BMW M3 Detail

[Woodie6250]

This weekend I got to spend some quality time with a 4-door M3.

The car before being washed and clayed, showing signs of normal dirt and grime from daily driving.











Some evidence of previous detailing/waxing efforts





The now standard pre-foaming



What was quite amazing was how differently the foam reacted on the normal metal painted areas versus the non-metal (not sure of actual material) front fenders. More on the fenders later.



After washing and claying









Got an idea of paint thickness to see if there were any specific thin areas to watch out for. The paint was fairly standard, except for the right rear panel which had some repair work done to it and was therefore returning much higher readings. As mentioned earlier, the front fenders aren't metal, so my PTG which can only handle ferous and non-ferous metal surfaces did not play along. All readings are reflected in microns.

Front fender



Normal range





Slightly thinner, but still within spec



Repainted panel



Then came plenty hours of work. I was focussed on the task at hand, so didn't take any photos along the way.

Unfortunately, the car went into limp mode (not electronically - see photo below), and I couldn't move it out of the garage for proper full sun shots.



Some shots I managed to get of the finished product while still garaged and partially lit by natural light.



















And finally - my companion for the day. One of the most affectionate, friendly and chilled cats I have ever come across.



Thanks for looking.

[Tafner]

Re: BMW M3 Detail

That looks great. Love red cars.

[STRIFE]

Re: BMW M3 Detail

great job on the M3, nice tabby cat

[wifpd4]

Re: BMW M3 Detail

Great job. The red looks mighty fine.

Just a quick question. You say, "but still within spec" referring to paint thickness. Where does one find out what is the paint thickness spec for their car?

Your companion is pretty relaxed. Waiting for you to finish so he/she can lay on the hood!!

[kennyng]

Re: BMW M3 Detail

i thought M3 only got 2 door model,he he..

[greg0303]

Re: BMW M3 Detail

Great work, Woodie.

This soaky red looks really nice. I assume you worked with a rotary buffer, cause you metered the paint thickness before, did you use M105/ M205 twins ?

Your companion is really adorable.

[Andrew C.]

Re: BMW M3 Detail

Great Job! It looks amazing!

[Woodie6250]

Re: BMW M3 Detail

Thanks for all the positive comments guys - appreciated.

Just a quick question. You say, "but still within spec" referring to paint thickness. Where does one find out what is the paint thickness spec for their car?

"Within spec" is probably the wrong phrase to use. The message that I meant to convey was that the PTG readings were similar to other BMWs I have worked on. I haven't come across any official documentation reflecting paint thickness values for the various manufacturers.

I assume you worked with a rotary buffer, cause you metered the paint thickness before, did you use M105/ M205 twins.

Nope - correct assumption on the products, but used a DA with Surbuf pads. Irrespective of whether I'm working with a rotary or a DA, still like to do a check on paint thickness so that I know what I'm working with and which areas may require extra care.

[wifpd4]

Re: BMW M3 Detail

Thanks for the clarification. I've contemplated purchasing a PTG, but I don't do enough vehicles to have a valid sample. Although I could establish a baseline for my own vehicle.

Thanks again.

[AjNavo61490]

Re: BMW M3 Detail

Love the M3! NICE WORK!

Thanks for the clarification. I've contemplated purchasing a PTG, but I don't do enough vehicles to have a valid sample. Although I could establish a baseline for my own vehicle.

Thanks again.

You really don't need a PTG unless your doing some heavy heavy compounding or wetsanding. If your just getting out moderate swirls/water spots, you should be ok with the clear thickness. However, it's always nice to be safe than sorry.