E90Post
 


 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > First wash after delivery?



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-17-2007, 12:41 PM   #1
droptop335
Captain
United_States
39
Rep
709
Posts

Drives: '07 335i (E93)
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Back in SF Bay Area (Tri-Valley), WooHoo!

iTrader: (1)

First wash after delivery?

OK, so I confirmed with a contact at the BMW Regensburg factory a couple of things:

There is no requirement to wait for any paint cure times after delivery and before applying the first wax/sealant to a new car.

Our cars are waxed at the factory before they are shipped (not sure if it's a spray on type, or if it's actually hand applied).

My question is this: What's the best wash to use to prep the car for its first coat of sealant? I won't be using a wax, but probably something like Klasse sealant glaze. Since the car is delivered pre-waxed, I want to make sure I use something that will remove the factory wax without damaging the finish. I haven't decided if I will also clay the car before its first sealant or just do a couplf of coats of sealant only.

Any thoughts from the fellow members here?
__________________
Alpine White/Coral Red/Gray Poplar Convertible Sport/Prem/Step/Comfort/Nav/Sirius

MHD Stage 1 Flash, M-Factory Helical LSD

By the way people: USE YOUR F&*#ING TURN SIGNALS! Pass the word.
Appreciate 0
      05-17-2007, 01:50 PM   #2
Ryan323i
Captain
Ryan323i's Avatar
United_States
22
Rep
844
Posts

Drives: 2015 320i xDrive
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Columbus, OH

iTrader: (0)

Ask your dealer not to prep the car for delivery and then follow this guide by picus!

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41760
__________________
2015 320i xDrive | Imperial Blue Metallic/Black SensaTec | Sport Package | Lighting Package | Moonroof | Heated front seats
Past BMWs: 2006 330i, 2000 323i
Appreciate 0
      05-17-2007, 01:58 PM   #3
Detailed Image
Detailed Image's Avatar
United_States
360
Rep
5,052
Posts

Drives: Detailed by Detailed Image
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Albany, NY

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by droptop335 View Post
My question is this: What's the best wash to use to prep the car for its first coat of sealant? I won't be using a wax, but probably something like Klasse sealant glaze. Since the car is delivered pre-waxed, I want to make sure I use something that will remove the factory wax without damaging the finish. I haven't decided if I will also clay the car before its first sealant or just do a couplf of coats of sealant only.

Any thoughts from the fellow members here?
Congrats on the new car purchase. Personally, I am a fan of using a clay bar upon delivery of a new vehicle. It will help remove any embedded contamination during transit and delivery of the vehicle that may not come off with your first wash. This will properly prep your paint to get the most out your first coat(s) of sealant. This would remove any previous coats of protection that the factory has applied giving you a fresh start for your Klasse or any other sealant.

I too would follow DarkRyan323's instructions and not allow the dealership to prep your vehicle. You will do a much better job and minimizing adding imperfections to the paint. Also, you want to make sure your washing and drying products, tools and techniques are in proper order so that you reduce adding swirls and other imperfections during your washing and drying phase.

Let me know if there is anything else I can give you a hand with.

George
Appreciate 0
      05-17-2007, 01:58 PM   #4
533ogetnom
Banned
95
Rep
1,760
Posts

Drives: 335coupe
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Florida

iTrader: (1)

wont help, they are waxed elsewhere, i know this because my dealer didnt touch the car but it was still waxed, its most likely at the place the send it between the boat and the dealer
Appreciate 0
      05-17-2007, 02:15 PM   #5
sesegal99
Captain
sesegal99's Avatar
70
Rep
666
Posts

Drives: 2009 328I Coupe Sport
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NJ

iTrader: (1)

Wash w/ Dawn, claybar, Wash w/ Dawn again, Zaino (Z5, Z5, Z2, Z2, Z2, Z6 between each coat.) You'll have a perfect finish. Use Zaino car wash from then on. and quick detail with Z6 between washes.

