24�. Look at the paint from various angles. You’ll be amazed at all the stuff that you’ll see. The first time I did this it made me want to quit detailing - it was so discouraging!



A 500W hand-held halogen is only about $10 at Home Depot or Lowe's. Money well spent after you recover from the shock that you’ll suffer the first time you use it!
 
I wish i had found this thread before taking delivery of my Orient Blue 330. The dealer installed swirls are an eye sore.



At least I can minimize "babying" the new car to hell.











:xyxthumbs
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top