Daily Driver Restored Inside and Out - 2010 BMW X3 Jet Black - Paint Correction - Coating - Interior - Attention to Detailing Peoria

[zmcgovern45]

The owner of this vehicle is a repeat customer. After performing a complete interior and exterior service on another vehicle last year, we were asked to do the same for this one. This vehicle had survived the past 4 years with his daughter at school, and his wife was going to be driving it throughout the upcoming year so they wanted it cleaned up and "rescued from the way a teenager left it".

This car was in need of a great amount of work. The paint was dull and damaged from years of poor car washing, and the interior was in need of a deep cleaning and decontamination. While not perfect, the paint yielded an incredible transformation with a two-step correction process that drastically improved the color and clarity making it look years newer. The paint was protected with a ceramic paint coating for added gloss and durable protection. The interior was thoroughly cleaned to revitalize the leather and plastics. In the end, it looks like a completely different vehicle.



Process

Engine
Rinse
Cleaned with D101 and D108 with various brushes
Rinsed
Blown dry with Blaster Sidekick
Dressed with 303

Exterior
Tires: Tuf Shine Tire Cleaner and Tire Brush
Wheels: Sonax FE, Wheel Woolies, EZ Detail Brush & other brushes
Foam Pre-Soak: CarPro Iron X Snow Soap via DI Foam Lance
Wash: CG Citrus Wash & DI Rethickulous Wash Mitt
Chemical Decon: Iron X Lemon Scent
Mechanical Decon: Medium Grade Speedy Prep Towel with Glide for lubrication
Paint Thickness Readings Taken
Masked off delicate areas
Compounding: D300 & Meguiar's MF Cutting Discs via G21, LHR21ES, and LHR75e
Polishing: HD Polish on White Rupes Pads & M205 on White LC Pads via G21, LHR21ES, and LHR75e
CarPro Eraser Wipe down
Paint Coating: Optimum Gloss-Coat
Wheel Sealant: CarPro HydrO2
Glass: CarPro Eraser
Tires: CarPro PERL (1:1, 2 coats)
Exhaust Tips: CG Metal Polish

Interior
Blow out cracks and crevices with compressed air
Thorough vacuum
Carpets cleaned with ONR and APC (Meguiar's D101 10:1)
Hard Surfaces cleaned with steam & Einszett Plastic Reigner
Leather cleaned with D101 & Leather brush
303 applied to all surfaces

Feel like I am forgetting some stuff, but that is the majority of it... we had this car for 10 days so it is all kind of a blur.





The vehicle arrived with a considerable amount of dirt and debris covering every surface
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/1_zpsnicjnnev.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/2_zpsl80kpb1s.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/3_zpsabyucwh5.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/4_zpsyzlohe7n.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/5_zpsrmpktern.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/6_zpswuhiqhze.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/7_zps2yar0gq6.jpg






As always, we begin with cleaning the tires. You can see the thick layer of dirt and grime that had accumulated on the rubber.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/8_zpsaeomlwmt.jpg




After several rounds of cleaning, the white residue and brush indicate the tires are properly cleaned.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/9_zpscck4t3ip.jpg




We then turned our attention to the wheels, where a large amount of dirt and brake dust had built up. The wheel cleaner helped to break down the grime before we started cleaning with our brushes.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/10_zpsmpscz7mn.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/11_zpszmiciz4d.jpg




After the wheels and tires were cleaned and sealed, we begain cleaning the paint. The car was soaked with a heavy mixture of shampoo and degreaser to help break down the loose partcles before washing. The car was then thoroughly washed, chemically decontaminated, mechanically decontaminated, washed again, and then dried.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/12_zpsqmwek5yr.jpg




Once cleaned, I began my testing on the paint to find a combination of products that would yield the best results. The difference was going to be great on this paint.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/13_zpsi694ud7c.jpg




We proceeded to restore the paint one panel at a time. Here you can see the obvious difference in color and clarity in the hood after just compounding.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/14_zpsvgqdbxan.jpg




50/50 on hood
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/15_zpssgml5rfx.jpg




There were still a considerable amount of deeper defects remaining throughout the car, however the gloss is not hindered by these remaining scratches.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/16_zpsgmzap3ij.jpg




Hood before
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/17_zpszl1e7iyq.jpg




Hood after compounding... the hood had a large amount of RIDS that appeared to be from objects being placed on the hood.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/18_zpsukcxxbgk.jpg




50/50 on fender after compounding. Again, notice the deep black that is being restored
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/19_zpszzzy0pgm.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/20_zpsiilwlijk.jpg