JMO.
__________________
2009 328i Coupe Space Grey w/ Dakota LeatherSTEP, Sport Pkg. w Paddle Shifters, Prem. Pkg., Comfort Access, Grey Popler Trim, Heated Seats, Shadowline Trim, Xenon Adaptive Lights, GP Thunder Fogs, GP Thunder Angels, RE15mm Spacers, 35% Tint,OEM Alarm, Clear Corners, K&N, Strut Brace
Appreciate 0
      05-17-2007, 03:05 PM   #6
ga-bmwdrvr
First Lieutenant
ga-bmwdrvr's Avatar
21
Rep
327
Posts

Drives: E21 320i, E90 330i
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Georgia

iTrader: (0)

No need to wash with Dawn. Just use a good car soap and clay. I also believe that claying will greatly improve your final result since the finish will be better prepped for the sealant. After that you can use the Klasse twins or any other quality sealant such a s Zaino, DuraGloss, Mothers, etc. I recommend you check autopia.org for TONS of good info.
Appreciate 0
      05-17-2007, 03:20 PM   #7
droptop335
Captain
United_States
39
Rep
709
Posts

Drives: '07 335i (E93)
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Back in SF Bay Area (Tri-Valley), WooHoo!

iTrader: (1)

You guys are the best...thanks much! By the way, according to my contact at the plant, the car is waxed AT THE FACTORY before loading for shipment.
__________________
Alpine White/Coral Red/Gray Poplar Convertible Sport/Prem/Step/Comfort/Nav/Sirius

MHD Stage 1 Flash, M-Factory Helical LSD

By the way people: USE YOUR F&*#ING TURN SIGNALS! Pass the word.
Appreciate 0
      05-17-2007, 03:40 PM   #8
sesegal99
Captain
sesegal99's Avatar
70
Rep
666
Posts

Drives: 2009 328I Coupe Sport
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NJ

iTrader: (1)

Dawn is recommended because it cuts so well through the wax and anything else that has been previously applied/
__________________
2009 328i Coupe Space Grey w/ Dakota LeatherSTEP, Sport Pkg. w Paddle Shifters, Prem. Pkg., Comfort Access, Grey Popler Trim, Heated Seats, Shadowline Trim, Xenon Adaptive Lights, GP Thunder Fogs, GP Thunder Angels, RE15mm Spacers, 35% Tint,OEM Alarm, Clear Corners, K&N, Strut Brace
Appreciate 0
      05-17-2007, 03:45 PM   #9
droptop335
Captain
United_States
39
Rep
709
Posts

Drives: '07 335i (E93)
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Back in SF Bay Area (Tri-Valley), WooHoo!

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkRyan323 View Post
Ask your dealer not to prep the car for delivery and then follow this guide by picus!

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41760
So what exactly does dealer prep consist of, as it relates to the paint?
__________________
Alpine White/Coral Red/Gray Poplar Convertible Sport/Prem/Step/Comfort/Nav/Sirius

MHD Stage 1 Flash, M-Factory Helical LSD

By the way people: USE YOUR F&*#ING TURN SIGNALS! Pass the word.
Appreciate 0
      05-17-2007, 04:08 PM   #10
Ryan323i
Captain
Ryan323i's Avatar
United_States
22
Rep
844
Posts

Drives: 2015 320i xDrive
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Columbus, OH

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by droptop335 View Post
So what exactly does dealer prep consist of, as it relates to the paint?
The dealer will clean (prep) the outside of the car because the car will be filthy from transport. Many people have reported their new cars having massive swirl marks from day one after their dealers have prepped the cars. This would especially be noticeable on darker colors. It is because they use improper washing/drying methods and use dirty towels which will swirl and damage the finish. The best thing is just to do the prep yourself. It will be fun and rewarding and a good way for you to bond with your new car!
__________________
2015 320i xDrive | Imperial Blue Metallic/Black SensaTec | Sport Package | Lighting Package | Moonroof | Heated front seats
Past BMWs: 2006 330i, 2000 323i
Appreciate 0
      05-17-2007, 05:50 PM   #11
ejazbmw
blahhh
ejazbmw's Avatar
302
Rep
6,355
Posts

Drives: 2014 M235I
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: NJ/NY

iTrader: (7)

i dont know why but my dealer preped my car and it looked pretty damn good withought any swirls...but i still striped the wax off with dawn and did my own detailing job...
Appreciate 0
      05-17-2007, 07:21 PM   #12
ga-bmwdrvr
First Lieutenant
ga-bmwdrvr's Avatar
21
Rep
327
Posts

