New Bimmer. What should I use?

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goodpenguin

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Hey guys I'm a new member. Cool site.

I just bought a 2015 bmw x5 in space gray. What products do you suggest I use? Today was a nice day so I citrus washed it and put on a coat of collinite 845. Easy stuff to work with. Of course it's already covered in pollen.

I did this just to have some protection till I figure out my plan of attack. What sealant? Klasse? Should I stick with German products? Does it matter? Nanoskin or clay? What should my plan be?

I'm your grasshopper.

Thanks!
 
Do you want to stay with a sealant? Or are you ready to move to a coating?
 
If you bought/financed the car then...I would look it over and check for any imperfections in the clear. Wash again, clay, then spot polish if you see any imperfections in the clear. The have someone install a clear bra on as much surface area you can afford/want. Because you are in FL I would recommend the hood specifically as UV rays can really eat up a clear coat. I clear bra-ed my 335 on the front bumper, hood, rocker panels and rear bumper. It is (probably) the best way to truly protect the clear.
But before you hire just anyone, shop around your area and look for a company that makes and installs custom clear bras. By custom I mean they have the program that contains nearly every car's unique body panels and they can "print out" specific body panels. Panel specific clear bra ensures that the edges are hidden and you don't have some guy using a razor blade inches from you paint. Now before you sell the car, remove the clear before and the paint underneath will be near perfect. Thus adding value.

If the car is leased...there is no need to clear bra. It would be a waste of money as the added clear bra would not re-coup any value when you trade it in. Just maintain washing and sealing. Look into a ceramic sealant. There are tons on threads on ceramic applications here.
If you don't want to use a ceramic sealant then go with a regular sealant. I suggest sealant over wax as they generally last longer, the downside is they offer less of a shine. If shine is important to you buy a sealant that can be used in tandem with a wax.

I don't really think you need to stick with German products, I don't. I use what I like/what I feel works best on my car. If you want to keep it in the country Wolfgang is German and they have a lot of really good products.
 
I own the car. Are the clear bras invisible? How much money are we talking? I'm in virginia...beach and mountains.


North26 said:
If you bought/financed the car then...I would look it over and check for any imperfections in the clear. Wash again, clay, then spot polish if you see any imperfections in the clear. The have someone install a clear bra on as much surface area you can afford/want. Because you are in FL I would recommend the hood specifically as UV rays can really eat up a clear coat. I clear bra-ed my 335 on the front bumper, hood, rocker panels and rear bumper. It is (probably) the best way to truly protect the clear.
But before you hire just anyone, shop around your area and look for a company that makes and installs custom clear bras. By custom I mean they have the program that contains nearly every car's unique body panels and they can "print out" specific body panels. Panel specific clear bra ensures that the edges are hidden and you don't have some guy using a razor blade inches from you paint. Now before you sell the car, remove the clear before and the paint underneath will be near perfect. Thus adding value.

If the car is leased...there is no need to clear bra. It would be a waste of money as the added clear bra would not re-coup any value when you trade it in. Just maintain washing and sealing. Look into a ceramic sealant. There are tons on threads on ceramic applications here.
If you don't want to use a ceramic sealant then go with a regular sealant. I suggest sealant over wax as they generally last longer, the downside is they offer less of a shine. If shine is important to you buy a sealant that can be used in tandem with a wax.

I don't really think you need to stick with German products, I don't. I use what I like/what I feel works best on my car. If you want to keep it in the country Wolfgang is German and they have a lot of really good products.
Click to expand...
 
My mistake i scrolled up quickly, and saw ebg18t is based in FL and mistook him for you. If done correctly they are very invisible unless you are looking for one. Pricing can get expensive. A lot of places have packages for front bumpers, hoods, mirrors, etc.. for a few hundred.

Go over to a bmw forum, like bimmerfest and ask for a specific recommendation from of their members. They have regional threads where you can ask a question to people in your area. They will be able to provide you with companies they used, prices, etc..
 
I will. Thanks. Already a member over there as well.



North26 said:
My mistake i scrolled up quickly, and saw ebg18t is based in FL and mistook him for you. If done correctly they are very invisible unless you are looking for one. Pricing can get expensive. A lot of places have packages for front bumpers, hoods, mirrors, etc.. for a few hundred.

Go over to a bmw forum, like bimmerfest and ask for a specific recommendation from of their members. They have regional threads where you can ask a question to people in your area. They will be able to provide you with companies they used, prices, etc..
Click to expand...
 
If you are looking at a 2 year time frame I might skip the clear bra (easy $1500) and just coat it and call it a day. Won't have to do much other than proper wash for 18-24 months.

But if you choose to do a sealant I suggest the Menzerna/Wolfgang products. If everything is in good condition a appropriate polish (SF4000) followed by Menzerna PowerLock was always a combo I liked before I went the way of the coatings. My Dolphin Grey Audi looked great with that combo.
 
Thanks. I'll research it.

Ebg18t said:
If you are looking at a 2 year time frame I might skip the clear bra (easy $1500) and just coat it and call it a day. Won't have to do much other than proper wash for 18-24 months.

But if you choose to do a sealant I suggest the Menzerna/Wolfgang products. If everything is in good condition a appropriate polish (SF4000) followed by Menzerna PowerLock was always a combo I liked before I went the way of the coatings. My Dolphin Grey Audi looked great with that combo.
Click to expand...
 
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