Is this everything I will need?

[cheframsey]

Hey guys, I have a black 2000 BMW 323i. It hasn't been waxed or detailed for 8 years and as you can imagine there are alot of fine scratches, one deep scratch (keyed), and lots of swirls. I live in Canada so the winters are extremely cold (if that makes a difference). Is this everything I will need to get the job done? :

1. Gold car wash shampoo
2. Smooth Surface Clay Kit
3. NXT Tech Wax Paste 2.0
4. Scratch X remover
5. Swirl Remover

Accessories:

1. Microfiber Applicator Pads
2. Foam applicator pads
3. Buff Terry Towels 3 pack
4. Microfiber drying towel

What do you guys think? Also, do you recommend I use the swirl remover as my polisher?

Thanks!

[Andrew C.]

Re: Is this everything I will need?

By Swirl Remover do you mean Swirl X?

[Murr1525]

Re: Is this everything I will need?

I think you'll need some Ultimate Compound, but even that may not do it on a BMW by hand.

[HealthyCivic]

Re: Is this everything I will need?

SwirlX aint good enough for 8 years of neglect. You need Ultimate Compound and you need a dual-action polisher like the G110v2, Porter Cable 7424xp, or Griots Garage Random Orbital Polisher. You'll destroy your arm trying to remove all of that by hand, trust me.

[Lasthope05]

Re: Is this everything I will need?

Just letting you know Black BMW's are notorious for having soft paint so make sure you have some good quality microfiber towels for buffing and product removal.

[cheframsey]

Re: Is this everything I will need?

SwirlX aint good enough for 8 years of neglect. You need Ultimate Compound and you need a dual-action polisher like the G110v2, Porter Cable 7424xp, or Griots Garage Random Orbital Polisher. You'll destroy your arm trying to remove all of that by hand, trust me.

Oh man I never knew it would need a g110v2. Do you think it would be better to get it professionally done the first time, just to get the car in shape, and then maintain by hand from then on?

[cheframsey]

Re: Is this everything I will need?

Just letting you know Black BMW's are notorious for having soft paint so make sure you have some good quality microfiber towels for buffing and product removal.

Would Meguiar microfiber towels do the job?

[Lasthope05]

Re: Is this everything I will need?

Would Meguiar microfiber towels do the job?

Yup. Meguiars supreme shine towels are excellent.

If you want to go cheap by not getting a DA or taking it to a professional you can get excellent results with ultimate compound and a regular orbital buffer. Here is a link to one member's tests showing its defect removal capabilities.

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42620&highlight=wax+spreader

Again, if you wanted to go cheap, here is another alternative for removing deep scratches/defects.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/25698-who-said-you-need-fancy-smancy-polisher-do-paint-correction.html

The G110v2, pcxp, and GG ROP are all great machines though and if you can see yourself getting deeper into detailing then I highly recommend you get one.

[stamford]

Re: Is this everything I will need?

You will also need UQD and UQW to maintain the wax coat. Swirl X does a good job. However, would suggest UC as you haven't waxed your car for some years now. And you surely need DC polish

[cheframsey]

Re: Is this everything I will need?

Thanks for the advice everybody. It took 3 gruesome days by hand but my car is finally detailed and looking great. I have one more question:

Is it safe to wash the car using high pressure water/soap at a self serve car wash or will that quickly strip off everything I put on my car (Ultimate compound, swirl x, tech wax)? I don't want to have to do this all over again next month.

[stamford]

Re: Is this everything I will need?

Thanks for the advice everybody. It took 3 gruesome days by hand but my car is finally detailed and looking great. I have one more question:

Is it safe to wash the car using high pressure water/soap at a self serve car wash or will that quickly strip off everything I put on my car (Ultimate compound, swirl x, tech wax)? I don't want to have to do this all over again next month.

You will surely need to wax you car next month if you opt for self serve car wash, unless you can control the pressure of water/soap. I strongly suggest hand wash. You would also be using a good quality wash mitt and some nice car shampoo so your paint is safe. You just need to wash you car once/twice a week and occasional UQW and UQD to remove dirt.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Is this everything I will need?

Stick to the hand wash.