Seeking advice for correcting 2005 M3 paint.

[Toytruckmike]

Hi everybody,
I am wanting to improve the appearance of my 2005 BMW M3 paint in imola red. I own a Griot`s 6" DA polisher, 1st gen that I want to use.
I am trying to get some direction as to what products I should buy do make this work out well, but give some safety since I am fairly inexperienced.
I used the polisher before to correct some minor imperfections on a Boxster, using Griots #3, but it was new and didn`t need much correcting. I did the trunk lid on the M3 using the #3, but it did only minor improvement and still looks bad.

The M3 has 101K miles and has some major swirls from a previous polish (previous owner) that did more damage than good. One of the reasons I bought this car was to be able to practice polishing.

I am thinking I need to:
ironx,
clay the paint
polish with a more aggressive polish
polish with a finishing polish
apply protection wax.

Any suggestions on what pads, polishes to buy? Or links to posts that give advice for someone in my situation?
Here are a couple of pics to give you a general idea.



Thanks for the advice.
Cheers!
Michael S.

[Accumulator]

Toytruckmike- IME the GG MP#3 is *VERY* gentle; I wouldn`t expect it to do any correction but might use it to refine an already-corrected finish.

That looks like it`ll need some fairly aggressive work, so maybe you oughta try Griot`s new Fast Correction Cream with a MF cutting pad for the initial/aggressive work.

[Mike lambert]

Meguiars micro system, easy and fast

[Stokdgs]

Welcome to the Forum, ToytruckMike -

Perfect info and advice above ^

I love all Bimmers and Imola Red is a perfect shade for the marque !

What size pads and backing plate do you have ? The 6" size ?
If so, you would be able to do handle the machine easier with the next smaller backing plate size - 5" or so, and appropriately sized pads..

And you will be able to get more backing plate/pad rotation with the smaller diameter parts on the machine, which will help the compound break down faster and give you better results.
You will be able to concentrate more downward force across the smaller diameter area easier..

If you are really new and want to learn how to use foam pads, I think they will be easier to work with than microfiber, which requires a lot more cleaning of the pads, and if possible an air compressor and attachments to blow out the dried compound from the microfiber pads after each pass..

Foam pads can go longer between passes and just need to be wiped off with a clean towel to remove spent compound and dead junk from the paintwork..

A good pad cleaner will be needed, something like Snappy Clean sold here works really great for me for over a decade... There are other cleaners as well that work great...

A good foam pad lubricant will help keep the work moist so it doesn`t dry up too fast and totally stop the work you really want it to perform to completion..
I believe Chemical Guys used to or may still make a blue colored product in a spray bottle called Pad Conditioner or something that works really well..

There are Meguiars foam pads, B&S foam pads and Lake Country foam pads that have been around longest and have great track records..
From what I read on the Forums most, B&S foam pads last longest, Meguiars and Lake Country are darn good also..

I personally use only Lake Country and only use Rotary Power, and find their line to do about everything I need..

You would want to get several - not 1, not 2, but several, say 4-5, 5-6, to correct that E46, and allow you to keep working while the dirty ones are soaking, or cleaned, and drying out...

Same with a less aggressive foam pad for finishing, get several, so you can work and not have to stop in the middle and wash pads and then wait at least 24 hrs for them to dry, depending on how well you wring them out, etc...
Hope this helps - good luck !
Dan F

[Toytruckmike]

Meguiars micro system, easy and fast

This one?

[JSFM35X]

101k and previous polish by old owner makes me nervous for you to remove more clear coat. Get some essence and fill and lightly correct. Then coat with gloss coat (or any other coating of your choice) as it`s easy and durable.

[d33p]

I also have an e46 m3 and prefer Menzerna polishes. Get some fg400 and sf4000 along with Stokdgs suggestions on 5" BP and various pads.

[The Guz]

The Meguiar`s ultimate line is always a good place to start. User friendly products that give great results. You can find them locally if you choose to go this route. I do like the Meguiar`s thin foam disks.

Griots has their Boss line and pads as well if you wish to stick with Griots.

[Smack]

I also have an e46 m3 and prefer Menzerna polishes. Get some fg400 and sf4000 along with Stokdgs suggestions on 5" BP and various pads.

I have an e90 and e91 and prefer Menzerna products as well.

Mike, pick up FG400 and SF4000.

[Accumulator]

101k and previous polish by old owner makes me nervous for you to remove more clear coat..

Ah, I must`ve glossed over that "previous polish" part...good catch. Yeah, better imperfect paint than need to repaint.

[jrock645]

Yeah in this case, I certainly wouldn`t recommend something as aggressive as FG400. HD Adapt at the most.

[The Driver]

FG400 is only aggressive as the pad you put it on, thats what makes it so great being a chem cutter instead of abrasive.

I also say Fg400 and Sf4000 is an awesome combo!

[JVD]

Yeah in this case, I certainly wouldn`t recommend something as aggressive as FG400. HD Adapt at the most.

Agreed. Both of those products are really versatile.

I`ve even used the SF4000 with Cyan Hydroshreds with great one step results.