1990 Red BMW 325is

[Gilprice]

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the informative posts. I've been lurking here for a few weeks and finally committed to doing a make-over on our neglected 325. Here's the results: (I spent 5 hours working on it and didn't get it all done. I'll finish it up in a couple of weeks) -

BEFOREs:









I know, I should be taken out and shot at sunrise for how I've let this car suffer, but I followed these steps:
[list=1][*]Wash with Gold Class Car Wash and Conditioner[*]Clayed hood, top and trunk with Quick Clay Detailing System[*]Cleaned the paint with Deep Crystal System Paint Cleaner[*]Polished with Deep Crystal System Polish[*]Waxed with Deep Crystal System Carnauba Wax[/list=1]

Here's the AFTERs:










Not to bad with the consumer grade products. I just got my Centennial Collection with DA Polisher yesterday, but wanted to use the 3-Step Deep Crystal system by hand first.

Thanks for the help guys and I'll be testing out the DA Polisher tomorrow on my old Ford...

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Gilprice,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

That is one amazing transformation! Especially considering you did the entire thing by hand!

To go from this,



to this,



are the kind of results even a seasoned pro would be proud of. It also completely demonstrates the power of Meguiar's' Deep Crystal System which has been around since the 1980's now. A lot of products have come and gone since this time and your results here on our forum are a testimony to the high quality products Meguiar's offers enthusiasts at the retail level that deliver Wow results!

Great job! You're going to love your dual action polisher!

[Gilprice]

Thanks Mike. You're posts about the proper steps and the products to use were really helpful to me.

Over the past few years I have tried a few other products like Nufinish and the like, but the results never lasted. I was considering using rubbing compound followed with polishing compound when I decided to see if Meguiar's had a web site.

I must say you and many of the other regulars here have open my eyes to the proper way to restore the BMW, but also the many opportunities available to someone looking to do a start-up in an area where detailing means a hand wash with a wax.

Back to the BMW, I did notice there are still some imperfections in the paint, so in late summer or early fall I want to follow your post about using #80 and #83 if needed, to really get the "shine" back...

Thanks again,

[LnkPrkSoldier]

after youve cleaned your wheels, the value of the car has been raised 1000 dollars. well done mate

[Astil]

Splendid result!

[rusty bumper]

Well done Gilprice.

Wait until you try the G100/W-8006 combo with DC #1.....It'll blow you away.

http://meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/22600_6529430-R1-048-22A.jpg

http://meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/22600_6529430-R1-050-23A.jpg

[MandarinaRacing]

WOW!!!!

Excellent before and after pics !!!! Graet job!

One question though, is this car single stage paint or is a clearcoat/basecoat? Reason I ask this is because a family member has a car in similar condition, and it drives me nuts! ...I've been wanting to try to do something like you did on your car.....if you have any tips, please share !

Alex

[Gilprice]

Thanks everybody, my wife is very happy with the results. She's long accused me of taking better care of the CV and letting her BMW suffer, well no more, with the Meguiar's products, the BMW is slowly going to get back to the "like new" condition I see in the pictures from 1990!

About the paint, no clear coat. My 94 CV had clear coat and was deteriorating in many areas, hood, top, trunk but after the accident last February, I had the paint "refreshed", ( clear coat problems fixed, rest of car lightly sanded and fresh clear coat applied ). Ran about $800 extra with all the other repairs to right rear quarter panel and door, not to mention replacing the rear end because the impact damaged the axel housing.

Anyway, I just followed the recommended 5 step process using the Deep Crystal (DC) 3 step system. I washed, clayed, DC 1, DC 2 DC 3. I followed the instruction on the bottle and applied a second coat of DC 3 last weekend after another wash. I'm pleased with the results and will be cleaning the wheels this Friday if the rain slacks off...

Thanks for the compliments, and questions, they are greatly appreciated!

[LnkPrkSoldier]

no clear coat? odd. thats how my brothers girlfriend's tahoe is. it was weird. feels like it is easily scratchable. i don't like it...

[Fragmaster170]

In reference to the above post. It is my understanding that BMW did not use clear coat on red cars until after the E30 (1992)