Tips on Detailing Steps on 03' M5

[synacide]

I think i need some suggestions for the products and pads to use and the steps in which i take to detail my car.... Here are the steps that i take currently. Im also open to suggestions on differnt products to use other than what im using. Here are my current detail steps.

1) Ive taped the moldings and edges of lights and doors with Painters Blue 14 Day Clean Release Tape.


2) First Clay bar the car with quick clay and Meguiars Quick Detail Spray as lubricant. After doing this, I started with the Zymol HD Cleanse and a foam applicator pad. Buffing by hand, only straight motions, not circular. This is the result after its applcation. (Sorry, I know this is a meguiars site but im just particular to this one product for some reason unless i find an alternative.) (I am contemplating changing to #80 Speed Glaze with a W8006 Pad. Does this sound reasonable?)


3)Next comes the Meguiars #7 Show Car Glaze. This adds the slight deep gloss to the paint using its oils and nutrients. After this step here is the result. (Would a W9006 pad be correct for this step?)


4) Meguiars Hi-Tech Yellow Wax #26 comes after this step. I chose this step, which is not as long lasting as #21 synthetic sealant but am considering changing to #21 for longer lasting protection with a W9006 Pad.


And here is the result after buffing clean...


And the rest of the car after opening the garage and exposing to the natural sky light.

[Kickin Griffin]

Are you detailing by hand or Dual Action Polisher (eg Porter Cable 7424) or rotary polisher (eg Makita)?

If by hand, I would stick to the regime that you currently have, with only a couple of things I could suggest - use both the sealent and the wax and then you get the best of both worlds - durability and warmth of shine, apply the sealent (#21) first and follow with a wax (#26). Oh, and if you have the time, remove the wheels and detail the arches (I know this sound like a fuss) - I like Meguiars NXT Tech Protect on the black plastic arch liners, brings them up looking smart.

If by Porter Cable - well I'd loose the Zymol HD Cleanse (I've actually never got on with this product, prefer Meguiars Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner or Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion, HD Cleanse seems very pernickety and weather dependant), and go with a mild abbrassive polish like Meguiars #80 Speed Glaze. Assuming you're only doing a major detail like this every four to six months or so that is (as #80 will remove a very small amount of clearcoat by PC - not much, but not something you want to be doing every day!!). Apply #80 using the Meguiars 6" Polishing Pad (yellow coloured) by PC (or a LakeCountry orange light cutting pad), working on small areas at a time (half a bonnet max) and buff off residue before it dries. Then finish with Meguiars #7 Show Car Glaze, on the Meguiars Finishing Pad (tan coloured) by PC (or LakeCountry black finishing pad). Then on to your LSPs, #21 followed by #26.

KG

[Hammer03]

no real advice, but i'd like to say, i love the e39's, you have a gorgeous car, its good to see you care for it so well.

[sneek]

also love the car plz post some pics when you done