Door before
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/21_zpsrvsyl5j7.jpg




Door after compounding. Noticeable haze/marring is present after the heavier cutting process. This is later refined with a finishing polish.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/22_zpsiz4pdlxh.jpg




Door before
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/23_zpsl8p1xdsd.jpg




Door after compounding. Noticeable haze/marring is present after the heavier cutting process. This is later refined with a finishing polish.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/24_zpsuh3va9zs.jpg




Checking our work in the sun. The paint was looking much better
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/25_zps10xqgpqw.jpg




Bug guts have etched into the paint in several areas. Keep in mind this is after the vehicle has been thorough cleaned and decontaminated. The stains that you see are not above the surface, but rather acid stains that have penetrated the paint causing permanent damage.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/26_zpsbes4uvco.jpg




A great deal of the damage was removed, however some was deemed too deep to safely remove.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/27_zpspk6m3ucd.jpg




Once the vehicle was compounded, we proceeded with polishing. This process removes any haze left during cutting and restores a clear finish that is even deeper and darker.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/28_zpszd39v6uv.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/29_zpsdxy0upuk.jpg




The paint was carefully wiped down with a solvento to remove any residual oils from the correction process, and was then coated with a ceramic coating for added gloss and long-term protection.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/30%202_zpsrcocaov0.jpg




I then turned my attention to the interior where the leather was deep cleaned to remove years of grime. This process restored the original color to the leather and also left it feeling softer.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/30_zps8jtevr3c.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/31_zpsnnfsg5n3.jpg




The carpets were lightly soiled and there was dirt and debris throughout.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/32_zpswv3ddcmu.jpg




The interior was thoroughly vacuumed, carpets were cleaned, and all hard surfaces were scrubbed and wiped down.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/33_zpslnlp1s5u.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/34_zpsobsni1i9.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/35_zpstscuqcm5.jpg



The car is now deep and dark with crystal clear reflections.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/20150731-DSC_5777_zps4q1lipfr.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/20150731-DSC_5778_zpskdqqrkqy.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/20150801-DSC_5791_zpsxcnvbj0v.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/20150801-DSC_5792_zpsg3gtudwc.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/20150801-DSC_5794_zpslyapyoml.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/20150801-DSC_5795_zpsscavccqr.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/2010%20BMW%20X3%20Post/20150801-DSC_5796_zpso3idizld.jpg


As always, thanks for reading!

[VISITOR]

most all of us try to strive for complete perfection when doing paint correction but sometimes the damage is to severe and I admire the fact that you put that out there and you do your best job as humanly possible. excellent work, thanks for sharing!

[custmsprty]

Another excellent job and write up Zach

[Sizzle Chest]

Great work! Nice!

[expdetailing]

Looks awesome. I hope they were thrilled when they picked up the new ride.

[FrankS]

Outstanding job Zach :dblthumb2:

[haris300]

Those are some seriously satisfying 50/50s. I don't think it could have come out any better. Nice job!

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Wow Zach, what a transformation! Talk about a vehicle being neglected.

You gave this BMW a new lease on life.

Thanks for sharing.

[PFinishDetail]

Amazing work, the X3 came out great! Good job.

[Marc08EX]

Amazing work as always Zach! Pictures as stunning as always too!

Crazy improvement on the reflections! Owner probably thought you repainted the car.

[Sicoupe]

Outstanding work Zach! your work and writes up are great!

[runrun411]

Great work Zack, good thing you had 10 days to do it.

[AZ Mike]

Great work and I love the write ups.

[zmcgovern45]

Thanks everyone!


most all of us try to strive for complete perfection when doing paint correction but sometimes the damage is to severe and I admire the fact that you put that out there and you do your best job as humanly possible. excellent work, thanks for sharing!
It's important to match your work with your customer's expectations. In this case, there was no need to strive for perfection when it is clear that the vehicle will likely not be kept up to the highest standards, and will in fact need to go through this process again in several years. The owner was interested in restoring the overall look of the car, which was accomplished, so chasing deeper defects would have produced a larger invoice for a rather insignificant enhancement in appearance. We stuck to the two step correction process that the vehicle was quoted for, and were quite pleased with the results :) Thanks!


Great work Zack, good thing you had 10 days to do it.
Thanks! It was nice to really take our time on this and work on it for a little while here and there... makes these jobs much easier as you never feel burnt out or just want to be finished.

[LSNAutoDetailing]

Outstanding! Everything is perfect. On the interior, did you hot water carpet extract? I'm still trying to figure out how to get those swaft stripes.