[BimmerSD]

Ok... last night i was driving in a single lane entrance to the highway in SD when i noticed, too late i might add, there was some blue paint splattered on the road.

The car in front of me was literally picking it up off the road and spraying my black 330i.:mad: :mad: :mad: THis morning, i see specs or tiny dots of it all over the front, including the windshield.

It doesn't come off easily. Does anyone have a good suggestion for getting it out? I'm thinking clay would work but if there's something easier, i'd like to try that first.

[LousyShot]

I think clay may be the safest way to work it off without potentially harming the paint by scrubbing. This is the first car I have ever clayed, but I'm a believer now.

[F32Fleet]

Clay is very easy to use.. Good luck.

[BimmerSD]

thanks for the suggestion. i'll do this tomorrow. Any suggestion on how to get the specs off my windshield? Luckily i might add, i had waxed the car a day before this happened so hopefully, the wash itself will help.

[Boondoggler]

Originally Posted by BimmerSD

thanks for the suggestion. i'll do this tomorrow. Any suggestion on how to get the specs off my windshield? Luckily i might add, i had waxed the car a day before this happened so hopefully, the wash itself will help.

The coat of wax should help make the paint specs come off a little easier. You can also use clay on the windshield to remove the paint, you'll just need to use some window cleaner to remove any clay residue.

[BimmerSD]

ok, i tried to remove the paint using clay. there's so much of it, that the clay is scratching the paint when removing it. I think i'm going to have to repaint the car. I'm going to go through insurance. This sucks!

[Boondoggler]

Originally Posted by BimmerSD

ok, i tried to remove the paint using clay. there's so much of it, that the clay is scratching the paing when removing it. I think i'm going to have to repaint the car. I'm going to go through insurance. This sucks!

Sorry to ask an obvious question, but are you using a lot of lubricant while using the clay to remove the paint spots? Constantly spraying the surface with lubricant (mix of water and good car wash liquid) should keep you from scratching the paint while using the clay.

[BK]

You could take it to a detailer and have them clay it if you want. The clay should work. If it is scratching, you aren't doing it right (probably not enough lube) but in any case the scratches shouldn't be deep and can be buffed. Just keep using the clay and then get the car buffed after you're done. I think a repaint would be overkill.

[BimmerSD]

Originally Posted by Boondoggler

Sorry to ask an obvious question, but are you using a lot of lubricant while using the clay to remove the paint spots? Constantly spraying the surface with lubricant (mix of water and good car wash liquid) should keep you from scratching the paint while using the clay.

I am actually... no car wash though. the car is constantly being sprayed by water. i read lubrication to mean moisture and therefore water in the DIY. i didnt' use soap/ car wash liquid. the scratches are on the surface and may be buffed out. I'll try that before going the re-paint route.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a detail shop in san diego?

[Ghunger]

The soap part is very important. The soap/water mixture lubricates WAY better than water alone. It may take a while but the clay should do it. Also don't forget to remold the clay to get clean parts every so often and pick out the big pieces that stick in the clay when you notice them. For the windshield, it should be much easier. You could probably just use a plastic ice scraper to chip most of that off then maybe some clay to clean it up. Much less likely to hurt the glass than your paint.

[BimmerSD]

i took it to a detailer, and he says he can remove the paint and scuff marks made by the clay and restore the car to almost showroom condition.

I'll let you guys know who he works his magic. he comes highly recommended in san diego off autopia.org.

[BimmerSD]

Ok, I decided to get the car detailed after my misfortune with the road paint. The results are nothing short of spectacular. My car is back to showroom condition. Pics below. (BTW it's 75 degrees and clear skies in San Diego)

Props to Ryan Gelardi, owner of Magic mobile detailing for a job well done! If you're in Sunny San Diego you're serious about your car...


go to none other than ryan (PM me for his info)

[ZuerstBMW]

Great, Im glad it came off for you.

[BK]

Ah, a happy ending. Good news.

[magmd]

Looks great! Can you tell me his rates, and how long he worked on your car?? I go there often...and would not mind getting my car done on one of my future visits.

You can PM me if you prefer

[marcus330i]

Looks great......you don't have any spare ED plates lying around.....do you????

[BimmerSD]

Originally Posted by marcus330i

Looks great......you don't have any spare ED plates lying around.....do you????

yes i do mark. they're pretty cool:rocks: but a cop pulled me over once and and gave me a fix it ticket for them so they've been in the trunk since

[BimmerSD]

ok since so many folks were interested, here's how to contact the detailer:

Ryan Gelardi. owner of Magic mobile detailing. You can go to him or he can come to you. email him at ryangelardi@yahoo.com. I asked for the works and therefore the price was fairly steep (280USD). it took all day given the delicate work required. But he has several cheaper packages that may be better suited for your e90. email him for the details

[glock17]

Thats a fine looking ride. Glad to see things worked out for you.

[RAG]

Thanks. I really appreciate the vote of support - I can use all the "good" customers I can get, as I love detailing for people who TRUELY care and can tell a differnce, cause a swirl-free black car doesn't come easy.

And you weren't joking, this ride was loaded with splattered paint. In fact, the entire fenderwell is blue/purple just to give other folks an idea of the volume of paint we're dealing with. But I personally think we turned a bad thing into a good one, as clay and polishing (3-steps) not only remove the paint splatter, but we also removed the swirls/marring that had accumulated from washing...proably 95% swirl-free when done.

I took some before and after pictures using my camera phone...I post them as soon as I get done emailing them to myself.

Thanks again,

Ryan
Magic Mobile Detailing

Originally Posted by BimmerSD

Ok, I decided to get the car detailed after my misfortune with the road paint. The results are nothing short of spectacular. My car is back to showroom condition. Pics below. (BTW it's 75 degrees and clear skies in San Diego)

Props to Ryan Gelardi, owner of Magic mobile detailing for a job well done! If you're in Sunny San Diego you're serious about your car...


go to none other than ryan (PM me for his info)

[picus]

Nice job Ryan! You San Diego guys should definitely hit him up if you need a detail; he goes by "RAG" on Autopia where you can check out some of his work; it's top notch! (FWIW, $280 for clay paint removal and a 3 step buff job is very reasonable in San Diego, imo. )

[RAG]

Originally Posted by picus

Nice job Ryan! You San Diego guys should definitely hit him up if you need a detail; he goes by "RAG" on Autopia where you can check out some of his work; it's top notch! (FWIW, $280 for clay paint removal and a 3 step buff job is very reasonable in San Diego, imo. )

Thanks for the recommendation. People won't find a bunch of pictures, as I rarely take them...and when I do its with my lousy camera phone as I don't own a digital...and people always have to keep in mind that pictures can be deceiving. However, I am confident I'm the best in San Diego County, and feel my work backs this up each and every time.

And regarding my pricing for this job, actually that's my standard rate ($280) for a 3-step buff process - I did the overspray removal free of charge...usually about $50 extra.

Below/attached are pictures of the overspray. Sorry I don't have more pics...I was in a crunch to get the job finished on time, as the overspray proved to be more pervasive than I first realized.