Taking delivery of '08 BMW 135i. initial detail question

Ok heres the deal. I was going to ask them not to prep the car so I could do it myself, but I won't have my detailing gear until a few weeks after I receive my car. What would you all do in my situation? I put my order in for my products a day or two ago, but the entire package will be delayed because they are out of stock on Flex's right now. They plan on shipping the entire package together once the Flex comes back in stock.. which won't be until May 5-9. My delivery is supposed to be last week of April. What a dilemma...
 
Can't you split the shipment and get the rest of your supplies sooner? You'll likely have to pay additional shipping, but at least you'll be able to get some protection on the car. I can't see why you would need the Flex on a brand new car if they aren't prepping it, and even if it needs some polishing, you can certainly wait a few weeks for that.
 
What kind of protection would you recommend? The Flex may or may not be needed, only time will tell. Sometimes paint comes immaculate, but sometimes paint comes in pretty bad condition too. The paint is corrected at the factory, prep center, and dealership. The dealership is typically where the damage comes from, but it is likely that the car may be scratched even without the dealer prep.
 
An item to consider that is a little off topic, if the car did not come equipped with an oil cooler, HAVE ONE INSTALLED!!! This engine in the 3 series is having a number of failures related to very high oil temperature. Take a look at Roundel magazine for April, more specifically the Tech. Talk section.
 
Simple, dont let them touch it. Get it home plastic, adhesive and accompanying film/wax removal, wash, clay it then IF it needs it, ZAIO via PC and seal that bish. Top with a money wax and roll out.
 
James A said:
An item to consider that is a little off topic, if the car did not come equipped with an oil cooler, HAVE ONE INSTALLED!!! This engine in the 3 series is having a number of failures related to very high oil temperature. Take a look at Roundel magazine for April, more specifically the Tech. Talk section.
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The car comes with an oil cooler, located in the passenger side fenderwell area. This is not a problem :nana: If there are problems with oil coolers, I'm sure an aftermarket one will be designed and produced very quickly
 
getcha said:
Simple, dont let them touch it. Get it home plastic, adhesive and accompanying film/wax removal, wash, clay it then IF it needs it, ZAIO via PC and seal that bish. Top with a money wax and roll out.
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Please refer to the "edit" in post 1.. :thx
 
Responding to post one edit...



I still wouldn't let them touch the car. Just hold off on doing your initial detail. It won't really matter if you do the first detailing on the day you take delivery or a month later. Your process will still be the same, most likely.
 
Eh, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just keep your car clean (normal wash & dry) until your supplies are delivered to your home.



It'll be difficult to keep your car swirl free with that soft Jet Black BMW paint, hehe. Good luck!
 
getcha said:
Simple, dont let them touch it. Get it home plastic, adhesive and accompanying film/wax removal, wash, clay it then IF it needs it, ZAIO via PC and seal that bish. Top with a money wax and roll out.
Click to expand...





I hope the OP listens to you, but I have to repeat myself: the pc chewed the paint up badly with any polish. However it was ok with sealant/wax
 
I just picked up my new Porsche two weeks ago. I told the dealer not to do anything to the exterior paint at all. When I got there I removed the plastic film and drove it home where I cleaned it myself. A little bug/tar remover took off a couple of small lines from the adhesive film. I don't have one swirl mark on it, other cars on showroom floors seem to have plenty.



96063297.jpg
 
James A said:
An item to consider that is a little off topic, if the car did not come equipped with an oil cooler, HAVE ONE INSTALLED!!! This engine in the 3 series is having a number of failures related to very high oil temperature. Take a look at Roundel magazine for April, more specifically the Tech. Talk section.
Click to expand...



I don't think this is still an issue.
 
mrgoochio,



I would also be very insistent with the dealer that this is what you want done (i.e.no prep) to the point to talking to the detail manager, your sales person, the owner - anyone who will listen. Be there when they unload it and put a sign on it. This may sound like and be overkill, but it is very, very easy for them to "forget" your instructions. Remember that once they touch it, they cannot go back and untouch it.



You're off to a great start with a great ride - enjoy it.
 
While you are waiting on your supplies to arrive, you can purchase some clay magic and meguiar's cleaner wax to hold you over and keep you busy until you get the good stuff. I might also practice with the flex on an older vehicle before using it on the new BMW. Congrats on the new car!
 
Thanks for the continuous insight guys. I have already submitted a request to my supplier and my order has been shipped within 24hrs of my e-mail. My products have shipped and the Flex will ship when it comes back in stock. I will take care of the detail myself as you all recommended. As for practicing with the Flex before I take it to the BMW, I have plenty of other cars available for testing which I have already planned on.
 
HansB said:
I just picked up my new Porsche two weeks ago. I told the dealer not to do anything to the exterior paint at all. When I got there I removed the plastic film and drove it home where I cleaned it myself. A little bug/tar remover took off a couple of small lines from the adhesive film. I don't have one swirl mark on it, other cars on showroom floors seem to have plenty.



96063297.jpg
Click to expand...



What did the dealer do to prep the interior besides unwrap the seats and take the tags off? I'm not familiar with interior vehicle prep
 
I changed some stuff in my order, thought you guys might be interested.. the stuff is shipped and should arrive before I pickup my car.



Qty Product Total Cost

(1) 303: Aerospace Protectant - 16 oz $11.11

(1) Blackfire: Long Lasting Tire Gel - 16 oz $14.53

(1) Chemical Guys: Foam Pad Conditioner - 16 oz $8.99

(1) Chemical Guys: Microfiber Cleaning Detergent - 16 oz $8.09

(1) Clear Kote: Clar Bar & Clay Lube Combo $28.79

(1) Clear Kote: Red Moose Machine Glaze - 16 oz $15.38

(1) DI Accessories: Firm Bristle Upholstery Brush $6.40

(5) DI Accessories: Foam Applicator Pad $5.85

(1) DI Accessories: Jumbo Vent Brush $3.59

(2) DI Accessories: Sheepskin Wash Mitt $17.08

(5) DI Microfiber: Applicator Pad $12.38

(2) DI Microfiber: Glass Polishing Towel - 16" x 12" $10.24

(1) DI Packages: Flex XC3401VRG Starter Package $329.99

(1) Grit Guard: Grit Guard Insert $8.54

(1) Menzerna: Final Polish II (FPII) - 16 oz $13.67

(1) Menzerna: Intensive Polish (IP) - 16 oz $13.67

(1) Pinnacle: Souveran Paste Wax - 8 oz $72.67

(1) Poorboy's World: Wheel Sealant - 8 oz $15.38

(1) Stoner: Invisible Glass - 19 oz $5.12



The Flex wont ship until it comes back in stock, but everything else has been shipped. I still need to put my order in for (2) Eurow 10 pack MF towels. Is there anything else I'm missing? I'm going to put my order in for the towels today and want to make sure I'm not missing anything. If I am, I'll just order it at the same time of the towels. Thanks for all the help guys
 
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