Calling all 040 (black car) owners, how do you care for your paint ?

[KarlC]

I'm looking for input on your daily, weekly, monthly and yearly Care and Detailing of your 040 paint.

My paint is very nice overall, it looks a few years old not 20 years old. I could use a light paint correction as it has some light swirl marks, once this is done it should look as new. So I am thinking of doing this myself, its been years but I have done it before, or having it done.

After this is done I will want to keep it looking its best.

One detail guy I talked to said to help avoid light scratches he never actually touches the Black paint, he uses a Foam Gun to remove the dirt and then a light Pressure Wash and a Blow Dry.

Does this sound a bit extreme ?

How do you guys care for your paint ?

Thanks for the input
.

 

[jhodg5ck]

fellow is correct, even light touching will scratch the paint...but that said, oil based poly is some Tough stuff... On 040 cars a two bucket wash w/ a heavy nap micro fiber is my pref'd. For wax I keep them in Autoglym HD synwax. It hold up spectacularly well in the GA sun on black cars.

A clay bar every now and again helps...should it need buffing I use 3m Finesse it w/ a medium foam pad, followed by their swirl mark remover on a fine foam pad.

jono

 

[tanger]

For my Jet Black M5, I just started using AMMO NYC products, and follow the "regimen" which involves a few steps. What I like is that after foam gun and rinse, there is a step where you apply the Hydrate product to a damp microfiber cloth and proceed to dry the car off with that. Then you apply another layer of stuff before finishing with the instant detailer. Supposedly the AMMO system is meant to create layers of protection. Probably all marketing spin but check out the website and decide for yourself. All I know is that my cars seem to stay cleaner longer, and the gloss is superb.

Basically try and keep it as clean as possible and minimize the washes. I have a detail guy come up (Eric Schuster at Envious Detailing in the OC in case you are interested) who does amazing work and helps keep the paint looking new. He spent about 12 hours doing paint correction last month (car honestly looks almost new), but subsequent ones should be half that time (assuming I don't ruin his work).

I hate owning a black car.

Here are some pics of the car after Eric worked his magic...
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-...764747-dinan-s3-m5-closer-look-beast-bmw.html

 

[TerryA]

Karl,

I rarely wash my car. I do use a California Duster a lot and then a lot of Miguire's Ultimate Detailer.

I use Miguire's Ultimate Wax once in a while and a clay bar sometimes.

I am very satisfied with the results.

Miguire's has a new Black Wax that I am eventually going to try.

After all a 20 year old paint job does have it's pimples and the black wax may cover some of them up.

I'm sure what ever method you choose it will be a good one.

Take Care

 

[KarlC]

Jono, good point, the 2 -3 bucket system is very popular these days, I like the GRIT GUARD bucket insert and LAMBSWOOL MITT also.

Tanger, I really like the AMMO NYC videos, he knows his stuff. I will be buying some of the items recommends with the goal of NOT to hate owning a black car lol

Terry, I like your thought on not washing the car as much and CAREFULLY using the California Duster and a Quick Detailer


Some good points are make in both of these....

http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-Pro/how-to-properly-wash-and-dry-a-car/

http://www.ammonyc.com/detailing/basic-car-wash/


I think I will be trying these items listed on the ammo nyc link.....

GRIT GUARD BUCKET INSERT
GILMOUR FOAM GUN
16" WIRE WHEEL BRUSH
SMALL WHEEL BRUSHES
LAMBSWOOL MITT
3 WASH BUCKET SET UP
MICROFIBER TOWELS

Not real sure what products I will use yet, there are way to many to pick from and of course they are all the best LOL

 

[tanger]

Also look up The Chemical Guys. I like some of their products too...

Here are a few other cleaning aids that I really like

Found this invaluable for spreading the AMMO Skin product
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product...code=FROOGLE&gclid=CLbT4-aCs7kCFWQ6QgodVDYAzg

Tire applicator
http://www.chemicalguys.com/Chemical_Guys_ACC_2001_Contour_EZ_Form_Tires_T_p/acc_2001.htm

Awesome instant detailer/super gloss
http://www.chemicalguys.com/Chemical_Guys_WAC_808_16_Hybrid_V7_1_Gal_p/wac_808_16.htm

For exhaust tips!
http://www.chemicalguys.com/Chemical_Guys_SPI_102_16_Metal_Shine_p/spi_102_16.htm

Jono, good point, the 2 -3 bucket system is very popular these days, I like the GRIT GUARD bucket insert and LAMBSWOOL MITT also.

Tanger, I really like the AMMO NYC videos, he knows his stuff. I will be buying some of the items recommends with the goal of NOT to hate owning a black car lol

Terry, I like your thought on not washing the car as much and CAREFULLY using the California Duster and a Quick Detailer


Some good points are make in both of these....

http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-Pro/how-to-properly-wash-and-dry-a-car/

http://www.ammonyc.com/detailing/basic-car-wash/


I think I will be trying these items listed on the ammo nyc link.....

