Post up washing, waxing and detailing tips and questions - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Jason · 05-10-2005, 12:22 PM

Now that some of our more lucky members have taken delivery (with many more to come soon), I'm sure everyone will want to keep their babies looking like the day they took delivery. If you have questions on products, procedures or anything else related to washing, waxing and detailing, post it here. Or, if you just have good or bad experiences you'd like to share with us, also post it here

roburado · 05-10-2005, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwocky

Now that some of our more lucky members have taken delivery (with many more to come soon), I'm sure everyone will want to keep their babies looking like the day they took delivery. If you have questions on products, procedures or anything else related to washing, waxing and detailing, post it here. Or, if you just have good or bad experiences you'd like to share with us, also post it here

Hey, jwocky. I was wondering when a detailing forum would appear.

l4wr3nc3 · 05-13-2005, 01:14 AM

if you guys are lazy like me i would just:
1) dawn wash
2) clay bar
3) nxt wax

yea i know nxt isint the best but its pretty dam good if used right

bozo5521 · 05-13-2005, 02:16 AM

Here we go again!! You guys got me started on my Zaino sermon.... For those that are lazy and want to make the showroom appearance look like mud, follow these tips and save $$$!

Z-2
Z-5, two coats (or more if you feel like it)
and to put the icing on the cake, Z-6!!

Washing your car will never again be a chore, but an experience...Also, the new Z-8, that is supposed to be the end all of finishing touches, isnt all that great..There will ever be another Z-6...The tears are starting to come down...

Do NOT use a clay bar on your new car! And IF you use Dawn to get rid of any water spots, use very little on your new car...That stuff is pretty rough, but will give you a completely fresh canvas (not just a car) to work with...Most importantly, do not do it in circles!! After waxing in straight lines, you will ask yourself, "Why the hell did I always do that?!"..DONT do it anymore...

After Zaino'ing never use the Dawn again! Youll be just stripping the Zaino undercoats...The cheap car wash stuff is the best, because its designed not to cut through the wax finish...

And remember, Sal gives you his PERSONAL number to assist you should you come into problems...YES, Sal is the CEO and founder of the product, and has a team available to help you out along the whole way!...

The whole process takes 2 hours, and your life will never be the same!!

For those that have or will be getting Sapphire Black cars, this is not an option..order now!!

CnoteMD · 05-15-2005, 11:05 PM

I would highly recommend using the Klasse System (All-In-One and Sealant Glaze). This is a polymer wax that gives an amazing shine, but the best feature is that it is easy to apply and remove and lasts for months!

For the wash, I would use Meguires Gold Class Car Shampoo

Then start with Klasse AIO. I would use a microfiber applicator and apply just a very thin coat. You don't even have to wait for it to dry. I would cover a panel, then immediately wipe off with a terrycloth towel.

The Sealant Glaze requires VERY small amounts. You basically want a layer so thin that you can barely tell its there, otherwise its a little harder to buff off (though still less effort than usual carnauba waxes).

I would wax my car twice per year (once in spring and once in fall). With this regimen, my car would always be easier to wash (and the water beaded year round).

Michael

BMW Enthusiast · 05-16-2005, 05:17 PM

Thanks for the info CnoteMD! Ive been wandering about the Klasse products for bimmers, I've seen a lot of people mention Zaino (of which I never heard of until I came to this site) and that seems like a good product as well.
Is one better than the other or does it come down to preference?

hook02em · 05-16-2005, 06:03 PM

At what point can I use Meguiar's Scratch-X to remove some light stracthes (in the Zanio treatment that is)?

CnoteMD · 05-16-2005, 09:35 PM

I really can't say which is better (I've never actually used Zaino). But it seems that Zaino requires more work.

The Klasse system is two steps, then you are done for the next 6-9 months.

Hope that helps.

Michael

BMW 2006 · 05-22-2005, 09:55 PM

Just ordered my 330i today

Just wondering how long before I can start to wax the car? Normally when a car comes from a body shop there is a 6 month waiting time for the paint to Cure.
Does anyone have thoughts on this? Thanks!!

bozo5521 · 05-23-2005, 01:03 AM

Cure? Paint? Screw that..As long as you stay away from the clay bar that early on, youre fine..I had 3 coats of Zaion Z-5 and 6 on my car as soon as I picked it up...SICK!!

agarbati · 06-11-2005, 07:51 PM

I thought Z5 was for older clearcoats and Z2 for newer ones.

