BMW 740i with 90,000 Miles is Back-N-Black

[imported_Totoland Mach]

This Bimmer was typical of a high mileage road car: swirls, scratches, etc. I did a previous thread on restoring door handles that will give you an idea of the condition. Here's a couple of before shots:

I spent a lot of time with 3M compound and a 3M cutting pad on the DeWalt to level the finish. There were some areas that 3000 grit was used to remove scratches.



Here's a Before and After compounding/glazing on the rear quarter:

After glazing, I applied 3M Ultrafina SE with their proprietary pad, then power washed to remove excess product and put a coat of Meguiar's #26. Finally, I wanted that extra depth to finish the car at a "stunning" level, so I added a coat of Pinnacle Souveran paste today.



Here's the results:

Outside in the critical sun!

I suspect the dealer will approve this car tomorrow.



Toto

 

[99blackSE]

I suspect he will too! Great turnaround, you really know how to make those BMWs shine man.

 

[Paulie Walnuts]

Man I love seeing work like this, just amazing.

 

[Old Pirate]

Amazing comeback on the BMW, nobody would believe that the car was a high mileage car! How long did it take to do?

 

[imported_Totoland Mach]

Amazing comeback on the BMW, nobody would believe that the car was a high mileage car! How long did it take to do?

The dealer and I both worked on it for the past 3 nights...probably 20+ hours. But, he gets as jazzed about reconditioning as I do and jumps right in with a DeWalt or 3000 grit and wails away.



He was gone today and doesn't know I put a coat of Souveran on it...but he'll see it tomorrow.



Toto

 

[Old Pirate]

Bet he will blow his socks off! That was a amazing job you did!:2thumbs:

 

[markp95]

Inspiring! I am working on a black car now and I can only hope mine looks half as good….

 

[LARGEBORE]

Geez I wish you were not in Kansas so you could do my black bmw.. I cannot get it right.

 

[imported_FMINUS]

Too bad you're all the way in Kansas, I would love to come see you in action

 

[fliplyricist1]

ok WOW.



That really gives me hope for my black acura. My paint isn't really in that bad of shape, but the swirl marks are very similar to your 'before' shots.



Would you be so kind as to put a list of the exact products used so that I can gather some ideas? I'm new to the machine game, and your results are exactly what I'm looking for. I take it the dewalt is a rotary though? Because I'm going to be starting out on a PC. Thanks!

 

[gmblack3]

Excellent work on the black! Can I borrow the wheels for a few years?

 

[imported_Totoland Mach]

ok WOW.



That really gives me hope for my black acura. My paint isn't really in that bad of shape, but the swirl marks are very similar to your 'before' shots.



Would you be so kind as to put a list of the exact products used so that I can gather some ideas? I'm new to the machine game, and your results are exactly what I'm looking for. I take it the dewalt is a rotary though? Because I'm going to be starting out on a PC. Thanks!

If you are going to be starting out on a pc, here's a brief list: (and yes, DeWalt is a rotary)

Keep in mind, there are lots of equivalent products out there to use and most of them are similar in their makeup. It's the process you need to get right along with a healthy dose of patience.



1. Optimum compound or similar

2. Meguiar's #83

3. Meguiar's #7 glaze

4. Meguiar's #26



For pads, you can stick with the Meguiar's 8006 and 9006 pads.



Personally, I'd recommend sticking with a single brand for simplicity in starting out. As I indicated, there are pages of products and others might chime in with a different list, but the above will safely do the work on your car.



Toto

 

[jbraswell]

Looks great. I've always had good luck with 3M on my black BMW's. I really like the Ultrafina SE all though it can be a little oily (like all other 3M polishes I guess), but it finishes very nicely. Do you use all 3M pads?

 

[imported_Totoland Mach]

The Ultrafina is definitely an oil slinger! I use the 3M pads: Cutting, glazing, and their proprietary blue Ultrafina pads. One thing about their pads: they last a long time, but are pretty expensive.



Toto

 

[fliplyricist1]

If you are going to be starting out on a pc, here's a brief list: (and yes, DeWalt is a rotary)

Keep in mind, there are lots of equivalent products out there to use and most of them are similar in their makeup. It's the process you need to get right along with a healthy dose of patience.



1. Optimum compound or similar

2. Meguiar's #83

3. Meguiar's #7 glaze

4. Meguiar's #26



For pads, you can stick with the Meguiar's 8006 and 9006 pads.



Personally, I'd recommend sticking with a single brand for simplicity in starting out. As I indicated, there are pages of products and others might chime in with a different list, but the above will safely do the work on your car.



Toto

awesome info, thanks for the list and rundown!