Dark Gray BMW X5 Today

[Totoland Mach]

Did a nice trade-in X5 that didn't need too much sanding..only compounding, glazing (XMT Finish Glaze) and a coat of #26.

Here's a pic of partial compound taking out the sanding area
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/BMWX5_Wetsandpolishing_InProgress.jpg

After compounding but before glaze
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/BMWX5_Polished_WetsandingArea.jpg

Taped and Polished
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/BMWX5_Taped_Polished.jpg

Outside Ready for Washing compound and glaze out of body seams
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/BMWX5_Outside_Ready4Wash.jpg

Finished wash and trim detail (tons of black plastic on the bottom)
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/BMWX5_OutsideShot_Finished.jpg

Exterior Done...tomorrow, knock out the interior
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/BMWX5_FinishedWash.jpg

At least the weather is cooperating here in KC.

See You All!

Toto

[Truls]

You Rock toto, those BMWs looks better than new.

Is the Clearcote hard on the BMWs? My father have a 2004 mod, Black x3 and it has some swirls. told him i would take care of it, but dont know if i will do it with a rotary + Megs or the PC + XMT (Sanding is NOT an option)

[Kelso]

actually i think its pretty soft.

[Totoland Mach]

You Rock toto, those BMWs looks better than new.

Is the Clearcote hard on the BMWs? My father have a 2004 mod, Black x3 and it has some swirls. told him i would take care of it, but dont know if i will do it with a rotary + Megs or the PC + XMT (Sanding is NOT an option)

Thanks for the compliments Truls! Much appreciated! I don't find the clear coat on BMW's too difficult to work with, BUT, I'd use a Rotary + Megs for a light compound workout. If the swirls are in areas where the Rotary can't reach, use a PC + XMT or get a Festool Rotex for the best of both worlds.

The BMW's I do involve more "reconditioning" than just detailing. My problem is the amount of time I take doing this (too long) and having to repeat areas I thought were finished (old age and poor eyesight?). Oh well, I'm still learning the process and tricks to time savings, but it can get frustrating!

See Ya Folks!

Richard

[sparkie]

Richard, you the man! The paint "reconditioning"master.

[Reddwarf]

Looks great! Excellent work. I love that model too. I wanted to get a used one for my wife to replace the Nissan Quest, but even used they are way expensive!

[Surfer]

Is it me or does it seem like you sand every car at that dealer lol? Poeple up there must really abuse their cars. Looks nice.

[dengood1]

that thing looks wet! Great job man!

[Totoland Mach]

Is it me or does it seem like you sand every car at that dealer lol? Poeple up there must really abuse their cars. Looks nice.

Surfer: I sand the hood and trunk (on cars) of most vehicles this reseller gets. It's not so much that they "need" it...it's more along the lines of an absolutely flawless hood and trunk for prospective buyers. Also, sanding on the leading part of the hood removes a lot of small rock chips so there is less to fill in with touch-up paint (a real chore on silver metallic BTW).

Reddwarf: funny you should mention a Quest. That's what I'm looking for for my next driver...03-04-05 Quest. They are supposed to be great minivans and typical Nissan quality. I've got a Pathfinder that's 12 years old and it's been a great vehicle quality-wise.

Toto

[Totoland Mach]

Some Finished Shots (I've got another Bimmer starting Tuesday night)

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/BMWX5_Finished.jpg

Engine Shot (should have stood back a little further LOL)
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/BMWX5_Finished_Engine.jpg

Hood and fender Reflection of ME!
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/BMWX5_Finished_TotoReflection.jpg

Interior Shot after detailing
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/BMWX5_InteriorPassenger.jpg

Final Shot
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/BMWX5_OutsideShot_Finished-1.jpg

A nice thing about this shop is a constant stream of 1-2 cars per week to do and the facilities to do them regardless of weather.

Toto

[dengood1]

nice work Toto.....love that SUV. I once owned one....then I woke up--bummer!:D

[sparkie]

Wow!!!!

[Nica]

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/BMWX5_Finished_TotoReflection.jpg
Toto

Wow..that is really good work.



http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/BMWX5_InteriorPassenger.jpg
Toto

I got to ask, what did you use on the wood trims?

You did a great job on this vehicle, this was one of the vehicles that I test drove but my wife didn't like it so much. I on the other hind, thought it was a really good looking car but the Lexus won :awesome: .

[Totoland Mach]

Wow..that is really good work.

I got to ask, what did you use on the wood trims?.

Nica: All the interior panels and dash face + center console get washed with a mild mixture of APC + warm water in a spray bottle (20:1 water to apc). I use only Boar's hair brushes and gently scrub 1 section (such as 1/3 of the door panel) at a time. I wipe the area with a terry cloth bath towel which the owner buys in bulk lots and cuts to 3rd's. Most importantly, while I am drying with the terry towel, I have compressed air and a small nozzle to remove the solution from the cracks, crevices, and dry the electrical switches.

The result is a super clean interior with no oily products on any surface and a fresh, clean smell.

Toto

[justin_murphy]

Nica: All the interior panels and dash face + center console get washed with a mild mixture of APC + warm water in a spray bottle (20:1 water to apc). I use only Boar's hair brushes and gently scrub 1 section (such as 1/3 of the door panel) at a time. I wipe the area with a terry cloth bath towel which the owner buys in bulk lots and cuts to 3rd's. Most importantly, while I am drying with the terry towel, I have compressed air and a small nozzle to remove the solution from the cracks, crevices, and dry the electrical switches.

The result is a super clean interior with no oily products on any surface and a fresh, clean smell.

Toto
Toto, this is awesome advice. To many out there just use a protectant over a dirty surface. You have to clean it. I've never thought of using a brush like you stated.....I just used an MF. I can really see the benefits of a brush though getting into all of the ridges and crevices removing tons of dirt. I just a towel and vac to remove APC from the cracks similar to your air technique.

On to the BMW. Simple a brilliant detail sir. That's the way are pre-owned vehicles should look. NEW! Not slimy and looking "detailed". Biggest sale killer.......the engine bay. A clean one shows that someone cared enough to do it and that they must really care for the entire machine.

Stunning work!