Jet Black 335i ordered - Complete Novice. Requesting review of plan.

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eleven11

New member
I'll start off by saying hello. This is an amazing forum of information. You guys definitely get the OCD stamp of approval in my book (a good thing). So I recently ordered a new 335i sedan and have been lurking here ever since. Btw, it's... Jet Black :scared: Yeah, I've read all about it. The power of its clean allure is just too much to pass up. Aside from the exhaustive hours I've spent on here recently, I am a complete novice to detailing. So I've been formulating a plan of action, and would like some feedback if possible. As you will notice, I've pretty much been drawn into the Zaino zone.



Paint Detailing:

-I have requested the dealer not touch the exterior upon arrival - no wash, wax, detail, etc. All steps will be done by hand. Z7 wash -> Clay with Z7/water spray -> Z7 wash -> towel dry after sheeting with open hose (+/- leaf blower?) -> Z5 (ZFX) -> Z6 -> Z5 (ZFX) -> Z6 -> Z2 (ZFX) -> Z6 -> ZCS -> Z8 or wax (P21S or Souveran). Note: will use AIO at later time when needed (e.g. 6 months or so).



-This has been my main progress thus far in my decision making. I called Zaino about some of the recommendations (I think it was Sal, actually). He said to treat the rims the exact same as the body paint with the Zaino products. Ordinarily, people seem to recommend dressing the tires early on, but given I'll be doing multiple coats, I suppose I will carefully apply it at the end this first time.





Equipment:

-I'm still a little hazy on all of the mitts, MF towels, applicators, sponges, etc. Exactly how many of each I should have, when I use each one, and when I need a fresh one. For washing, it sounds like mitts are a popular item (MF or other?), then dried with a large MF. For claying, do most people hold it directly in the hand or use the holders (seems hand would be safer)?



-On from there is the Z5/2 and Z6. So for each of these, it's a separate MF applicator for each, polishing MF towel, or either depending on preference? After that, it appear I use a MF buffing towel between coats (can I use same one for Z5 and Z2 as long as they're clean and not heavily saturated?)



-ZCS - same equipment (but separate) as Z5/Z6, with exception of no buffing towel (since not required)?



-Z8/Wax - same stuff, but separate?





Other:

-Glass - haven't read up on this much yet. Apparently ZCS can go on this after it's cleaned/polished.



-Exterior trim - again, haven't read up on this much. Can I just use one of the Zaino products (e.g. Z7 or Z8) and the follow with ZCS?



-Interior Trim - no research yet, but doesn't seem too tricky



-Leather - I'm probably going with Z9/Z10, but possibly Lexol. Only question here is, when I get this car on Day 1, should I go ahead and condition it? I couldn't imagine cleaning it would be of benefit yet (i.e. Z9)?

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So, there's my madness in writing, thusfar. I look forward to spending more and more time learning on this forum. I appreciate any advice and answers pertaining to my post.



-eleven11

:2thumbs:
 
Congrats on the new purchase!!! A gorgeous car in the best color, and IMO, the best product to protect it. Lets get started!!!



"I have requested the dealer not touch the exterior upon arrival - no wash, wax, detail, etc. All steps will be done by hand. Z7 wash -> Clay with Z7/water spray -> Z7 wash -> towel dry after sheeting with open hose (+/- leaf blower?) -> Z5 (ZFX) -> Z6 -> Z5 (ZFX) -> Z6 -> Z2 (ZFX) -> Z6 -> ZCS -> Z8 or wax (P21S or Souveran). Note: will use AIO at later time when needed (e.g. 6 months or so)."



Your process is perfect, but I would definetly stick with Z8 opposed to a wax. Carnuba's are great, but with Zaino, you likely not to see any improvement in apperance, and if you apply a carnuba you won't be able to apply any coats additonal coats of Zaino with out removing the previous and starting over.



"This has been my main progress thus far in my decision making. I called Zaino about some of the recommendations (I think it was Sal, actually). He said to treat the rims the exact same as the body paint with the Zaino products. Ordinarily, people seem to recommend dressing the tires early on, but given I'll be doing multiple coats, I suppose I will carefully apply it at the end this first time."