GRIT GUARD BUCKET INSERT
GILMOUR FOAM GUN
16" WIRE WHEEL BRUSH
SMALL WHEEL BRUSHES
LAMBSWOOL MITT
3 WASH BUCKET SET UP
MICROFIBER TOWELS

Not real sure what products I will use yet, there are way to many to pick from and of course they are all the best LOL

 

[KarlC]

Tanger, great tips thanks !

Your M5 looks amazing, what a beast !!!

 

[KarlC]

Just an bit of an update on this.

When I got this 040 car the paint was pretty bad, lots of swirl marks, wash lines, ect. I had the paint reconditioned and I have been use the below system ever sence, so far its working pretty well ....

- I keep my car in the garage and under a car cover

- I try not washing the car as much and CAREFULLY use a California Duster and a Quick Detailer

- When I do wash I try and follow the below format

http://www.ammonyc.com/detailing/basic-car-wash/

- I use these items

For the wheels - 1 WASH BUCKET and a GRIT GUARD BUCKET INSERT - 16" WIRE WHEEL BRUSH and SMALL WHEEL BRUSHES

For the Car wash - 2 WASH BUCKET with GRIT GUARD BUCKET INSERTs - GILMOUR FOAM GUN and a LAMBSWOOL MITT

For the Final Rinse - Free-flowing water (no nozzle) and allow the water to sheet off

For the Car Dry - Electric leaf blower to remove most of the water then MICROFIBER TOWELS where needed.


Here is how she looks

 

[Maui]

Karl your car looks fantastic. I need to get a foam gun.

 

[KarlC]

Karl your car looks fantastic. I need to get a foam gun.

The process is a bit overwhelming at first but now that I have done it a few times its a breeze and I enjoy it.

If you don't take the right steps your paint will look like my car did when I got it ....

 

[gsxr]

I'm always amazed at how good your cars look, Karl.

My solution to the above problem is to not own black cars!!

 

[KarlC]

I'm always amazed at how good your cars look, Karl.

My solution to the above problem is to not own black cars!!

Thanks Dave

You know the same thing happens to all paint we just notice it more in Black

 

[Ascension]

I'm always amazed at how good your cars look, Karl.

My solution to the above problem is to not own black cars!!

I love black cars and it's not really that bad with the modern base coat clear coats once you get it slicked out to maintain if you work with them a little.
I am also a guitar player and not one who stays in the bedroom only I gig out regularly. I LOVE the look of a black guitar but THAT is what is a real PITA to maintain and keep looking right!!
Best wax I ever found was a pure liquid Carnauba product I got from a guy in Mississippi under the name Beats Um All. I met him at our local World Of Wheels but have been out for a year or so. Let me see if I can find a web address as this stuff really is the best I have ever found on Black.

 

[M104-AMG]

Two-bucket method of wash (same way I mop my floors) using Meguire's Gold shampoo.
Every 3-months: 3M Imperial Hand Glaze followed by Klasse Polish (Made in Germany) and then Klasse Sealer
Once a year I'll clay-bar her using Meguire's detailing spray as lubricant after a fresh wash.

I use to use various concentrations of Carnuba wax, and it just didn't last.
AutoGlym is wonderful like Klasse, but I get better deals on Klasse as my godfather has a speaker cabinet builder who uses it to polish his black hand-lacquered piano finish speakers.

neil

 

[Maui]

I wash mine using a foam sprayer and a very soft micro fiber mitt given to me by the local Griot's rep. I rinse the car very well before and after the wash and dry it with a Master Blaster. I keep the car covered in a garage when I'm not driving it. So far I have not waxed it yet because it had a very good wax on it when I purchased the car, but it is about due. I don't let the car get very dirty and wash it at least once a week when the ambient temps are less than 70 degrees (mornings and evening) and never in direct sunlight. Black cars are definitely a PITA but there isn't much sexier than a clean, black 500E.

 

[Stevester 500E]

+1. Karl, good point. My experience has been that black doesn't succumb to the elements as much as others. The drawback is that black really shows swirl marks etc-we all know that.


But when it is cleaned, buffed, swirl free and waxed - it is undeniable one of the most classic colors know to man. I haven't done the research but I think the first Mercedes was black.



Certainly wasn't Spruce Green.


Your car inspires me to restore the paint on my 300ce and c36 to the quality of the paint on your car.

Your car looks great !

**** I try to stay away from cleaning agents (car care soaps included).
In our neck of the woods, a lot of chemicals are add to the water that are harmful to paint as well.
[

QUOTE=KarlC;69757]Thanks Dave

You know the same thing happens to all paint we just notice it more in Black[/QUOTE]

 

[Mejnoon]

I've been using Optimum products for a few years and IMO they can't be beat. Their no-rinse car wash is a game changer, and the latest version has a UV inhibitor and carnauba wax mixed in. I was extremely reluctant to try a no-rinse wash initially, but I'm a convert. It is extremely easy to use, cleans remarkably well and leaves your paint feeling slick. Use it properly and there is no risk of scratching. Works great as a quick detailer as well. I wash my cars with it weekly. An added benefit which is particularly important for those of us in California is that it requires far less water than a traditional wash.

