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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > How early to Clay the car?



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      04-15-2009, 03:25 PM   #1
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How early to Clay the car?

I am picking up my new 335xi this weekend and plan on using Zaino on the entire car. However, do I really have to clay the car first or just hand soap to remove all of the wax and then apply the Zaino. I have used Zaino in the past but I don't know if claying is necessary on a brand new car. Any thoughts?

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      04-15-2009, 03:50 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW1986 View Post
I am picking up my new 335xi this weekend and plan on using Zaino on the entire car. However, do I really have to clay the car first or just hand soap to remove all of the wax and then apply the Zaino. I have used Zaino in the past but I don't know if claying is necessary on a brand new car. Any thoughts?

Thanks
I would. A lot of crap is on the car that you never see. Here is a link to a great thread by picus.......... http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41760
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      04-15-2009, 04:23 PM   #3
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Yeah, I clayed mine the first weekend i had it. It's crazy how much crap was on a "new" car.

You should definitely check out the new car prep thread.
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      04-15-2009, 04:27 PM   #4
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Here is a common question that I get asked very often

Q: My car is brand new, should I really have it detailed?

A: Absolutely, you just made a large investment and now its time to ensure that your vehicle is protected. Car dealers rarely complete full details on new cars. During transit these vehicles collect debris and contaminants, then they sit sometimes on the lot sometimes for months. So when you pull off the lot there are a ton of contaminants still bonded on the paints surface, along with water spots which are sometimes visible. Having your car thoroughly clayed and detailed at this point will ensure that your vehicle looks better than the day you bought it and lead you in the right direction toward lasting protection and beauty.


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      04-15-2009, 08:39 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW1986 View Post
I am picking up my new 335xi this weekend and plan on using Zaino on the entire car. However, do I really have to clay the car first or just hand soap to remove all of the wax and then apply the Zaino. I have used Zaino in the past but I don't know if claying is necessary on a brand new car. Any thoughts?

Thanks
OF COURSE! Will be the most important claying you will do.

Go over all the car carefully and be sure not to miss any spot.
The car comes with A LOT OF CRAP.

A paint cleaner will also be a good idea.
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      04-15-2009, 08:40 PM   #6
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I clayed mine the first weekend I had it and the clay bar was filthy. Like everyone else said, definitely do it.
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      04-15-2009, 09:59 PM   #7
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I clayed first week as well. You will be amazed how much junk is on the "new paint".
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      04-15-2009, 10:30 PM   #8
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What's considered a paint cleaner? What brand? You are all correct because I clayed my mother's Mercedes the first week I had it and the bar was nasty! Keep in mind this car was ordered in and wasn't sitting on a lot!
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      04-16-2009, 10:25 AM   #9
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The clay acts as an exfolliant to remove any above surface contaminants, follow up with a pure polish, then remove and a final wax or sealant and your looking "Sweet"!

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      04-16-2009, 01:52 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW1986 View Post
What's considered a paint cleaner? What brand? You are all correct because I clayed my mother's Mercedes the first week I had it and the bar was nasty! Keep in mind this car was ordered in and wasn't sitting on a lot!
mine never saw the lot either. But even as a special order, the car still has ~2 months of exposure to sea air, rail dust, semi transport, etc. I threw that peice of clay out it was so nasty.
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      04-22-2009, 05:30 PM   #11
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Yea, I start to see the build up already! AMAZINGGG
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      04-22-2009, 05:41 PM   #12
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I agree never to early. I received mine during the winter and after just a few weeks in the season I had to do it all (clay, scratch & swirl remover, glaze, sealant and wax). I even hit it with a spary detailer after all that; looks better than it did at the delivery center.

I tried DP wheel glaze on a friends recomendation and so far I like it. It repels break dust like a champ; all thats required is a rinse, no more need for A-Z wheel cleaner as long as I re-apply DP wheel glaze every time.
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      04-22-2009, 07:54 PM   #13
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You should actually detail the car the day you get it from the dealer. You will be amazed on how much surface contamination and rail dust there is on your paint even though it's brand new.
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      04-26-2009, 11:57 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Malekreza11 View Post
You should actually detail the car the day you get it from the dealer. You will be amazed on how much surface contamination and rail dust there is on your paint even though it's brand new.
+1

That's exactly what I did. I didn't let them do the pre-delivery detail either. I told them don't touch the car except for the inspection. They left all the stickers, plastic, covers, everything, on the car. I washed it, and clayed it as the first thing I did when I brought it home. Then started with Klasse AIO and various Zaino products and never looked back. I swear it looks the same today as after I finished the first detail.

Of course I don't drive it every day and it never sees moisture other than washing it in the driveway, which isn't for everyone!!

Later!!
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      04-27-2009, 01:47 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fragadellic View Post
+1

That's exactly what I did. I didn't let them do the pre-delivery detail either. I told them don't touch the car except for the inspection. They left all the stickers, plastic, covers, everything, on the car. I washed it, and clayed it as the first thing I did when I brought it home. Then started with Klasse AIO and various Zaino products and never looked back. I swear it looks the same today as after I finished the first detail.

Of course I don't drive it every day and it never sees moisture other than washing it in the driveway, which isn't for everyone!!

Later!!
Great job! Thats the best way!
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      04-28-2009, 11:40 AM   #16
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What kind of clay bar do you use? I've seen fine and medium on detailedimage's website.
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      04-28-2009, 12:12 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fresh330 View Post
What kind of clay bar do you use? I've seen fine and medium on detailedimage's website.
either should be fine

one's more aggressive that's all. take the more aggressive one if you need to take out stuff that seems more stuck on the paint. it has a higher chance of surface marring, but claying is easy. with enough lubricant, you should be fine
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