Restoration/Detailing

[m3f_psychocand_5284fc9658]

Hello All.



Have any of you used or tried the full detail instructions on bimmerforums show and shine area? Basically the steps are as follows:



1.) Wax bar (cut into pcs)

2.) 3M Finesse it II (cleaner)

3.) Klass AIO (all in one)

4.) Klass sealant (3+ coats)

5.) Optional final finish with carnuba wax



You also need a Porter Cable random orbital sander to break down the cleaners ($109 at Lowe's).



Seeing that I need to sell 2 out of my 3 cars this spring (A4 & Prelude), I thought it might be a good investment that could pay dividends. Also, after this long dreary winter, it would be nice to polish up the M, even though the silver color hides alot of imperfections anyway. Plus the sealant would be good protection for the paint.



The guy that did the write up suggested that this only be done once to a car, because you can wear away the clear coat. He advised that after this process is complete, to maintain proper wash/dry techniques in order to maintain the finish and avoid swirl marks, scratches, etc. Although, if you follow his meticulous car wash techniques step-by-step, I would guess you would spend an excessive amount of time washing/drying, etc.



Let me know if you guys have had any experience with this system or product and how satisfied you were with the results.



FYI - I just got the M back up and running. The coolant hose that attaches to the rear of the engine block burst and it was a real pain to get at. The fuel rail, intake manifold had to be removed to access the hose. That is alot of labor for a $15 hose. Luckily, I avoided the stealership as a friend who owns a garage and works exclusively on E36'w was able to help me out. It is nice to have the M running again, especially after driving a Prelude all winter. This really makes it feel fast again.







Thanks

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Good you got your M back. I do know you don't want to machine buff your car too much. Buffin actually removes a very fine coat of the clear to remove scratches...



Usually a good cleaner wax will keep your finish nice and shiny.



Never tired that clay stuff, but I use all the stuff from work to remove scratches and stuff.

[m3f_95RogueM3]

I have tried some of the techniques, and they are effective.



Psychocandy, He didnt say not to only do it once, but to do it about once a year. He does say to only USE POLISH once as the more abrasive polishes will remove clear coat.



However the exception to the above rule about only polishing once is if you use Klasse AIO. He says that the AIO is mild enough to act as both a "wax cleaner" and as a "minor polish", so the AIO can be used each time you wax.



Psychocandy, if I were you I would go to www.autogeek.net and look at the package deals they have. I am about to order their wolfgang kit that includes the porter cable orbital polisher.



If you look at the bimmerforums site you will see one member, mantic6t9, has used the kit and said it was great, and on the site you will also see the code in the members' discount post to get 10% off, $21 in the case of that kit.



Good luck with the sale of the cars.



-RIchard