I just bought a used black bmw with some moderate swirling...I want to get one good detail(willing to spend money) to get rid of the swirls and so on. Then I will only hand wash in the future and do the regular waxing etc. I live in Des moines, IA so I don't think I will find anyone on here. I'm thinking about taking it to European Motors..(Only dealer around here for BMWS) Is this a bad idea? What should I expect?
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First detail
- Thread starter bmw06330i
- Start date
Usually dealer detailers are not so great. If I were you, I'd invest in a quality machine and some decent polishes. A PC7424 isnt too much and get some quality pads. Any of the vendors on this website should be able to hook you up with some quality pads/microfiber and anything else you may need. It takes a bit of time and a bit of patience, but it's worth it.
Way2SSlow said:Usually dealer detailers are not so great. If I were you, I'd invest in a quality machine and some decent polishes. A PC7424 isnt too much and get some quality pads. Any of the vendors on this website should be able to hook you up with some quality pads/microfiber and anything else you may need. It takes a bit of time and a bit of patience, but it's worth it.
They would at least be better than me. I have absolutely no experience and this is the first "nice" car I have ever owned or cared about. (why I have no experience)
the other pc
New member
That may not be the case. At least you know that you want to do a good job and you’d rather go easy than just do anything to “get it out the door.�bmw06330i said:They would at least be better than me. I have absolutely no experience ...
The only thing you can say for sure about dealer detailers is that the vast majority of them are low paid laborers whose supervisors are pushing them to do it faster and cheaper. Very, very few dealers understand the value of high quality detailing and are willing to take the trouble to support and pay the money to hire skilled craftsmen.
It doesn’t matter what cars they sell or how “upscale� the clientele, you still see them abusing paint.
The only way to know if they are one of the very rare dealers who does have clue is to personally talk to the detailer (not the service writer, customer advisor, concierge or whatever the hell they call the idiot middleman), understand his process and inspect examples the work he does.
PC.
the other pc said:That may not be the case. At least you know that you want to do a good job and you’d rather go easy than just do anything to “get it out the door.�
The only thing you can say for sure about dealer detailers is that the vast majority of them are low paid laborers whose supervisors are pushing them to do it faster and cheaper. Very, very few dealers understand the value of high quality detailing and are willing to take the trouble to support and pay the money to hire skilled craftsmen.
It doesn’t matter what cars they sell or how “upscale� the clientele, you still see them abusing paint.
The only way to know if they are one of the very rare dealers who does have clue is to personally talk to the detailer (not the service writer, customer advisor, concierge or whatever the hell they call the idiot middleman), understand his process and inspect examples the work he does.
PC.
Hmm would I have better luck with a place like this Prevette's - Des Moines, Iowa car care products
the other pc
New member
As a detailer or as a source for products to DIY?
I didn’t see any indication that they provide detailing service but they do seem to be into teaching the DIY’er. Their little tutorials seem generally reasonable.
As a retailer it looks like they have some useful tools and accessories. I’m not a fan of places that sell only “house brand� chemicals. It’s not inherently a bad thing, just an unknown. The stuff might work great, who knows?
Since you’re specifically interested in removing swirls I would be concerned about the fact that they have only two levels of surface defect removal, Precleaning Lotion and a heavy cut compound. The “two sizes fit all� approach doesn’t give me the warm fuzzies about that part of the process.
On the plus side, they do make finish care a priority, not just an incidental sideline. If they’re conscientious they could be a useful resource.
PC.
I didn’t see any indication that they provide detailing service but they do seem to be into teaching the DIY’er. Their little tutorials seem generally reasonable.
As a retailer it looks like they have some useful tools and accessories. I’m not a fan of places that sell only “house brand� chemicals. It’s not inherently a bad thing, just an unknown. The stuff might work great, who knows?
Since you’re specifically interested in removing swirls I would be concerned about the fact that they have only two levels of surface defect removal, Precleaning Lotion and a heavy cut compound. The “two sizes fit all� approach doesn’t give me the warm fuzzies about that part of the process.
On the plus side, they do make finish care a priority, not just an incidental sideline. If they’re conscientious they could be a useful resource.
PC.