Never been touched, just as requested - question inside

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eleven11

New member
So my 335i arrived yesterday :getdown . My dealer called last night telling me it has arrived, and that they had not washed, detailed, etc. as I requested. I drove down to see it last night, as I can't pick it up until Friday, and sure enough, it was dirty as hell (a good thing - I really didn't want them to touch it).



It basically looks like it's been in a fine dirt storm, literally caked with this fine brownish dust. Again, I'm not really surprised of this...



So my question is, what is the absolute best way to get this amount of dirt/dust off without harming the paint (i.e. "reducing the potential"), before doing the actual wash? Please keep in mind that it is indeed, BMW JET BLACK. I'm thinking a low pressure rinse by holding the hose over the roof would be best. I've also thought about a leaf blower, but have my doubts about it. Following this will be a full day's work of Zaino.



Any thoughts? Thanks! :xyxthumbs
 
Multiple mitts, a strong car wash solution, and many gentle passes with the mitts, being *very* carefull as that paint is very soft. You *need* to use the blot dry method, because a MF WW wiped across the paint will mar it.
 
Ouch jet black scratches just from looking at it.



Try chemical guys citrus wash to really strip everything off.
 
Bigpoppa3346 said:
Multiple mitts, a strong car wash solution, and many gentle passes with the mitts, being *very* carefull as that paint is very soft. You *need* to use the blot dry method, because a MF WW wiped across the paint will mar it.
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Thanks for your suggestion, bigpoppa. As for the other person who suggested a pressure washer, I'm assuming that was in jest. And for the citrus wash suggestion, that doesn't really apply to my scenario - the stuff is barely on there. I just need to get this large volume of dust off as gentle as possible.
 
Just spray it off really good.. Grit Guards. Two bucket method with many dips in the rinse bucket and you may need to clean out the rinse bucket during the wash and put fresh water in it..
 
will you please take some pictures with the halogen pointing at the car???



Why on earth would you buy jet black? You don't even have it yet and you are having to ask Qs.. Unless you can live with scrathes on your car, you are going to be very frustrated, just like I said before.



I can't imagine what all those terry pads from zaino will do to the paint.:grinno: :grinno: :rofl :rofl



I am sorry if I am hurting your feelings, but knowing how impossible it is to maintain the finish on this color & you'd still buy one anyways!?



You asked for it buddy!!! :D:D:D



Good luck with the car though. Rest of it is awesome.
 
tdekany said:
will you please take some pictures with the halogen pointing at the car???



Why on earth would you buy jet black? You don't even have it yet and you are having to ask Qs.. Unless you can live with scrathes on your car, you are going to be very frustrated, just like I said before.



I can't imagine what all those terry pads from zaino will do to the paint.:grinno: :grinno: :rofl :rofl



I am sorry if I am hurting your feelings, but knowing how impossible it is to maintain the finish on this color & you'd still buy one anyways!?



You asked for it buddy!!! :D:D:D



Good luck with the car though. Rest of it is awesome.
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:funnypost



Trust me, you're not hurting my feelings at all. I know I have the most beautiful color available on a US 3-series - my opinion, yes. I know 2 people with the jet black 3 - one e92 (coupe), one 2006 e90 (sedan) - neither one go beyond your basic car care - unless I'm standing within 3 feet, I can hardly notice anything bad. And no, I'm not using the Zaino terry pads - MF if you need to know. Also, were you serious about the Halogen light? The entire car is coated, as I expected, from it's trip from Germany. The way every BMW arrives before BMW in the US cleans/details it. This is what I requested, since I know I can do a much better job than them detailing it - from Day 1, no less. So Halogen light? You could see this with a blindfold on.



So, to repeat what I said from a few weeks ago, tdekany: I 100% realize what I've gotten myself into with this color from this company. I love this color.
 
eleven11 said:
:funnypost



Trust me, you're not hurting my feelings at all. I know I have the most beautiful color available on a US 3-series - my opinion, yes. I know 2 people with the jet black 3 - one e92 (coupe), one 2006 e90 (sedan) - neither one go beyond your basic car care - unless I'm standing within 3 feet, I can hardly notice anything bad. And no, I'm not using the Zaino terry pads - MF if you need to know. Also, were you serious about the Halogen light? The entire car is coated, as I expected, from it's trip from Germany. The way every BMW arrives before BMW in the US cleans/details it. This is what I requested, since I know I can do a much better job than them detailing it - from Day 1, no less. So Halogen light? You could see this with a blindfold on.



