Dark Gray BMW X5 Today

[Totoland Mach]

Did a nice trade-in X5 that didn't need too much sanding..only compounding, glazing (XMT Finish Glaze) and a coat of #26.

Here's a pic of partial compound taking out the sanding area

After compounding but before glaze

Taped and Polished

Outside Ready for Washing compound and glaze out of body seams

Finished wash and trim detail (tons of black plastic on the bottom)

Exterior Done...tomorrow, knock out the interior

At least the weather is cooperating here in KC.

See You All!

Toto

 

[Truls]

You Rock toto, those BMWs looks better than new.

Is the Clearcote hard on the BMWs? My father have a 2004 mod, Black x3 and it has some swirls. told him i would take care of it, but dont know if i will do it with a rotary + Megs or the PC + XMT (Sanding is NOT an option)

 

[Kelso]

actually i think its pretty soft.

 

[Totoland Mach]

You Rock toto, those BMWs looks better than new.

Is the Clearcote hard on the BMWs? My father have a 2004 mod, Black x3 and it has some swirls. told him i would take care of it, but dont know if i will do it with a rotary + Megs or the PC + XMT (Sanding is NOT an option)

Thanks for the compliments Truls! Much appreciated! I don't find the clear coat on BMW's too difficult to work with, BUT, I'd use a Rotary + Megs for a light compound workout. If the swirls are in areas where the Rotary can't reach, use a PC + XMT or get a Festool Rotex for the best of both worlds.

The BMW's I do involve more "reconditioning" than just detailing. My problem is the amount of time I take doing this (too long) and having to repeat areas I thought were finished (old age and poor eyesight?). Oh well, I'm still learning the process and tricks to time savings, but it can get frustrating!

See Ya Folks!

Richard

 

[sparkie]

Richard, you the man! The paint "reconditioning"master.

 

[Reddwarf]

Looks great! Excellent work. I love that model too. I wanted to get a used one for my wife to replace the Nissan Quest, but even used they are way expensive!

 

[Surfer]

Is it me or does it seem like you sand every car at that dealer lol? Poeple up there must really abuse their cars. Looks nice.

 

[dengood1]

that thing looks wet! Great job man!

 

[Totoland Mach]

Is it me or does it seem like you sand every car at that dealer lol? Poeple up there must really abuse their cars. Looks nice.

Surfer: I sand the hood and trunk (on cars) of most vehicles this reseller gets. It's not so much that they "need" it...it's more along the lines of an absolutely flawless hood and trunk for prospective buyers. Also, sanding on the leading part of the hood removes a lot of small rock chips so there is less to fill in with touch-up paint (a real chore on silver metallic BTW).

Reddwarf: funny you should mention a Quest. That's what I'm looking for for my next driver...03-04-05 Quest. They are supposed to be great minivans and typical Nissan quality. I've got a Pathfinder that's 12 years old and it's been a great vehicle quality-wise.

Toto

 

[Totoland Mach]

Some Finished Shots (I've got another Bimmer starting Tuesday night)

Engine Shot (should have stood back a little further LOL)

Hood and fender Reflection of ME!

Interior Shot after detailing

Final Shot

A nice thing about this shop is a constant stream of 1-2 cars per week to do and the facilities to do them regardless of weather.

Toto

 

[dengood1]

nice work Toto.....love that SUV. I once owned one....then I woke up--bummer!

 

[sparkie]

Wow!!!!

 

[Nica]

Toto

Wow..that is really good work.

Toto

I got to ask, what did you use on the wood trims?

You did a great job on this vehicle, this was one of the vehicles that I test drove but my wife didn't like it so much. I on the other hind, thought it was a really good looking car but the Lexus won :awesome: .

 

[Totoland Mach]

Wow..that is really good work.

I got to ask, what did you use on the wood trims?.

Nica: All the interior panels and dash face + center console get washed with a mild mixture of APC + warm water in a spray bottle (20:1 water to apc). I use only Boar's hair brushes and gently scrub 1 section (such as 1/3 of the door panel) at a time. I wipe the area with a terry cloth bath towel which the owner buys in bulk lots and cuts to 3rd's. Most importantly, while I am drying with the terry towel, I have compressed air and a small nozzle to remove the solution from the cracks, crevices, and dry the electrical switches.

The result is a super clean interior with no oily products on any surface and a fresh, clean smell.

Toto

 

[justin_murphy]

Nica: All the interior panels and dash face + center console get washed with a mild mixture of APC + warm water in a spray bottle (20:1 water to apc). I use only Boar's hair brushes and gently scrub 1 section (such as 1/3 of the door panel) at a time. I wipe the area with a terry cloth bath towel which the owner buys in bulk lots and cuts to 3rd's. Most importantly, while I am drying with the terry towel, I have compressed air and a small nozzle to remove the solution from the cracks, crevices, and dry the electrical switches.

The result is a super clean interior with no oily products on any surface and a fresh, clean smell.

Toto

Toto, this is awesome advice. To many out there just use a protectant over a dirty surface. You have to clean it. I've never thought of using a brush like you stated.....I just used an MF. I can really see the benefits of a brush though getting into all of the ridges and crevices removing tons of dirt. I just a towel and vac to remove APC from the cracks similar to your air technique.

On to the BMW. Simple a brilliant detail sir. That's the way are pre-owned vehicles should look. NEW! Not slimy and looking "detailed". Biggest sale killer.......the engine bay. A clean one shows that someone cared enough to do it and that they must really care for the entire machine.

Stunning work!

 

[Nica]

Toto

I got a question about covering up.

I think I understand the point of covering emblems and areas that you don't want the polish/compound to get in or to even touch. But Toto, why did you tape around the wheel fender (just above the wheel) and by the headlights oh and by the door panels?

Is this done to separate an area to work on?

Feed back please ....because I'm full of

Thank you.

 

[Totoland Mach]

I got a question about covering up.

I think I understand the point of covering emblems and areas that you don't want the polish/compound to get in or to even touch. But Toto, why did you tape around the wheel fender (just above the wheel) and by the headlights oh and by the door panels?

Is this done to separate an area to work on?

Feed back please ....because I'm full of

Thank you.

Justin: Thanks for the compliment! If you get a chance to try a boar's hair brush on interior trim panels, you'll definitely speed up your work and get great results! The brush is somewhat pricey, but they last approx. 1 year and you'll notice them wearing down on the bristle.

You're right about the shiney stuff. We've all been to dealer lots where they spray some oily substance throughout the engine, grease the interior, and use an oily glaze to quickly get a car to the lot. Plus, they are only paying $25 or so for this work!

The shop owner likes to think of his vehicles are "reconditioned" to as new condition as is possible. I would venture to say that every potential customer that comes to his place has commented on the cleanliness of all his vehicles and he takes the time to introduce me to potential customers.

Nica: I taped in those areas because the X5 BMW's have tons of black plastic trim and the mis-use of the rotary could cause damage. Plus, working with compounds, there is a lot of splatter coming off the rotary. So, I tape areas where the rotary will be "near" to avoid mishaps. If you look at the finished shots of the SUV, you'll see where the black plastic is. After I compound and glaze a vehicle, I power wash it with plain water to remove those products from body seams and creases. Hope that helps you Nica.

Toto

 

[Nica]

Oh, I gotcha Toto. Sorry I missed it and yes this helps me a great deal. Especially with the splatter, well I just purchased the PC so not sure if I will have the splatter issue but with your information I will be continues about it.

Thank you for all your help and for the feed back on the detailing the inside, makes sense and I'll have to try it.

 

[supercharged]

Great job, Toto. You are a lucky guy to work on all those sweet BMWs.
Two thumbs up!