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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > Delivery detailing - Should I let the dealership do it?



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      10-25-2010, 11:55 AM   #1
psubmw
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Delivery detailing - Should I let the dealership do it?

Would you guys get your new car detailed from the dealership when you take delivery, or not trust them and just do it yourself?
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      10-25-2010, 11:58 AM   #2
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Do you want swirls? If you don't, then I suggest you tell them to leave it wrapped up for you and you do the new car prep.
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      10-25-2010, 12:00 PM   #3
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My dealer would not let me see the car until it was cleaned.

Even though my car was only shipped from Germany to The Netherlands, I guess it got pretty nasty (rail dust, etc). When I did accep the car, it was flawless. Given the number of cars they prep, I think you're probably safe to let them handle it.
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      10-25-2010, 01:39 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by roundle View Post
I think you're probably safe to let them handle it.
If you want swirls.
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      10-25-2010, 02:16 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stimpy View Post
If you want swirls.
+1. Dealers are notoriously bad at detailing.
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      10-25-2010, 03:35 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fisherbln View Post
+1. Dealers are notoriously bad at detailing.
+2, this is cold hard fact. At least here in the States.

Most dealers use a nice helping of filling glaze when prepping the car. When you pick it up, the paint is absolutely flawless and pristine. Give that glaze a week or so to wear off, and you'll see the true condition of the paint. You can ask any reputable detailer, and every single one of them will tell you that they've seen loads of brand new cars looking like hell after a dealer prep - everything from BMW to Ferrari, nobody is safe.
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      10-25-2010, 03:36 PM   #7
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so should i tell them to just unwrap it and not detail it?
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      10-25-2010, 03:42 PM   #8
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Before my car arrived in Canada I asked the dealer not to detail it, they asked were shocked at that request and asked if I am really sure and I was like yes I am really sure

I did the ED so I drove my car around for about 2610 kms in Europe. 2 week after I received my car I got it detailed professionally, and wow there were some rail dust. Then I did the full PPF

It sucks that you may have to pay someone to do the detail for you. As for me I wanted to do it only once the rest I can DIY...
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      10-25-2010, 04:16 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by psubmw View Post
so should i tell them to just unwrap it and not detail it?
Sounds like a good plan, but be sure you're up for doing the detail yourself (or have a professional lined up to do it). If you're going to DIY, be sure you have the tools, supplies, and knowledge to do the job right. I'm not sure what your experience is, but the last thing you want is a costly mistake on your brand new car.
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      10-25-2010, 04:54 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jopa489 View Post
Sounds like a good plan, but be sure you're up for doing the detail yourself (or have a professional lined up to do it). If you're going to DIY, be sure you have the tools, supplies, and knowledge to do the job right. I'm not sure what your experience is, but the last thing you want is a costly mistake on your brand new car.
+1. If you've never done it before and interested in learning I'd find a good local detailer and ask them if you can watch/help/ask questions while they work on your car. Most good detailers will be more than happy to have you at least watch. I would stay away from any detailer that doesn't want you to see the work they do (makes me believe they aren't doing it correctly). Also, be sure and tip accordingly because it will likely take them a little extra time to stop and explain what they are doing to you.
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      10-25-2010, 05:00 PM   #11
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hmm, had the dealship do it on all three of my bmw, not a single problem. Clear coats were pristine, my current car has maybe a dozen small marks over the whole body at best. I honestly have no idea how people get marks in there clear coats. I see swirls on everyones cars and cant figure out why people have issues with this.

Do everything by hand, use clean towels every time.
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      10-25-2010, 05:22 PM   #12
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Don't do it, you will regret it. A couple hundred to a professional detailer will give you peace at mind and much better results. Only a small percentage compared to the price you paid for your car.
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      10-25-2010, 05:42 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mithiral67 View Post
use clean towels every time.
This is the biggest problem dealers have. They (usually) have a bucket with their wash towels/mitts in them that rarely ever get cleaned.
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      10-25-2010, 05:57 PM   #14
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I did my own prep...

Drove my car home with the plastic on the seats.

Instructed dealer to take it off the truck and park it or I'd refuse delivery. They listened.

Paint was perfect and I got to detail it the way I wanted. I Would NOT let a dealer touch it.
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      10-25-2010, 07:02 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fisherbln View Post
This is the biggest problem dealers have. They (usually) have a bucket with their wash towels/mitts in them that rarely ever get cleaned.
maybe I found the one dealership that uses clean towels.
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      10-25-2010, 07:51 PM   #16
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In regards to detailing, is it important to get the car properly detailed anytime before you have a Clear Bra installed?
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      10-25-2010, 08:11 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Disciple7 View Post
In regards to detailing, is it important to get the car properly detailed anytime before you have a Clear Bra installed?
In my opinion, definitely. You'll get stuck with any imperfections under the clear bra, so it makes the most sense to apply it to a pristine surface.
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      10-25-2010, 10:49 PM   #18
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Great advice so far. I don't have a whole lot to add unless anyone has a specific question for me. It's great to have a wonderful community of well informed owners who try to help spread accurate information.
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      10-26-2010, 04:20 AM   #19
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After one gets a Clear Bra installed do you just ignore those areas of the car in the future, besides just regular washing?
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