Rasky's Auto Detailing: 1999 BMW M3

[RaskyR1]

1999 BMW M3, exterior correction and motor detail only.


This little beauty recently came in for a 1-step exterior correction and engine detail. Upon inspection the finish actually looked very good, especially for being 11 years old. Still, there was some water spotting, very light swirling, and several light to moderate scratches (RIDS) throughout the finish. I had gone in with the intention of doing a very thorough write up and documentation on this car, but after doing several test spots I realized I was in big trouble and that I was going to be very pressed for time. After trying several 1-step methods of correction, it was clear that a far more aggressive method would be needed to get the level of correction I’d be happy giving it back to the customer with. Of the various correction methods I tried, P203 on the rotary with a Cyan Hydro pad was the most aggressive, and even that still required multiple passes to remove some of the RIDS. At this point I phoned the customer and let him know that I would have to perform a 2-step correction in order to achieve the results we were looking for, and that I would need the car longer.



As I opened shop (garage) that morning to start of my work day I noticed my baby sitting outside after a morning rain. The application of Menzerna Power Lock from a month prior still seems to be beading strong. ;)
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2944.jpg


As you can see, the car looked pretty good just the way it was.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2949.jpg

Wheels had a fair amount of break dust but it was obvious the owner did a pretty good job of keeping them clean. P21S Gel was later applied and allowed to dwell for about 20 minutes followed by agitation with various brushes.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2951.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2952.jpg

Picture of the engine bay prior to cleaning.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2953.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2955.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2956.jpg

Air intake was covered with a plastic trash bag and sealed shut
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2957.jpg

Lots of leaves and seeds were found in the jambs and down around the wipers.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2958.jpg

One thing I always like to do when spraying the engines down with any type of APC is to wet the fenders and other painted panels to lessen the risk of staining. I chose to use P21S TAW on this car which is actually a very safe APC, but it’s always better to play it safe IMO, especially on older oxidized finishes.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2959.jpg

Some of the various brushes used on the engine detail.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2961.jpg

After rinsing off the motor off using a garden sprayer I then blew the engine bay down with compressed air.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2962.jpg

After finishing the motor I proceeded to thoroughly wash the car using Chemical Guys Citrus Wash n’ Clear mixed at a paint prep ratio in conjunction with P21S TAW to help strip off any wax or sealant still left on the paint. Chemical Guys Bug Bugger and Tar removed was also allowed to dwell on the lowers during the wash to help loosed any tar or gunk. Tarminator was later used on any remaining tar.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2964.jpg


When I was drying the car down I also noticed several areas which had blobs of tree sap and I wanted to address those before claying. IMO tree sap is a very easy way of trashing a clay bar….and we all know how expensive clay is! On the other hand, Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) is cheap and effective at removing tree sap.

Below you can see on of the blobs
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2971.jpg

Spray on some IPA and let it dwell for a few seconds
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2972.jpg

Gently wipe away with a clean MF and buh bye tree sap. ;)
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2973.jpg



After removing all tree sap from the vehicle I proceeded with claying using a fine grade clay and Meguiars Final Inspection as lube.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2968.jpg


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2970.jpg


As you can see the rubber trim around both the back glass and side quarter glasses was weathered and grey looking. I learned a trick from a fellow detailer a long time ago on how to get them looking new again. However, it’s something that needs to be used with caution as it’s not safe on all trim and I’d rather not post it in a public forum. Often a cleaner like KAIO will also work effectively.

50/50
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2974.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2975.jpg

After
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2977.jpg

Passenger side quarter glass before
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2978.jpg

After
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2979.jpg

Drivers side quarter glass before
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2982.jpg

After
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2983.jpg

[RaskyR1]

As noted in the beginning of the write up, I became very pressed for time once this job turned into a 2-step correction and the photo taking pretty much stopped at that point. I do apologize for the lack of correction pics. My final process after doing all the test spots was Meguiars M105 on the rotary with a PFW pad. (even with this combo a few areas had to be hit more than one time) I followed that up with Menzerna P203 on the PCXP with a Tangerine Hydro pad. My choice of protection was Blackfire Wet Diamond. Glass was cleaned using Meguiars D120 Glass Cleaner.

