New car - getting back into car care

[JLD8BMW]

I've been driving a "beater" for several years and about to take delivery of a new BMW at the Performance Delivery Center in SC. I want to get off to a good start so a couple of questions:
1. Any idea if a wax or sealant is applied at PDC in South Carolina?
2. IF a sealant is applied and surface is smooth (no claying needed) ...Should I wash with Dawn and strip OR just apply my next sealant on top of current sealant.

Any other advice on new car start up appreciated. Thanks and really appreciate the information on the site.

[trhland]

if theres no swirls present. then a nice wash/and i wouldhitit with a claybar just to see if theres anything on the paint. then follow up with a nice carnuaba wax. or if you like sealants then apply one of those. then dress the tires and trim and your all set..im a wax guy so souveran is a great wax orpinnacle sig series 2 .

[BobbyG]

First off; Welcome aboard!

Congratulations on the new ride! Proper maintenance of the cars finish will keep it looking better than new for a long, long time.

As a standard practice I always start by washing and claying the entire finish. This removes everything and allows me to really see the finish and any imperfections. If you determine that some fine polishing is needed I'd recommend the following,

Finishing polish - Meguiar's M205 using a green or white pad
Finishing polish - Menzerna PO85RD using a gray pad
Isopropyl Alcohol Clean
Sealant - Wolfgang Deep Gloss or Menzerna Power Lock Polymer Sealant
Wax - Collinite 845 or Pinnacle Liquid Souverän Wax

Enjoy the new car!

[JLD8BMW]

Thanks for the recommendations. Nice to have confirmation before starting a new process.