I always dress tires last, but again I am a pro, so I am doing a lot of machine polishing. The dust form polishing compounds and get stuck in the tire dressing..... For you, it won't matter. Modern rims are clearcoated from the factory, so it makes sense to treat them the same as your paint.



"I'm still a little hazy on all of the mitts, MF towels, applicators, sponges, etc. Exactly how many of each I should have, when I use each one, and when I need a fresh one. For washing, it sounds like mitts are a popular item (MF or other?), then dried with a large MF. For claying, do most people hold it directly in the hand or use the holders (seems hand would be safer)?"



I perfer to wash using a two bucket method with grit guards. I recommend using Eurow natural lambs skin wash mitts (you can buy them at walmart for 5.50 or so). You want atleast two, one for the cleaner areas and one for the dirtier areas. Drying with a microfiber is a good idea, a better idea is using a leaf blower first then blotting dry with a microfiber. For claying, cut the bar in half or thirds, and kneed it into a wafer. I place the clay where my fingers meet my hand.



"On from there is the Z5/2 and Z6. So for each of these, it's a separate MF applicator for each, polishing MF towel, or either depending on preference? After that, it appear I use a MF buffing towel between coats (can I use same one for Z5 and Z2 as long as they're clean and not heavily saturated?)"



I have always applied Z5/Z2 with the supplied terry cloth applicator. Remember that a little goes a LONG way. Give the applicator a light mist of Z6 then draw an X diagonally (thin beads) across the applicator. Apply in back and forth methods. One a car the size of the 335i, I would expect that you can cover half the hood and one fender with just one applicaton of product. You want to use a seperate appicator for each product.



For Z6, since it is a spray detailer, you want to use either a 100 percent terry cloth or microfiber, what ever you are more comfortable with. You can use the same towel to remove Z2/Z5, providing it doesn't become to saturated, no problem. However, use a seperate towel to remove/buff Z6 since it goes on and comes off wet.



"-ZCS - same equipment (but separate) as Z5/Z6, with exception of no buffing towel (since not required)?"



I have applied Z-CS with either the appicator or a Meguiars' foam applicator, both work great. You want to have a seperate, clean applicator for this product.



"Z-8"



Since Z-8 applys and removes like Z-6, you want to use either a microfiber or a quality 100 percent cotten towel. Its your choice, but LIGHTLY mist and area and buff until dtreak free.



"-Glass - haven't read up on this much yet. Apparently ZCS can go on this after it's cleaned/polished."



Use two clean microfibers and a quality glass cleaner like Meg's NXT or Stoners Invisible Glass. Meguiars NXT features a crosslinked poylmer to make the water bead off, though this poylmer might afftect the bonding of Zaino (ZCS could still be used). You could also use Stoner's and apply a couple coats of Z2 or Z5 on top (just like your paint) if you are after the ultimate in water beading.



"Exterior trim - again, haven't read up on this much. Can I just use one of the Zaino products (e.g. Z7 or Z8) and the follow with ZCS?"



Zaino won't stain trim, so you are safe to use it over any trim, glass, ect... Z7 is the car wash, of course your going to clean it. Z8 is a final spray sealent that gives a boost to the appearance, it is also safe to use over black trim. I would go over the trim with a Z2 or Z5 when you are applying them, just treat the trim as part of the body.



"Leather - I'm probably going with Z9/Z10, but possibly Lexol. Only question here is, when I get this car on Day 1, should I go ahead and condition it? I couldn't imagine cleaning it would be of benefit yet (i.e. Z9)?"



You would be suprised at how dirty a brand new car is from the factory. Wether a worker had to climb into the seat to fix a piece or something was set in there. Given that either Z9 or Lexol cleaner are 100 percent safe for leather, I cannot really see a point into skipping this part. The leather "should" be clean, but given that it takes 5 minutes, tops, to work the cleaner into all the seats and buff clean, I think its better to be safe then sorry. Why skimp on the prep when you come this far?



I like both Lexol and Zaino, I just like the smell of Zaino better!
 
Congrats On the purchase. My buddy has a dark grey 335 and it is an awesome car, even more awesome after he chipped it. I have a black Audi A4 and use zaino also and I might recommend doing the first was using dawn to strip off anything that might still be there from the factory, just to be safe. Dawn wash, then clay, then z7 wash....