Drives: E21 320i, E90 330i
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Georgia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by sesegal99 View Post
Dawn is recommended because it cuts so well through the wax and anything else that has been previously applied/
That is very arguable, not sure what "is recommended" really means. Here is a link about some of the controversy that I am posting just as an informative post.

http://autopia.org/forum/detailing-p...ight=dawn+wash

I'm not about to argue about it since I use a pre-cleaner on my car when I want to remove old wax. IPA + H2O also works well
Appreciate 0
      05-17-2007, 11:36 PM   #13
Ryan323i
Captain
Ryan323i's Avatar
United_States
22
Rep
844
Posts

Drives: 2015 320i xDrive
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Columbus, OH

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ejazbmw View Post
i dont know why but my dealer preped my car and it looked pretty damn good withought any swirls...but i still striped the wax off with dawn and did my own detailing job...
You must be one of the lucky ones! I was just at my dealer the other day and the new black E90s on the lot were swirled to hell, it was rather depressing.
__________________
2015 320i xDrive | Imperial Blue Metallic/Black SensaTec | Sport Package | Lighting Package | Moonroof | Heated front seats
Past BMWs: 2006 330i, 2000 323i
Appreciate 0
      05-18-2007, 12:34 AM   #14
sinnet112
Major
United_States
30
Rep
1,118
Posts

Drives: 2009 E89 Z4
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NJ

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by ejazbmw View Post
i dont know why but my dealer preped my car and it looked pretty damn good withought any swirls...but i still striped the wax off with dawn and did my own detailing job...
+1

I asked them not to prep it, and lo and behold it comes back and it's prepped. Got a tad angry, but after I inspected the car at every angle, I finally gave in and conceded that they hadn't swirled anything, thank goodness, or I would've been ridiculously annoyed.

Still did my full detail right after though
__________________


Z4 sdrive30i | Deep Sea Blue | Ivory White Nappa Extended Leather | ZSP
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2007, 11:35 PM   #15
fragadellic
Captain
15
Rep
949
Posts

Drives: 335i Coupe BSM
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Arizona

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by droptop335 View Post
You guys are the best...thanks much! By the way, according to my contact at the plant, the car is waxed AT THE FACTORY before loading for shipment.
That's true, but it's not for beauty, it's called Cosmoline and it's to protect the entire vehicle from the salt air for the duration of the sea voyage. That wax is removed at the VPC with an extremely hot car wash.

I was under the impression that the VPC doesn't do any cosmetic prep on the car except for the removal of the shipping wax (Cosmoline).

I have requested and my CA acknowledged that my dealer will do no detail whatsoever on my Black Sapphire coupe. Only tech check, initialize the Sirius, and install my 230's, then call me for the pickup!
__________________
E92 335i Coupe Delivered 5.30.07 | Black Sapphire | Black Dakota | Grey Poplar | OEM 230 19" Wheels | Michelin PS2s | GP Thunder 8500K Angels
__________________________________________________ __________
Appreciate 0
      05-25-2007, 10:10 AM   #16
droptop335
Captain
United_States
39
Rep
709
Posts

Drives: '07 335i (E93)
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Back in SF Bay Area (Tri-Valley), WooHoo!

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by fragadellic View Post
That's true, but it's not for beauty, it's called Cosmoline and it's to protect the entire vehicle from the salt air for the duration of the sea voyage. That wax is removed at the VPC with an extremely hot car wash.

I was under the impression that the VPC doesn't do any cosmetic prep on the car except for the removal of the shipping wax (Cosmoline).