ATC BMW · 06-13-2005, 11:19 AM

Z-2 PRO Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes

Z-3 Show Car Polish for Regular Paint

Z-5 Show Car Polish for Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches

CC 330i · 06-13-2005, 01:44 PM

I don't agree with the waxing in straight lines. You only get swirls if you wax without getting your car VERY clean first. For the record, I tried waxing in straight lines and I got straight "swirls" instead of circular ones. Which is worse?

The reason you wax in circles is so that you completely work the wax into all the voids on the paint. It is just the most efficient way to do that. The "application" step of waxing is the most important part. I agree that you can do this by going in straight lines too, but it is harder to completely work the wax into the paint evenly when you go back and forth.

If you use a good quality wax and good quality applicator and buffing cloth, it will fill most "swirls" anyway. That's what the wax is for, to fill voids in the paint that detract from it's shininess.

bookman2 · 06-14-2005, 01:32 PM

I would highly recommend the Haynes Automotive Detailing Manual for anyone looking to keep that show room shine long term. This book covers everything form basic washing techniques to full engine detailing. A must-have. Call (805) 498-6703 or search the web for ordering details. Got mine through Bavarian Autosport.

05-10-2005, 12:22 PM	#1
Jason Administrator Drives: 4 wheels on the bus go round.. Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: IoT Posts: 6,331 iTrader: (0) View Jason's Garage	Post up washing, waxing and detailing tips and questions Now that some of our more lucky members have taken delivery (with many more to come soon), I'm sure everyone will want to keep their babies looking like the day they took delivery. If you have questions on products, procedures or anything else related to washing, waxing and detailing, post it here. Or, if you just have good or bad experiences you'd like to share with us, also post it here

05-15-2005, 11:05 PM	#5
CnoteMD Commander in Chief Drives: 2008 BMW M5 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,033 iTrader: (0) View CnoteMD's Garage	I would highly recommend using the Klasse System (All-In-One and Sealant Glaze). This is a polymer wax that gives an amazing shine, but the best feature is that it is easy to apply and remove and lasts for months! For the wash, I would use Meguires Gold Class Car Shampoo Then start with Klasse AIO. I would use a microfiber applicator and apply just a very thin coat. You don't even have to wait for it to dry. I would cover a panel, then immediately wipe off with a terrycloth towel. The Sealant Glaze requires VERY small amounts. You basically want a layer so thin that you can barely tell its there, otherwise its a little harder to buff off (though still less effort than usual carnauba waxes). I would wax my car twice per year (once in spring and once in fall). With this regimen, my car would always be easier to wash (and the water beaded year round). Michael __________________ 2008 BMW M5 Space Gray, Silverstone Merino Leather, Madeira Walnut Wood Trim \| 7speed SMG \| All options Modifications: Corsa Exhaust \| RPI Ram Air Intake Scoops, Block Off Plates, BMC Air Filter, CF removed \| H&R Sport Springs \| Rogue Engineering 12mm spacers \| Valentine 1 Hardwired \| Blinder M25 Laser Jammer

05-16-2005, 09:35 PM	#8
CnoteMD Commander in Chief Drives: 2008 BMW M5 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,033 iTrader: (0) View CnoteMD's Garage	I really can't say which is better (I've never actually used Zaino). But it seems that Zaino requires more work. The Klasse system is two steps, then you are done for the next 6-9 months. Hope that helps. Michael __________________ 2008 BMW M5 Space Gray, Silverstone Merino Leather, Madeira Walnut Wood Trim \| 7speed SMG \| All options Modifications: Corsa Exhaust \| RPI Ram Air Intake Scoops, Block Off Plates, BMC Air Filter, CF removed \| H&R Sport Springs \| Rogue Engineering 12mm spacers \| Valentine 1 Hardwired \| Blinder M25 Laser Jammer

05-22-2005, 09:55 PM	#9
BMW 2006 Second Lieutenant Drives: 330I - '06 - 6 Spd Join Date: May 2005 Location: California - USA Posts: 146 iTrader: (0)	When to wax? Just ordered my 330i today Just wondering how long before I can start to wax the car? Normally when a car comes from a body shop there is a 6 month waiting time for the paint to Cure. Does anyone have thoughts on this? Thanks!!