Paint condition before
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2985.jpg


One of the test spots…I believe this was after 2 passes using P203 on the rotary and Cyan Hydro pad. You can see the water spotting on the right side.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2987.jpg

Things all taped up
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2989.jpg

I also tapped off the narrow panel below the trunk to avoid possible damage from the backing plate or even the Velcro backing of the 4” pad.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2990.jpg

The owner arrived just as I finished and I was actually reinstalling his license plates when he walked up. I’m not very good at taking pics when an owner is waiting, so again I apologize for the lack of pics….mother nature also apologizes for the lack of sun too! :D

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2992.jpg


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2993.jpg


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2994.jpg


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2995.jpg


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2996.jpg


Owner held the Brinkmann for me while I took a pic. ;)
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2997.jpg


Rubber trim was protected with Meguiars Ultimate Protectant
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2998.jpg


Wheels were protected with Opti-Seal and tires and wheel well were dressed using Meguiars Hyper Dressing at 4:1.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2999.jpg


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_3000.jpg

Exhaust tips were cleaned with Optimum metal polish.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_3001.jpg


Engine bay was also dressed with Meguiars Hyper Dressing at 4:1.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_3002.jpg


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_3003.jpg


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_3005.jpg






Thanks you for taking the time to view my work,

Rasky

[MES518]

it looks greattt! excellent job :)

[Birdhunter]

Looks great as always!!! :dblthumb2:

[DARK HORSE]

Great work, and an enjoyable write up as always! Thanks for sharing!

[Harleyguy]

Another awesome turn around Chad.Even if you don't have time for taking pictures we all know that you do top notch job no matter what.

[Deep Gloss Auto Salon]

Great work as always Chad...

Question: When you realized you under quoted the job, I read that you called the owner and told him it was going to be more work... I am assuming the quote changed as well to reflect the increase in labor right?

Ah yeah, how dare you make the window trim look so awesome with your secret method and not share... Tsk tsk:mad::nomore::bat: Of course I am kidding... Well kinda... Would love to hear your method if you dont mind PM'ing me...

[RaskyR1]

it looks greattt! excellent job :)

Thank you!


Looks great as always!!! :dblthumb2:
Thanks Birdhunter!


Great work, and an enjoyable write up as always! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Tad! :)


Another awesome turn around Chad.Even if you don't have time for taking pictures we all know that you do top notch job no matter what.

Thanks Adam!


Great work as always Chad...

Question: When you realized you under quoted the job, I read that you called the owner and told him it was going to be more work... I am assuming the quote changed as well to reflect the increase in labor right?

Ah yeah, how dare you make the window trim look so awesome with your secret method and not share... Tsk tsk:mad::nomore::bat: Of course I am kidding... Well kinda... Would love to hear your method if you dont mind PM'ing me...


Thanks Jason!

Yes, the pay was more than the original estimate. ;)

[TheGLL]

Impressive, great job and great write-up!

[ASPHALT ROCKET]

Great job as usual Chad.

[RaskyR1]

Impressive, great job and great write-up!

Thanks Guillaume!


Great job as usual Chad.

Thanks Dana! :cheers:

[RaskyR1]

Some more "better" pics that the owner took the next day... ;)


http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/4368/img2938ss.jpg

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/5164/img2941x.jpg

http://img532.imageshack.us/img532/8561/img2940t.jpg

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/7811/img2945w.jpg

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/4249/img2948v.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4359/img2949k.jpg

[termigator]

Great job Rasky. I learn something new from your works everytime. How long did you wait after spraying the tree sap with alcohol before wiping? Also, was it just the regular 50/50 mix?

[SuperiorD42]

Looks awesome! great job!

[killrflake]

Excellant job bringing the paint back to life. The pictures that the owner took really showed how well you made that paint pop. Very enjoyable writeup.