Optimum also offers a product called Opti-coat that is a great sealant and protectant. Do any needed paint correction before applying, then wash your car regularly with the above method, and your finish will stay looking great for a very long time with minimal effort.

I also use optimum power clean to get brake dust off my wheels and bugs off the front end. Great all purpose cleaner that can be used for different things at different strengths.

I know I sound like a shill but try them out, extremely impressive product line. I have no affiliation, just a happy customer. Check the amazon reviews.

Optimum no rinse wash and wax:

http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-NRWW2012Q-Rinse-Wash-Wax/dp/B00GG9FB8U#

Opti-coat (I believe there is a professional version of this as well which is more difficult to apply but more durable)

http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Gloss..._1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1412618401&sr=1-1

Power clean

http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-PC2008P-Power-Clean-oz/dp/B00BFUG64I


Video detailing how to wash with optimum no-rinse:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYOAyxsEIuQ&index=86&list=UUfvWZg_zqvGF6ovhKyMmKHg

Cleaning some 8-hole MB wheels with ONR

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfgGsReK40E&list=UUfvWZg_zqvGF6ovhKyMmKHg

I know the detailer in those videos from another forum and he's the one who turned me on to Optimum products. He does great work if anyone in the Dallas area needs it.

 

[KarlC]

Thanks Mejnoon, what cars and paint colors are you using these products one ?

 

[Mejnoon]

Thanks Mejnoon, what cars and paint colors are you using these products one ?

My 500E (brilliant silver/atlas grey) and a Bahama beige 745i at present. I've used them on a black 750il in the past with great results.

 

[richardhilton590]

I rarely wash my car but when it undergoes cleaning, I make sure its thoroughly washed and cleaned. I use clay bar at times and it really does its job well. I never made use of a foam gun though. I think I may need one now after looking at the pics.

 

[s4cruiser]

I did my first wash and wax yesterday on my new to me 040 car. Wasn't the warmest of days (had to wait for the hose to thaw out before starting).


I used Meguiar's Black Wax for the first time and applied by hand. Fairly impressed with the results (especially with not using a DA), but plan to do a more intensive cleaning (clay/polish/seal) in the next few weeks.

Here's a quick pic I snapped with my phone (iPhone 5).

 

[Glen]

Shiny!

 

[Maui]

I recently picked up a bunch of stuff from Adam's including a polisher. Waiting for th right day to do clay bar and polish. A friend has this setup he used on his black '55 chevy with amazing results.

 

[DerFuror]

Until recently, I have never polished or waxed my 040 500E . I would wash it when it became dirty & use spray detailer whenever necessary.

From three feet away the car has always looked great, but I inherited the PO’s swirl & towel marks that became ever-so-noticeable to my up-close eyes whenever the car was setting in direct sunlight. I bought Griot’s Garage Machine Polish kit & 6” Orbital a couple years ago to remedy this situation. This time of year provides the most direct sunlight. I finally decided to use the kit.

After washing the car by using an automatic car wash for the last time, I clayed the entire car in preparation for polishing. It truly is amazing how smooth the paint surface becomes after the claying process.



I then used Griot’s Machine Polish #3. The swirl marks vaporized away quickly. Any panel surfaces displaying scratches were thoroughly polished twice. I was very happy with the results of this inaugural polishing. Next, I will machine wax the car with Griot’s Best of Show wax. I’m looking forward to this job.



From now on, I will hand wash, but never hand polish or wax any vehicle again. Orbital only. I will perform the polishing/waxing task yearly. Over time, any scratches remaining after this first pass will further diminish or disappear.

 

[M104-AMG]

Two-bucket method of wash (same way I mop my floors) using Meguire's Gold shampoo.
Every 3-months: 3M Imperial Hand Glaze followed by Klasse Polish (Made in Germany) and then Klasse Sealer
Once a year I'll clay-bar her using Meguire's detailing spray as lubricant after a fresh wash.

I use to use various concentrations of Carnuba wax, and it just didn't last.
AutoGlym is wonderful like Klasse, but I get better deals on Klasse as my godfather has a speaker cabinet builder who uses it to polish his black hand-lacquered piano finish speakers.

neil

Update: I apply the Klasse with a friend's Porta-cable 6" random-orbital and his 3" Griot's random-orbital, and now follow with Collinite Auto Wax. Lasts a long-time, and it's a concourse stable . . .

neil

 

[jhodg5ck]

Update: I apply the Klasse with a friend's Porta-cable 6" random-orbital and his 3" Griot's random-orbital, and how follow with Collinite Auto Wax. Lasts a long-time, and it's a concourse stable . . .

neil

Klasse! I remember that from the MBCoupe list back in the day....nice wax

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[nocfn]

I hand wash with Meguires always, manzerna products with a Porter cable.

 

[KarlC]

Its amazing what the 040 color can look like ......

 

[s4cruiser]

Its amazing what the 040 color can look like ......

Yes it is!!

 

[samiam44]

I've always been happy with doing 3M hand glaze prior to wax. Brings depth to gloss... best glaze I've used.


M

 

[KarlC]

More 040 for you