1997 BMW 528i Aubergine (Egg Plant)

[Ben Kenobi]

I'd say you achieved excellent results for your first time on that paint Wade. I'd lose the front plate too as it'll look cleaner and you don't need it. I'm guessing the mileage was low, mmm say about 30K? The interior looks very clean, how was it when you picked it up? Nice Apple sticker by the way!

[W.S.]

Ben Kenobi,
Thanks for the positive feedback. As I said I will take the plate off tomorrow.
I search the tri-state area for four moths to find a 528i/5m that was in my low price range (hint, hint...). I did a major interior cleaning about a month a ago. I have a secrect leather cleaning forula that broghut it back. (hint, hint...). The car was sold at auction to Ramsey Nissan in Upper Saddle River, NJ. It then sat on the dealer lot for about 4-6 months. Had I not come along a swooped it up, it surely would have gone back to auction.

Although your guess is nice, and very flattering, try again (multiply).

The apple sticker is from my iPod Video, I put it on because one of my friends put it on their car. (peer pressure)

Had I taken pictures of the car before my work, you would have cried. I suspect the auction house used cheap wax on wool pads.

Wade

[Ben Kenobi]

Good detective work Wade. You're right I would have cried if I saw it. I hate when people don't take care of cars as they cost a lot of money. I'm sure you're the same when you see a nice BMW (or any other vehicle you like) that has been neglected or abused. I'll leave it to you to tell us the mileage, if I'm in your part of the state I'll want to see your pride and joy. Did you detail the engine bay yet?

[W.S.]

Ben,
I have not detailed the engine bay yet, because I am very werey of spraying water on all those electroinics. If someone could give me instructions, or a link that would be quite helpful.

As she stands now (I named her Helga, she is quite strong) the odometer reads 156,500 miles (approx.).

I still need to do some work but she looks many times better. The day I went to look at her it was pouring rain, so I couldn't look at the paint. We I went back for delivery, I finally saw the damage and neglect. More swirls than you could poke a stick at (as though that would help). My goal is to polish almost all of them out, them glaze and apply several more coats of S100.

Wade

[Ben Kenobi]

Wade, there are a few threads about detailing engine bays, have a peek. I'm sure you find you don't have much to worry about. Helga will look better and probably run even faster! You never do know what you'll find when you look at paint up close do you? Hope you've been out enjoying the weather and taking some scenic drives.

[W.S.]

I bought some 3M engine bayer degreaser, so I will read up on engine bay cleaning. Actually I have gone on a few nice drives. Man, I fall in love with this car over and over. anyway, today I got some trimbrite tape and changed the aluminum trim to "shadowline" black. I promise it does not look corny, quite fetching actually.

I gave her her first wash post initinial detail yesterday. I used the 2 bucket meathod and an absorber towel to dry. First time I have used both, and I like both of them. I noticed some micro-marring from the OC so I will eventually go back and remove all the swrils and micro marring. Certainly better than it was.

I'm excited for tomorrow's detail, a black Z3 convertible.

Wade

[itb76]

Originally Posted by Scottwax

I'm guessing it is very against the law anywhere to have two different license plates on a car.

Michigan issues one plate, to be mounted on the rear. Many people put a plate from a different state or country, or even an old Michigan plate, on the front for decoration or whatever. I have never heard of anyone being hassled over this. I'm not sure but I believe it's legal here.

Other states of course have different requirements. I remember Texas has two plates plus those #$*&@ stickers they make you put on the windshield. Don't know about PA, check with the locals.

For detailing the engine, I had really good luck cleaning with Black Magic engine cleaner then dressing with CD2 Engine Detailer. I meant to post my results but haven't gotten to it yet.

[Ben Kenobi]

Originally Posted by itb76

I remember Texas has two plates plus those #$*&@ stickers they make you put on the windshield.

I hear you Lenny, they sure make those stickers large enough. I don't know how the Virginia drivers can handle them in the middle of the windshield. It would drive me around the bend.