BMW 745 Li Black Metallic from awful to wonderful

[imported_Totoland Mach]

This 745 Li with Sports Package came in for reconditioning. Definitely had some bad scratches and one, in particular on the rear bumper. It was scraped and the gouges went to the base plastic!

I worked that area for a loooooonnnng time with the Festool and numerous pads and products. The problem with plastic body cladding is the rotary cannot be used too aggressively or it's "burn city". After using the Festool, I ended up with the gouges which I filled with touch up. The dealer is still pondering whether he will re-paint the rear bumper (kinda depends on the new owner's decision).



Here's some after's: I will probably apply a couple more coats of touch up to bring the paint closer to the original's surface.

Outside shot and it's not very visible any longer

Here's some early shots and finished



I wet sanded areas with numerous scratches, then used a rotary + 3M compound + cutting pad.

Door compounded + 3M Glaze

Finished wheels and one side (I turn the car around because it is close to a wall and I need the working room). The lift is a blessing for lower body panels, wheels, etc. The wheels got a coat of Collinite Insulator wax for protection.

Reflection progress on a trunk lid

After final power wash to remove glaze and compound from body seams. Then, I apply #26 with a porter-cable and a finish pad

Moved it outdoors to inspect the interior (I always do this, even with excellent lighting in the shop...I can catch places I've missed)

Interior shots

Back indoors and gonna put the equipment away and a car cover on this one.

Totoland Mach

 

[2clean4u]

Great Job! Nothing looks better than a black German car when cleaned.





Also what kind of car lift is that? Where did you get it and how much does it cost?

I'm looking for a lift like that since a 4 post lift wont work in my garage.

 

[imported_Totoland Mach]

Great Job! Nothing looks better than a black German car when cleaned.





Also what kind of car lift is that? Where did you get it and how much does it cost?

I'm looking for a lift like that since a 4 post lift wont work in my garage.

The lift is a Snap-On and is rated for 5,000 Lbs. I don't know what the dealer paid for it, but I think they are $2,500+ from Snap-On or you can find similar units (a couple made in Oklahoma) for $1,500 - $2,000 range. They really work well and I was thinking of getting one for my garage until I took this part-time job on....he's got everything I need.





Totoland Mach

 

[Scottwax]

Excellent turnaround! :bow



Just amazing though, that anyone would mistreat a car like that to the point it needs wetsanding.

 

[06E90]

The car looks incredible! and I love your avatar

 

[imported_Totoland Mach]

thanks for the compliment Scott! The dealer I work part-time for buys BMW's at BMW Leasing auction, so there are some relatively easy details and some rough ones. This was a rough one. He sells approx. 100 cars per year (so I detail about 8 cars a month...nice setup with shop/supplies/etc).



This had a lot of scratches and he wants most cars to be lightly wet sanded on hood and trunk lid, then compound + glaze and now we are using the 3M Ultrafina SE (swirl eliminator) to see how that product works. You have to use their pad which is the softest foam pad I've ever seen! It seems to work well and takes the place of glazing.



06E90: thanks for the compliment on the avatar! My wife and I rescued pit bulls (until the city banned them), so we have a couple of "mix" rescues which occupy the time. That female thinks my Mach 1 is her Mach 1!....I put those glasses on and she knows it's "time to ride man"



See Ya



Toto