BMW 135i vert

[twheat]

This is my dad`s 08 BMW 135i. When he first bought it he went to Griots garage since they are local for us because he read decent stuff about the products. I have used a few and have not continued using them because there is better out there IMO. Anyways he gets out this water blade. I told him that will leave some nice swirls and RIDS in your paint dad! He said well they told me it wouldn`t so I laughed and left it alone since after all it is his car! As I walked into the garaged the other night I looked at the car and oh man the RIDS were horrible. So this weekend I restored the poor car and threw that water blade that doesn`t scratch away!



On another note this was the most serious correction I have done so I was pleased with the outcome. I think if I had a rotary it would have went faster but I really liked using the Flex. Thanks to this website for all the info an product recommendations. On to the pics and process.



Wash with dawn and foam gun

Wheels got P21S gel

Tires and wells got simple green

Meg aggressive red clay with optimum QD spray as lube

Flex 3401

SIP with orange pad

106ff with white

wiped down 50/50 IPA

Collinite 476

Tires got 303 protectant



http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg225/tywheat/IMG_0944.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg225/tywheat/IMG_0947.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg225/tywheat/IMG_0952.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg225/tywheat/IMG_0950.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg225/tywheat/IMG_0971.jpg

M5 in reflection =)

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg225/tywheat/IMG_0968.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg225/tywheat/IMG_0957.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg225/tywheat/IMG_0953.jpg

[connorb850]

Nice job, I like that blue. Is that an E34 M5 in the background? I`d love to see pictures if you have any.

[twheat]

Thanks for the compliments the color is Montego Blue. Here are the pics I have of the M5. I think I have more somewhere I can dig up.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg225/tywheat/IMG_0937.jpg

Original turbine wheels.....

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg225/tywheat/IMG_0834-1.jpg

Note the mileage=)

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg225/tywheat/IMG_0762.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg225/tywheat/IMG_0767.jpg

[slick61]

how exactly are you going to get swirls using a water blade???



streaking, fine scratches MAYBE... but swirls??? Sounds more like a contaminated wash mitt, sponge, whatever.



Have used my water blade for years with absolutely NO incidents, as long as the blade`s clean.



Sounds like just overly soft paint to me. A friend of mine can`t even wipe down his car with quick detailer & a microfiber without getting swirls in his... doesn`t phase mine at all...

[Preachers Sheets]

256329 miles?!



Wow, hope my car looks that good when it gets there.....if it ever does.

[twheat]

Slick-I agree that the swirling is most likely from a dirty wash mitt. On a lot of the panels there are fine scratches that were going in the direction like you would use with the water blade. The reason I say I thought it caused some of the scratches is because happens if you sweep across a panel that still had a dirty spot? I thought the dirt would get caught between the blade and the clear causing the marks on the paint. Maybe I am way out in left field with my thoughts....who knows thats just how I viewed it.



Joed-Yeah it just went over 257,000 miles the other day. The front end is pitted from driving it through the cascades so I think in a year I may have those all filled and have the car re-sprayed.

[David703]

cool car! I remember when that car came out with those wheels i thought bmw had put white wall tires on. GREAT JOB!

[chromecarz00]

I agree about the water blade, those arent used anymore by most for that reason.

EXcellent detail! Some pics are blurry though, need a better look at your handiwork!

[twheat]

David-yeah they look like white walls from a distance and a lot of people ask me why I have white walls on the car until I show them up close.



Chrome-I need to practice my picture taking skills. I have noticed it is a huge part of this line of work.



Thanks for the compliments.

[connorb850]

twheat - The M5 looks great! You don`t see many with the factory "turbine" covers anymore. Is the drivetrain still original at that mileage?

[twheat]

Connor-Thanks! It had the motor rebuilt at 125k. It had piston failure at 130mph going up a grade. Other than that the tranny is original. The turbines are cool in a sense they are designed to cool the brakes and if you look at them you will notice how it happens. It still has the original single stage paint that is in great shape for its year. Other than that its due for some new suspension but it still corners great. Thanks for the compliments.