So, to repeat what I said from a few weeks ago, tdekany: I 100% realize what I've gotten myself into with this color from this company. I love this color.
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I am serious about the halogen, but I didn't mean now with the dirt and all.



After washing it and after polish/wax is done.



Thanks!
 
Geez, this poor guy buys a brand new 335i and everyone here is busting his chops. First off, congrats on the new BMW. This car cost you a pretty penny so now it's time to care for it properly. If you don't have a foam gun GET ONE. If you do have one then do a long soaking rinse (preferably with warm water) and follow that up with the foam gun. Then rinse the foam off without any agitation. When the surface looks ready, re-apply the foam gun again and use a good soft sheepsking mitt that will glide across the surface and not induce marring. Spray your mitt with the foam gun for added lubrication just before doing each section. I love Zaino but it is not forgiving. If you use Zaino and find that it hi-lites minor cobwebbing in direct sunlight then use a glaze like RMG to help hide that. Hopefully, your paint should be in near perfect condition so you can get away with Zaino on black for a while anyway.



Patrick
 
ptaylor_9849 said:
Geez, this poor guy buys a brand new 335i and everyone here is busting his chops. First off, congrats on the new BMW. This car cost you a pretty penny so now it's time to care for it properly. If you don't have a foam gun GET ONE. If you do have one then do a long soaking rinse (preferably with warm water) and follow that up with the foam gun. Then rinse the foam off without any agitation. When the surface looks ready, re-apply the foam gun again and use a good soft sheepsking mitt that will glide across the surface and not induce marring. Spray your mitt with the foam gun for added lubrication just before doing each section. I love Zaino but it is not forgiving. If you use Zaino and find that it hi-lites minor cobwebbing in direct sunlight then use a glaze like RMG to help hide that. Hopefully, your paint should be in near perfect condition so you can get away with Zaino on black for a while anyway.



Patrick
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Thanks - good suggestions. I've been considering going the Foam Gun route, but held out. I'm already up to $400+ from detailing supplies - just for my 1 car. So, the wife hasn't been too pleased, and spending another $70 on a "foam gun," wouldn't go over too well. :grinno: But, seeing how much is actually caked on there has really upped my first wash concern. Is there anywhere I could potentially get one of the Gilmour guns locally? Because it's getting washed tomorrow, gun or no gun.
 
HA HA!!! Welcome to my hell. I bought an 07 Lexus IS250 in black a few months ago. Damn car came with scratches all over it right from the dealership! $600 in detailing supplies later I can barely keep control them... But MAN there is NOTHING like a black car! Oh and I have about made all my money back from doing other peoples cars too. I found that I really enjoyed doing it. Just the paint, I dont do anything in the interior or engine.
 
I have a Black Sapphire E92 coupe and envy your color choice as Jet Black was my absolute favorite and first choice. I read some of the issues with the softness of the Jet Black and quite honestly "chickened out". I didn't want to spend an inordinate amount of time maintaining my car to perfection that I desire.



Since I've had mine (mid March delivery) I've seen a few pictures of Jet Black coupes posted after detailing and they look amazing. Good luck with it and, in my opinion, you have the absolute finest color BMW produces. Enjoy it my friend.
 
Puckman said:
I have a Black Sapphire E92 coupe and envy your color choice as Jet Black was my absolute favorite and first choice. I read some of the issues with the softness of the Jet Black and quite honestly "chickened out". I didn't want to spend an inordinate amount of time maintaining my car to perfection that I desire.



Since I've had mine (mid March delivery) I've seen a few pictures of Jet Black coupes posted after detailing and they look amazing. Good luck with it and, in my opinion, you have the absolute finest color BMW produces. Enjoy it my friend.
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:thx Glad to hear.
 
Eleven11, I speak from experience when I suggest the foam gun. I have a black C6 corvette that marrs quite easily. I took Accumulator's advice and bought a foam gun.

Since then, there has been NO MORE marring, cobwebbing or scratching. I know that you have spent $400 in supplies but this purchase is worth every penny as it will prevent the re-introduction of new swirls. It also makes washing the car quite fun and with a black car you will be washing it more than most so you'd better find a way to enjoy it. In life there are areas to skimp and areas not to skimp. Just ask anyone who has made the mistake of buying inexpensive toilet paper. Likewise, the foam gun is crucial for your new black beauty. Otherwise, your gonna be polishing it more than you want to.



Congrats on the 335i,



Patrick
 
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