Also might want to consider invensting in a foam gun as it may help reduce marring in your washing process. I just ordered one since I just received the black a4 and I love the thing!!



What part of the country are you in?
 
Sorry, I forgot to put my location - Louisville, KY. Thanks alot for the great answers. I'll start making my purchases soon. Just have to wait for delivery :cry:



Some other questions have entered my mind since posting:

-for exterior lights on a brand new car, I'm assuming Z7 should be all i need. Or can a add some ZCS ontop?

-same question about exterior chrome?

-next, how extensive should I protect the inner panels (inside the door, etc) when detailing?



Thanks again!
 
You just made the 2nd biggest investment mistake of your life. The wrong house would be the 1st.



Cancel that order and get another color. You will not be able to keep it in good shape. That JET BLACK is the worst paint period.



Remember I told you so.
 
tdekany said:
You just made the 2nd biggest investment mistake of your life. The wrong house would be the 1st.



Cancel that order and get another color. You will not be able to keep it in good shape. That JET BLACK is the worst paint period.



Remember I told you so.
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thats a bit harsh dont u think?
 
Here is an example for you. Washed twice



Picture1318.jpg




Now here is the right color choice - not one swirl from the dealer.



Picture1160.jpg




Picture1161.jpg
 
Ive had both personally on an e90 and yes these guys are right the JB is really soft and shows every imperfection get the black sapphire its metallic and it has alot nicer look even when dirty IMO!

heres my car this is black sapphire:

attachment.php
 
ADHD said:
thats a bit harsh dont u think?
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No I don't think so. You can't keep that paint in good shape.



He is about to put down alot of money for a paint job that should have never been released.



Most people who congratulates him on his upcoming purchase have never even seen that color car, let alone work on it.



A car is alot of $$$$$$$$$$$$.



If I said: Please choose another color. Would you think he would have listened?



If he is anything like me, he is going to hate himself forever.
 
tdekany said:
No I don't think so. You can't keep that paint in good shape.



He is about to put down alot of money for a paint job that should have never been released.



Most people who congratulates him on his upcoming purchase have never even seen that color car, let alone work on it.



A car is alot of $$$$$$$$$$$$.



If I said: Please choose another color. Would you think he would have listened?



If he is anything like me, he is going to hate himself forever.
Click to expand...



Ohh i completly see your point like i mentioned before Ive owned it!!!



I was implying about your comment about his house! not sure if that was a joke or what?
 
I have to agree with tdekany. On e90/e92's the metallic colors are just straight up harder than the flat ones, particularly JB. Get the color you want, but if you go with JB just realize it's going to be a tough car to keep to your standards.
 
ADHD said:
Ohh i completly see your point like i mentioned before Ive owned it!!!



I was implying about your comment about his house! not sure if that was a joke or what?
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I didn't mean he made a mistake with his house. Sorry.
 
Do various colors on the same car have different kinds clear coats?! I would think that they would use the same clear for all colors. If they use the same clear, how would two different kinds of black effect the ability to keep the scratches off? If they don't use the same clear, why don't they?



Thanks!
 
That's a good question, and honestly I have no idea; but I have worked on over 40 e90/e92's now and the flat colors (alpine white, red, and jet black) and are "softer" than the metallics, and it isn't just that they show more - they are flat out easier to remove defects from, and are easier to mar.
 
There is no need to clay a brand new car, that's just ridiculous. Any surface contaminant that MIGHT be on there from the factory will come of with a good wash. Also, I totally agree about not getting JB. The amount of work it takes to maintain it is ENDLESS. My friend just got a brand new '07 G35 and after 1 wash it's already scratched up. PITA!!
 
never gone said:
There is no need to clay a brand new car, that's just ridiculous. Any surface contaminant that MIGHT be on there from the factory will come of with a good wash.
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:wall :wall :wall :wall



You say this after how many cars that you have prepped?



You are wrong.



If you are pulling off the plastic (really BRAND NEW car) a light polish will clean up everything.
 
tdekany said:
:wall :wall :wall :wall



You say this after how many cars that you have prepped?



You are wrong.



If you are pulling off the plastic (really BRAND NEW car) a light polish will clean up everything.
Click to expand...



The end user isn't the one pulling off the plastic. By the time it's reached the consumer the car has ben polished so why would claying of all things need to be done?
 
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