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Swirl marks on my 2008 BMW 5 series

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  • #1

    Swirl marks on my 2008 BMW 5 series

    I bought a 2 year old BMW from a dealer where it apparently was "polished". I didn't see any issues when I picked it up because it wasn't sunny that day (of course). Anyway, I have some swirl marks that I just have to get rid of.

    The color is a very deep (almost black) midnight blue metallic color. Its called Carbon Black.

    I have read many of the posts on here for swirl marks but still can't decide what product is right. I have access to a Porter Cable DA or of course I could do it by hand.

    Can you guys tell me which of the many products is best for this? Or explain the different levels of Meguiars products? Most of the swirl remover talk I see is about Swirl X and Ultimate Compound...I want to go easy as I can to save the paint. At the same time I want these marks out. I have no idea how to decide which level of "cut" to use and which pad(s) to buy for the DA.

    Thanks!

    Joshua
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Swirl marks on my 2008 BMW 5 series

    Hi Joshua, and welcome to MOL. Congrats on the new BMW too!

    Don't be overly concerned about removing too much clear coat when buffing out swirl marks. Working by hand or with a D/A such as the PC7424 or our own G110v2 removes such a tiny amount as to be almost inconsequential. Our recommendation would be to use a few of our yellow W8207 or W8006 foam polishing pads with Ultimate Compound at speed 5 on the tool. It's important to keep your work area to a minimum, generally no larger than 2' x 2', and move the tool very slowly over the paint. Also, use enough downward pressure to deform the pad, but not quite enough to stop the pad from rotating. Work each area for a few minutes with overlapping strokes and then wipe off the excess product with a clean microfiber towel before it dries.

    Keep in mind that if a quick pass of any product, regardless of how aggressive that might be, does not remove the swirls then you're removing almost no paint at all. How aggressive a product is can be greatly impacted by how you use it.
    Michael Stoops
    Senior Global Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.

    Remember, this hobby is supposed to be your therapy, not the reason you need therapy.

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    • #3
      Re: Swirl marks on my 2008 BMW 5 series

      Thanks for the reply. So when you say speed 5, can relate that in RPM? Also, what is the difference between the two pads you suggested?

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      • #4
        Re: Swirl marks on my 2008 BMW 5 series

        The porter cable, g110v2 and other DA polishers are all labeled in speeds of 1-6. I don't know the exact opm (DAs use orbits per min) but it doesn't really matter, 6 is more aggressive than 1 and that's really all that matters. Don't be too concerned with paint damage using a DA buffer, they are nearly idiot proof.

        Michael gave awesome adivice, as always , but I'll add a little something on top of it. A normal practice in buffing and polishing is to use some blue 3M painters tape and tape a 1'x1' square on a easy to reach flat surface like the hood or trunk lid. Perform your complete process starting from least aggressive and working up until you get the result you want. Now that you have an idea of what that section took to polish repeat over the entire vehicle, otherwise you could SwirlX the entire car only to notice afterwards that it didn't do anything and you need to repeat all over again with Ultimate Compound.

        If you end up needing the UC, then the best method will be to use the SwirlX or a lighter compound afterwards to bring back the gloss and shine of your black, and then a good wax like NXT 2.0 to protect your hard work.

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        • #5
          Re: Swirl marks on my 2008 BMW 5 series

          So would the D151 work on this car? Because I have a 2010 black Tahoe with just a few swirls.

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          • #6
            Re: Swirl marks on my 2008 BMW 5 series

            Originally posted by GODAWGS View Post
            So would the D151 work on this car? Because I have a 2010 black Tahoe with just a few swirls.
            D151 is certainly an option, but depending on your ultimate goal it may not do everything you want. Remember, D151 is essentially a potent cleaner wax. Admittedly it's a pretty darn advanced cleaner wax, so for a daily driver in decent shape it can work wonders. It all depends on what you're after.
            Michael Stoops
            Senior Global Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.

            Remember, this hobby is supposed to be your therapy, not the reason you need therapy.

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: Swirl marks on my 2008 BMW 5 series

              so where can i get the sample bottle of d151? what pad would you suggest?

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              • #8
                Re: Swirl marks on my 2008 BMW 5 series

                Originally posted by GODAWGS View Post
                so where can i get the sample bottle of d151? what pad would you suggest?
                ADS(auto detailing solutions). You would use a yellow polishing pad for UC or swirlx, then a finishing pad for your LSP.
                There's no reason to become alarmed, and we hope you'll enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?

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                • #9
                  Re: Swirl marks on my 2008 BMW 5 series

                  Thanks guys!! Just waiting for a pretty day!

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