This 530i with 96,000 miles was a challenge for extreme BMW makeover! Due to the request of the dealer, I'll only give you a representative shot of the scratches and swirls I encountered.
So, I decided to wetsand the car from bottom to top. Used 2500 grit by hand (not as harsh as 2000 and maintains the integrity of the clear coat), followed by 3M Trizact pads on an air powered DA. Using Trizact preps the surface for a pretty easy go with compound.
I did make some mistakes during the process: I thought I had compounded out the sanding "haze" thoroughly and found that I missed a bunch of areas after the power wash showed the spots. I forgot my dealer's lesson: do a panel start-to-finish (using ONR to remove dust), use a Brinkmann light to check for haze removal, THEN move to the next panel. The frustration of having to return to many areas is unreal and adds to the detail clock negatively.
Anyhow, after 3000 Trizact, I compounded with a foam pad as the wool didn't work as good. Then it was polish time with 3M Dark Glaze followed by 3M Ultrafina and a final power wash.
Compounding pics
Compounding thoroughly will set a good stage for polishing and waxing...no doubt about it
Ready for final power wash after Ultrafina SE
Back inside for final step: Meguiar's #21 2.0 applied with a rotary and finish pad. I let the wax sit for 2 hours to insure a good bond and did other items like apply tire dressing, clean the shop floor, etc.
After pics:
This car is now Black....deep black and ready for interior cleaning.
Final note: if the dealer permits, I can post some pics of the wetsanding process.
Toto
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