Black BMW - 6 Years of Neglect

[imported_Totoland Mach]

This 740iL not only had soft black paint, it has the worst scratches on plastic that I've every seen! Should qualify for the Swirl Hall O' Fame!



Lower Rocker Panel. Because a rotary would probably burn this area with heat, I used my trusty Festool + cutting pad + Optimum compound and worked this area for several minutes.



Before:

After: That tool is the most versatile item in the shop. As more and more plastic is applied to body panels, it's a must have for the shop.

Rocker panel work in process:

Rear bumper: Ouch!

After: Still have some touch up to apply, but it's better.

Hood Swirls: This paint was so soft, the best correction method I found was a 3M Glaze pad and compound. The cutting pad would just create more swirls!

Getting better: I haven't polished or applied any glaze yet.

I'll add to this post as I finish up the body work tonight.



Toto

 

[BlueZero]

Huge improvement so far. It's amazing the way some people treat their cars. The reflection is pretty good, I can see your camera is a Nikon. lol

 

[danforz]

Wow, cars in bad shape! Keep up the good work

 

[Russecu]

Nice start Toto!! Its great to see your work on those BMW's. Great improvement so far.

 

[tyoung]

Wow, that poor Bimmer! Nice turnaround on it, that looks like a time consuming job.

 

[imported_Totoland Mach]

I hope to finish the paint correction by tonight and power wash the body seams tomorrow. Then, do the interior (which isn't too bad) and apply #26 as my LSP.



Toto

 

[joe.p]

I hope to finish the paint correction by tonight and power wash the body seams tomorrow. Then, do the interior (which isn't too bad) and apply #26 as my LSP.



Toto

I would have thought some of the panels would have needed a repaint,

it is always nice to view your work i'll be looking foward to more pics..



Totoland Mach, can you remove the swirls with your rotory or will it require wet sanding?

 

[imported_Totoland Mach]

I would have thought some of the panels would have needed a repaint,

it is always nice to view your work i'll be looking foward to more pics..



Totoland Mach, can you remove the swirls with your rotory or will it require wet sanding?

Joe: the black paint on this car is super soft. I've wet-sanded some of the deeper scratches, but will use the rotary with a glaze pad and compound on the sheet metal. Both the dealer and I tried several combo's last night and that ended up being the best method for this soft paint.



Toto

 

[imported_Totoland Mach]

Well, here's some progress shots. This paint was a soft monster! The best combo was a glaze 3M pad + compound, followed by a fresh glaze pad + glaze, followed by 3M's Ultrafina SE. I should be able to get some outside pics when I power wash late today. The dealer pitched in and helped with another rotary and we finished the paint at 1:00 Am.

I'll put a coat of #26 on it after the wash. Then, start on the interior!



Toto

 

[DirtySouth]

Awesome transformation! Nice work. Was this a car somebody traded in?

 

[imported_Totoland Mach]

Awesome transformation! Nice work. Was this a car somebody traded in?

Yep: traded it in last week for this car (gee, I hope he doesn't tear the paint up on this one...it's very nice). He did ask me for tips on washing and waxing and maybe he'll take my advice.

Toto

 

[thesacrifice]

my moms 01 330ci looks almost as bad. Waterspots and swirls from hell. If she didnt live 3 hours away I'd try and hook it up.

 

[imported_gusbubba]

Great work and nice tip on the glaze pad/compound combo.



Also ,nice to see someone else learning the joys

and singing the praises of the Rotex.

 

[imported_Totoland Mach]

I finished up the exterior last night with a power wash to remove excess compound/glaze from body seams, etc.



Dried and applied a coat of NXT to every panel *except* the hood. I used #26 on the hood because it dries clear and I still have to fill in stone chips.



The car really shows the depth of black again!

I'll get some outdoor sun shots later today...that's the ultimate judge for black cars anyway LOL.



Toto

 

[joe.p]

Joe: the black paint on this car is super soft. I've wet-sanded some of the deeper scratches, but will use the rotary with a glaze pad and compound on the sheet metal. Both the dealer and I tried several combo's last night and that ended up being the best method for this soft paint.



Toto

it amazes me that this BMWs paint was in that condition..your patience must be as good as your skills :hifive: Great Job..

 

[imported_Totoland Mach]

Well, finally got the black monster done and outside for inspection in the sun. The finished car is great, the dealer loves the outcome (probably will be sold next week) and I've got the interior about half-way finished last night (it was very dirty for a Bimmer)



Here's some outside shots...Enjoy!

The dealer also bought in an identical black 740il (tan interior though)...but the finish is not nearly as bad, so I guess that's my next car in the lineup.



Totoland Mach

 

[Saleenfan]

WOW thats really impressive!

 

[kansasdn]

Toto--you Are The Master !!!!!!!