Crimson Red BMW -- which products?

[laservet]

Sorry if this covers ground that's been covered ad nauseum, but I've searched the forums and still have some questions.



I just bought a 2007 BMW 335i hardtop convertible, Crimson Red (sweet deal, beautiful condition, 8K mi). I'd like to keep the finish in tip top shape. The dealer from which I bought it was clueless, the BMW dealer wasn't helpful at all. My only experience is using Liquid Glass, OK stuff but not that wet look.



I've been told that BMW paint is soft so it doesn't chip easily, not sure if it is clearcoated and if so, with what. I know there are a wide variety of products that can be used, I've browsed the net pretty heavily, always use clay, never use clay if you don't have power equipment (I don't), all kinds of systems, pretty confusing.



I would appreciate any and all advice.



TIA,

Paul

 

[svanderbilt]

Congratulations on your Bimmer. I just got rid of an '01 740IL.



Here's a list for you. I'm cutting corners so you don't need to drop unnecessary change. If you enjoy the process, you can always upgrade. But this is by no means a "poor mans package", either.



Meguiar's NXT wash or Gold Class shampoo can be found locally. Use two large buckets, and get at least two sheepskin mitts.



Clay. You can just get some Mothers clay at your local automotive store. It comes with a quick detailer and some wax. I usually pitch the wax.



Get some nice microfiber towels. Neatitems.com, Detail City, Auto Geek, or the nice people and sponsors of this forum, Autopia Carcare. Get at least half a dozen.



You might want to pick some up locally at your neighborhood auto parts store, or at Costco, to use on door jams, and places where you won't mind ruining your microfiber. I also use the cheapo ones for interior detailing. Save the $$$ ones for just exterior paint. Don't raid the linen closet looking for old cotton towels, that's so '90s:down



I'm gonna guess that your car could use at least a fine polish. Most used cars could, even with only 8k miles. Even if they were a good car owner, kept it garaged, they probably took it to the local mar center, AKA "touchless" car wash. If you can afford that Bimmer you can probably afford $150 (or less) on a Porter Cable 7424. This will make life much easier. If your time is valuable to you, which I'm sure it is, it will pay for itself in just this first detail. Don't buy anything cheaper. If you wanna be a baller, and see yourself enjoying this, then get a Flex XC 3401. You'll need pads for these. Maybe some white pads for the All-In-One products I mention below.



If you've got arms of steel and hours to burn, then just hand do it.



It doesn't really matter which brand of product you use, in my opinion, as long as it's a quality one. It's really just a Bimmer Vs. Benz Vs. Audi Vs. Lexus argument from here on out as to which is better. The products don't make the detail, the detailer does. I'm sure you'd be fine with some Meguiar's NTX 2.0 from Target. If you want to get all fancy-like, then feel free to get some Klasse All-In-One, Menzerna Acrylic Jacket, etc.



So it really ain't all that complicated. We here like to make it complicated because it's a hobby. Depends on whether you enjoy the process or not, as to whether you could go deeper and more expensive with the products.

 

[laservet]

Thanks. In for a dime, in for a dollar. I'll pick up the Flex and supplies from the sponsors of this site, like to support sponsors. I have a '95 740i that I can practice on before I sell it, can't do much damage to it, then I'll move up to my wife's '03 Acura MDX, then to the 335 when I feel comfortable with the equipment and my technique.



I know what you mean about getting fanatical about a hobby. I'm an amateur astronomer and you can get a reasonably priced scope that does 90% of what a scope 10x the price does, but for some of us the extra for the top of the line is worth every penny. Humorist Dave Barry said it best, "There is a fine dividing line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness.'"



Best,

Paul