I have requested and my CA acknowledged that my dealer will do no detail whatsoever on my Black Sapphire coupe. Only tech check, initialize the Sirius, and install my 230's, then call me for the pickup!
Curiously, then factory rep siad that it wasn't necessary to rewax the car after delivery. Is this because he is assuming the dealer will remove the cosmoline and wax the car with a "regular" wax prior to delivery to me?
__________________
Alpine White/Coral Red/Gray Poplar Convertible Sport/Prem/Step/Comfort/Nav/Sirius

MHD Stage 1 Flash, M-Factory Helical LSD

By the way people: USE YOUR F&*#ING TURN SIGNALS! Pass the word.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2007, 10:02 PM   #17
drw1926
Bimmer Mann
drw1926's Avatar
United_States
2
Rep
32
Posts

Drives: 1983 320i; 2006 R1200GS
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Ewa Beach, HI

iTrader: (0)

I looked at the vehicles in the delivery queue at my dealership before mine eve arrived. None of the cars looked swirled in the slightest. I talked to my salesman about it (whom I trust), he said I wouldn't have anything to worry about. My Monaco Blue (i.e. nearly Black) 335i was delivered yesterday, paint was flawless...not even a hint of swirls. The car looks fantastic.

I'll probably wash it and throw some Zaino AIO and some Z-5/Z-2 on it soon. But as delivered I am perfectly happy with the pre-delivery wash/prep.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2007, 10:36 PM   #18
zimbim
Second Lieutenant
United_States
12
Rep
215
Posts

Drives: 335i Coupe
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Charleston,SC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2007 e350 Sport  [0.00]
2007 335i Coupe  [0.00]
For the heck of it, I bought the Zaino kit with the clay bar for about $90. It is worth every penny!!!! I've never seen anything like this stuff. My Black Sapphire e92 was delivered perfectly as well, but once I applied the Zaino after claying, it was unbelievable. I know I sound like a Zaino commercial, but damn, the stuff is great.
__________________
e92/Black Sapphire/Coral Red/Aluminium Trim and Pedals/Sport/Luxury/Nav/Keyless/Ipod Adapter/6MT/Sirius/Turbo Tuner
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2007, 11:44 PM   #19
fragadellic
Captain
15
Rep
949
Posts

Drives: 335i Coupe BSM
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Arizona

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by droptop335 View Post
Curiously, then factory rep siad that it wasn't necessary to rewax the car after delivery. Is this because he is assuming the dealer will remove the cosmoline and wax the car with a "regular" wax prior to delivery to me?

The cosmoline is removed at the VPC. We need someone who has had the tour there or from BMW to confirm if they wax or not.

I wouldn't trust anyone who says the car doesn't need to be waxed after delivery, any farther than I could throw them. That's a rediculous statement.

FWIW, if my car was AW, I would have let the dealer do the new car delivery detail.
__________________
E92 335i Coupe Delivered 5.30.07 | Black Sapphire | Black Dakota | Grey Poplar | OEM 230 19" Wheels | Michelin PS2s | GP Thunder 8500K Angels
__________________________________________________ __________
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2007, 11:51 PM   #20
fragadellic
Captain
15
Rep
949
Posts

Drives: 335i Coupe BSM
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Arizona

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by drw1926 View Post
I looked at the vehicles in the delivery queue at my dealership before mine eve arrived. None of the cars looked swirled in the slightest. I talked to my salesman about it (whom I trust), he said I wouldn't have anything to worry about. My Monaco Blue (i.e. nearly Black) 335i was delivered yesterday, paint was flawless...not even a hint of swirls. The car looks fantastic.

I'll probably wash it and throw some Zaino AIO and some Z-5/Z-2 on it soon. But as delivered I am perfectly happy with the pre-delivery wash/prep.
That's great to hear. If your dealer takes as much pride in their service as their pre-delivery detail stick with them!!!

Dealerships do vary enormously from location to location and in their operational practices, so you should consider yourself lucky. Frankly, it's a lot easier to avoid the swirls in the first place, than to correct them later. There are show car glazes they can apply before delivery to cover swirls which lasts for a car wash or so, and is then gone.

I am content knowing that I did my own prep on my BSM car and it looks incredible. Not a spec on it with a 400W halogen light. Big thank you to Picus and DavidN for their stickys and posts on technique.
__________________
E92 335i Coupe Delivered 5.30.07 | Black Sapphire | Black Dakota | Grey Poplar | OEM 230 19" Wheels | Michelin PS2s | GP Thunder 8500K Angels
__________________________________________________ __________
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:15 PM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST