Rasky`s Auto Detailing: 1999 BMW M3

[RaskyR1]

1999 BMW M3, exterior correction and motor detail only.





This little beauty recently came in for a 1-step exterior correction and engine detail. Upon inspection the finish actually looked very good, especially for being 11 years old. Still, there was some water spotting, very light swirling, and several light to moderate scratches (RIDS) throughout the finish. I had gone in with the intention of doing a very thorough write up and documentation on this car, but after doing several test spots I realized I was in big trouble and that I was going to be very pressed for time. After trying several 1-step methods of correction, it was clear that a far more aggressive method would be needed to get the level of correction I’d be happy giving it back to the customer with. Of the various correction methods I tried, P203 on the rotary with a Cyan Hydro pad was the most aggressive, and even that still required multiple passes to remove some of the RIDS. At this point I phoned the customer and let him know that I would have to perform a 2-step correction in order to achieve the results we were looking for, and that I would need the car longer.







As I opened shop (garage) that morning to start of my work day I noticed my baby sitting outside after a morning rain. The application of Menzerna Power Lock from a month prior still seems to be beading strong. ;)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2944.jpg





As you can see, the car looked pretty good just the way it was.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2949.jpg



Wheels had a fair amount of break dust but it was obvious the owner did a pretty good job of keeping them clean. P21S Gel was later applied and allowed to dwell for about 20 minutes followed by agitation with various brushes.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2951.jpg



http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2952.jpg



Picture of the engine bay prior to cleaning.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2953.jpg



http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2955.jpg



http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2956.jpg



Air intake was covered with a plastic trash bag and sealed shut

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2957.jpg



Lots of leaves and seeds were found in the jambs and down around the wipers.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2958.jpg



One thing I always like to do when spraying the engines down with any type of APC is to wet the fenders and other painted panels to lessen the risk of staining. I chose to use P21S TAW on this car which is actually a very safe APC, but it’s always better to play it safe IMO, especially on older oxidized finishes.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2959.jpg



Some of the various brushes used on the engine detail.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2961.jpg



After rinsing off the motor off using a garden sprayer I then blew the engine bay down with compressed air.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2962.jpg



After finishing the motor I proceeded to thoroughly wash the car using Chemical Guys Citrus Wash n’ Clear mixed at a paint prep ratio in conjunction with P21S TAW to help strip off any wax or sealant still left on the paint. Chemical Guys Bug Bugger and Tar removed was also allowed to dwell on the lowers during the wash to help loosed any tar or gunk. Tarminator was later used on any remaining tar.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2964.jpg





When I was drying the car down I also noticed several areas which had blobs of tree sap and I wanted to address those before claying. IMO tree sap is a very easy way of trashing a clay bar….and we all know how expensive clay is! On the other hand, Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) is cheap and effective at removing tree sap.



Below you can see on of the blobs

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2971.jpg



Spray on some IPA and let it dwell for a few seconds

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2972.jpg



Gently wipe away with a clean MF and buh bye tree sap. ;)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2973.jpg







After removing all tree sap from the vehicle I proceeded with claying using a fine grade clay and Meguiars Final Inspection as lube.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2968.jpg





http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2970.jpg





As you can see the rubber trim around both the back glass and side quarter glasses was weathered and grey looking. I learned a trick from a fellow detailer a long time ago on how to get them looking new again. However, it’s something that needs to be used with caution as it’s not safe on all trim and I’d rather not post it in a public forum. Often a cleaner like KAIO will also work effectively.



50/50

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2974.jpg



http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2975.jpg



After

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2977.jpg



Passenger side quarter glass before

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2978.jpg



After

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2979.jpg



Drivers side quarter glass before

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2982.jpg



After

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2983.jpg

[RaskyR1]

As noted in the beginning of the write up, I became very pressed for time once this job turned into a 2-step correction and the photo taking pretty much stopped at that point. I do apologize for the lack of correction pics. My final process after doing all the test spots was Meguiars M105 on the rotary with a PFW pad. (even with this combo a few areas had to be hit more than one time) I followed that up with Menzerna P203 on the PCXP with a Tangerine Hydro pad. My choice of protection was Blackfire Wet Diamond. Glass was cleaned using Meguiars D120 Glass Cleaner.