06-13-2005, 11:19 AM	#12
ATC BMW Air Traffic Controller Drives: E90 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Frederick, MD Posts: 53 iTrader: (0)	Z-2 PRO Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes Z-3 Show Car Polish for Regular Paint Z-5 Show Car Polish for Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches __________________ Ordered 5/23, Built 7/15, 8/24 ED, 9/1 Dropoff, 9/12 Jingu Maru, 9/25 Port NEAT, NJ, 10/11 Re-Delivery 325i Arctic Metallic-Beige Leatherette. Navigation, Butt Heat, Xenon, Park Distance Control, Sirius Radio.

05-13-2005, 01:14 AM	#3
l4wr3nc3 lawl Drives: :D Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Rowland Heights, CA Posts: 13,614 iTrader: (5) View l4wr3nc3's Garage	if you guys are lazy like me i would just: 1) dawn wash 2) clay bar 3) nxt wax yea i know nxt isint the best but its pretty dam good if used right

05-13-2005, 02:16 AM	#4
bozo5521 First Lieutenant Drives: '04/E53/X5/3.0/PP Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 336 iTrader: (0)	Here we go again!! You guys got me started on my Zaino sermon.... For those that are lazy and want to make the showroom appearance look like mud, follow these tips and save $$$! Z-2 Z-5, two coats (or more if you feel like it) and to put the icing on the cake, Z-6!! Washing your car will never again be a chore, but an experience...Also, the new Z-8, that is supposed to be the end all of finishing touches, isnt all that great..There will ever be another Z-6...The tears are starting to come down... Do NOT use a clay bar on your new car! And IF you use Dawn to get rid of any water spots, use very little on your new car...That stuff is pretty rough, but will give you a completely fresh canvas (not just a car) to work with...Most importantly, do not do it in circles!! After waxing in straight lines, you will ask yourself, "Why the hell did I always do that?!"..DONT do it anymore... After Zaino'ing never use the Dawn again! Youll be just stripping the Zaino undercoats...The cheap car wash stuff is the best, because its designed not to cut through the wax finish... And remember, Sal gives you his PERSONAL number to assist you should you come into problems...YES, Sal is the CEO and founder of the product, and has a team available to help you out along the whole way!... The whole process takes 2 hours, and your life will never be the same!! For those that have or will be getting Sapphire Black cars, this is not an option..order now!!

05-16-2005, 05:17 PM	#6
BMW Enthusiast Private First Class Drives: 99 Maxima Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: CT Posts: 76 iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the info CnoteMD! Ive been wandering about the Klasse products for bimmers, I've seen a lot of people mention Zaino (of which I never heard of until I came to this site) and that seems like a good product as well. Is one better than the other or does it come down to preference?

05-16-2005, 06:03 PM	#7
hook02em New Member Drives: 04 TiAg 325Ci Join Date: May 2005 Location: Austin Posts: 1 iTrader: (0)	At what point can I use Meguiar's Scratch-X to remove some light stracthes (in the Zanio treatment that is)?

05-23-2005, 01:03 AM	#10
bozo5521 First Lieutenant Drives: '04/E53/X5/3.0/PP Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 336 iTrader: (0)	Cure? Paint? Screw that..As long as you stay away from the clay bar that early on, youre fine..I had 3 coats of Zaion Z-5 and 6 on my car as soon as I picked it up...SICK!!

06-11-2005, 07:51 PM	#11
agarbati First Lieutenant Drives: E90, Saph Blk 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 279 iTrader: (0)	I thought Z5 was for older clearcoats and Z2 for newer ones.

06-13-2005, 01:44 PM	#13
CC 330i Captain Drives: 330i SG/Blk/Alum Join Date: May 2005 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 714 iTrader: (0)	I don't agree with the waxing in straight lines. You only get swirls if you wax without getting your car VERY clean first. For the record, I tried waxing in straight lines and I got straight "swirls" instead of circular ones. Which is worse? The reason you wax in circles is so that you completely work the wax into all the voids on the paint. It is just the most efficient way to do that. The "application" step of waxing is the most important part. I agree that you can do this by going in straight lines too, but it is harder to completely work the wax into the paint evenly when you go back and forth. If you use a good quality wax and good quality applicator and buffing cloth, it will fill most "swirls" anyway. That's what the wax is for, to fill voids in the paint that detract from it's shininess.

06-14-2005, 01:32 PM	#14
bookman2 Private First Class Drives: 2006 330i SP, PP Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 151 iTrader: (0)	I would highly recommend the Haynes Automotive Detailing Manual for anyone looking to keep that show room shine long term. This book covers everything form basic washing techniques to full engine detailing. A must-have. Call (805) 498-6703 or search the web for ordering details. Got mine through Bavarian Autosport.