DETAIL INQUIRY: 2001 M Coupe

[delikid]

My best friend of mine had a 01 M Coupe. It got totaled about 2 months ago. He's finally found and bought another. It's been in a garage on jacks for about two years. (link to pics below) It's just been towed from Cincinnati yesterday. He said he tried to rinse off as much salt as he could last night. But that's all. And so my buddy's asked for my services to get his new baby back in good condition. Actually got to see the car today after work. It's practically brand new. I think most of the dirt on it came from the towing from Cinncinati yesterday/ last night. Washed off a small area and ran my hand over it. Doesn't "feel" like it needs a claying. But, I'll prob do so anyways. All the rubber seems to be soft and supple. The engine bay needs a little care. But, not much.

The interior seems a little dry. But, I've got some Sonus cleaner & conditioner that should warm it up. I've got a PC and plenty of Meg's products. Got some pads that have one, maybe two uses on them.

I've been detailing for a while. But this will be my first M Coupe detail. I've learned the shell is medium hard to hard. But, any other suggestions and/ or warnings for a 2001 M Coupe?

http://www.worthingtonweld.com/DETAILING/2001_M-COUPE/

[TrufflePig]

Re: DETAIL INQUIRY: 2001 M Coupe

first, will you be doing this by hand or do you have a G100?

will this be an everyday driver?

and where will you be doing this? outside? if so what's the weather like?

Well you can start with the wash. THE TWO BUCKET METHOD. Read the link below.

How To Wash Your Car using the Two Bucket
Method

Then I'd proceed to the paint clean and protection. You have to determine how good the paint is in or bad. Its probably been neglected for two years since its been on jacks without a car cover i assume.

Read this.

The 5-Step Paint Care Cycle.

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle

Step 1 Wash

Step 2 Clean

Step 3 Polish

Step 4 Protect

Step 5 Maintain

that link may been of help to you. if not, just ignore it. you said you've been detailing for a bit, but i'm not sure what you know or don't know.

after the wash I would FOR SURE CLAY. do it anyways and this you can get any contimants out that you may not feel. you'll notice a difference right away. The claying process will help in removing bonded on above surface contaminatns, while the cleaning stage will help in removing dirt from the surface and or the pores of the paint. And to help aid in removing swirls, you just need to pick the right product.

If you find its slight swirled, try a less agressive product.

perhaps

wash
Clay
DC1
DC2

but if this doesn't get you the look you nor your buddy want. then go more agressive.

wash
clay
83
80
NXT x 2 or you're choice of wax. i've used #7, but i don't like #7 that much.
followed by a Polymer such as M21

the second one may produce some awesome results. it did for me. i've tried both methods (minus the M21). i can't find it in Canada yet .

at the end of the day, its all personal perference. so you have a choice. choose the best product that works best for YOU.

best of luck.

[cnfowler]

Re: DETAIL INQUIRY: 2001 M Coupe

What an awesome vehicle! Only 2400 miles? That's insane. If you don't mind sharing, what did he give for it? I've always been a fan of the M-Coupes. Again, gorgeous car. I'm jealous of your friend. Best of luck and post pics afterwards!!

[Mless5]

Re: DETAIL INQUIRY: 2001 M Coupe

Great looking coupe!

I'd wash it with dish soap to get rid of previous wax etc. I doubt you will need anything more agressive than #80 for polishing. BMW sometimes put clear plastic protection on the nose and rear fenders of these. Be careful with these. Use very mild clay.

[Graeme]

Re: DETAIL INQUIRY: 2001 M Coupe

Great looking coupe!
I'd wash it with dish soap to get rid of previous wax etc.

Not a good idea at all

[Mless5]

Re: DETAIL INQUIRY: 2001 M Coupe

I knew it was coming. Care to explain why? Zaino recommends doing that to clean up paint from any previous sealants/waxes.

Thanks