Paint condition before

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2985.jpg





One of the test spots…I believe this was after 2 passes using P203 on the rotary and Cyan Hydro pad. You can see the water spotting on the right side.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2987.jpg



Things all taped up

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2989.jpg



I also tapped off the narrow panel below the trunk to avoid possible damage from the backing plate or even the Velcro backing of the 4” pad.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2990.jpg



The owner arrived just as I finished and I was actually reinstalling his license plates when he walked up. I’m not very good at taking pics when an owner is waiting, so again I apologize for the lack of pics….mother nature also apologizes for the lack of sun too! :D



http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2992.jpg





http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2993.jpg





http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2994.jpg





http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2995.jpg





http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2996.jpg





Owner held the Brinkmann for me while I took a pic. ;)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2997.jpg





Rubber trim was protected with Meguiars Ultimate Protectant

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2998.jpg





Wheels were protected with Opti-Seal and tires and wheel well were dressed using Meguiars Hyper Dressing at 4:1.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2999.jpg





http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_3000.jpg



Exhaust tips were cleaned with Optimum metal polish.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_3001.jpg





Engine bay was also dressed with Meguiars Hyper Dressing at 4:1.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_3002.jpg





http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_3003.jpg





http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_3005.jpg













Thanks you for taking the time to view my work,



Rasky

[MirrorDetailing]

great work. I really need to get some of the Blackfire. Every vehicle I see it on, its nothing short of wet looking!

[John_K]

Car looks great! I love E36 M3s :)

[MrCLRider]

Love the difference the trim made being freshened up, looks great!

[Tru_Shine]

Edit: Pm sent!





Amazing job BTW!:clap:

[imported_Ivan Rajic]

Great work on the best car of all time. :2thumbs:



I`d also like a PM on the trim if possible. Oh and why did you tape the little body line going along the sides, in line with the handle?

[RaskyR1]

great work. I really need to get some of the Blackfire. Every vehicle I see it on, its nothing short of wet looking!



Thank you, don`t see how anyone could not like Blackfire! ;)




Car looks great! I love E36 M3s :)



Thanks John! I`ve always loved this body style too! :)






Love the difference the trim made being freshened up, looks great!



Thank you!






Edit: Pm sent!





Amazing job BTW!:clap:



Thanks Eric!




Great work on the best car of all time. :2thumbs:



I`d also like a PM on the trim if possible. Oh and why did you tape the little body line going along the sides, in line with the handle?



Thanks Ivan!



There were a fair amount of scratches close to that body line I wanted to remove. I taped that body line off and first compounded below the edge which allowed me to get right up to the edge without actually buffing on it. Since the rotary spins clockwise, buffing below the body line would be cutting into the edge...which is never a good thing! After I buffed that area with the M105 and PFW I removed the taped and buffed the section above. Since the pad is spinning away from the edge above the body line this is much safer and the tape was unnecessary. The car did have PTG readings in the 130 micron range but I always tape off sharp body lines like that anytime I`m using an aggressive polish or compound. ;)



Rasky

[Scottwax]

Nice work, turned out really good. :)



Amazing condition for a 17 year old car.

[RaskyR1]

Nice work, turned out really good. :)



Amazing condition for a 17 year old car.



Thanks Scott! :)

[mogili222]

Hello all..



This is my car and Chad is really great to work with.. More than happy with the results.



Here are some pictures i took of the car a day after i got it detailed..



http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/4368/img2938ss.jpg



http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/5164/img2941x.jpg



http://img532.imageshack.us/img532/8561/img2940t.jpg



http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/7811/img2945w.jpg



http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/4249/img2948v.jpg



http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4359/img2949k.jpg

[Pats300zx]

Amazing job Rasky...

[imported_Ivan Rajic]

Mogili... what heatshield is that (did you make it or K&N) and what M50 kit did you go with? Looks great.

[RaskyR1]

Hello all..



This is my car and Chad is really great to work with.. More than happy with the results.



Here are some pictures i took of the car a day after i got it detailed..









Looks like I`m going to have to hire you to take my pictures from now on! :D





I`m glad you were happy with the results. I`d also like to thank you again for the feedback, additional pics, and mostly for your business.



It was a joy working on such well cared for car. :thx





Rasky

[RaskyR1]

Amazing job Rasky...



Thanks Pat! :)