Here's what I have to detail with - what order should I use and is this stuff decent?

[Jon K]

Hey guys - I have a green BMW 525i (1992). The car had been resprayed and it's probably in need of more significant work but for right now I'd like to massage out the imperfections and bring back the smoothness of the finish even if it does have chips/scratches. I had been detailing a bit previously but took a leave as I worked on the car mechanically. Now I'd like to tinker again with detailing.

Here's the products I have:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/9049878437_cdc1f60cf2_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67031861@N08/9049878437/)
Car Detailing Products (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67031861@N08/9049878437/) by Jon Kensy (http://www.flickr.com/people/67031861@N08/), on Flickr

I also just picked up a Griots Garage 6" buffer because I had purchased a PC7424XP for my step-dad but I'll be moving shortly so I wanted to make sure I have one of my own.

I have the S100 wax from years ago and it's... OK. I never really liked how it comes off so I will be looking for a better wax. My step-dad uses the Pinnacle Souverän wax that we buy him so I can use that a bit but I don't want to waste his product. I will want to pick up some wax for myself. Again, the car is metallic green which is dark in the shade and quite "bright" almost pearly/metallic in the sun. Here is a photo of the car:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/8972907095_1a8251c9c3_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67031861@N08/8972907095/)
1680_1050_3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67031861@N08/8972907095/) by Jon Kensy (http://www.flickr.com/people/67031861@N08/), on Flickr

So with the products above can anyone recommend a regimen to get me going again? I picked up the M105/M205 just because my Pinnacle stuff is about 1/4 full in each bottle. So, if its not as good or if it's better, let me know! I'd really just like a general guide of how to approach a complete "start to finish" process with my specific products. I have orange, white, grey, and blue Lake County CCS pads as well.

Also, can someone recommend some good wax for my particular color? I like the Pinnacle, but I am open to try new stuff. The dodo stuff is intriguing but it almost seems to be more of a novelty considering how many versions they have and what not. What's good without costing hundreds lol.

Thanks guys!

[TobyDanger]

So with the products above can anyone recommend a regimen to get me going again? I picked up the M105/M205 just because my Pinnacle stuff is about 1/4 full in each bottle. So, if its not as good or if it's better, let me know! I'd really just like a general guide of how to approach a complete "start to finish" process with my specific products. I have orange, white, grey, and blue Lake County CCS pads as well.

Also, can someone recommend some good wax for my particular color? I like the Pinnacle, but I am open to try new stuff. The dodo stuff is intriguing but it almost seems to be more of a novelty considering how many versions they have and what not. What's good without costing hundreds lol.

Thanks guys!

Another new guy here, but I'll give you my 2¢ and a bump that someone else may have better info. I like the philosophy of starting with the least first. Without any good close ups it looks like your paint is in pretty good shape, not much with dull swirls or big scratches? Skip the 105 or Advanced Swirl Remover (and 3M) and just use the 205 or Advanced Finishing Polish and a white pad. They are both on the mild side for abrasiveness and can remove minor imperfections without marring up your paint like the others would. Then follow with the Paintwork Cleansing Lotion or the Show Car Glaze, and then a wax. After many good reviews here I tried the Collinite 845 and was very happy with the results.

I took a look at your gallery and wow, you had that car apart! I wish I had the skills and the space to take on a project like that. Oh heh, it looks like you might have already done some detail work over the weekend and are uploading more pictures even as I type! Well hope this helps...