Getting New Crimson Red 328i

Freden · 09-22-2007, 12:55 AM

I'm getting a new crimson red 328i, and was wondering what I can do to help protect the paint. I don't have a lot of time, so the "car show" quality shine isn't as important as protecting the paint for a couple of years. I'd like to keep her looking good...

Anybody have suggestions?

Carl Johnson · 09-22-2007, 01:43 AM

3m clearbar + collinite wax

pander5 · 09-22-2007, 09:59 AM

Congrats, beautiful color!

The first thing to do is to read Detailing 101 (the sticky above in this forum). Another good read is New Car Prep (also stickied) however that goes into what you might want to do yourself after immediate dealer delivery and discusses things you DONT want the dealer to do because of their history of not having our anal interests in mind. The New Car Prep is outstanding for it's step by step advice on how to do what really should be done to your new car as soon as you get it home however for some people it might be a little beyond their comfort zone in being new to the whole detailing thing. That's OK however I followed most of Picus' recommendations as that is what I was comfortable with.

In any event, as a basic effort, get it home and wash it thoroughly before waxing or sealing. I would also suggest using a clay bar after you first wash it. I was amazed at how many "hidden" gems were removed from my brand spankin' new E92!

Basically wash it immediately and then get a good layer or two of wax or sealant on it. If you elect to use a carnauba wax plan to reapply maybe once a month to keep it up.

Then plan to wash it frequently to keep it looking good. I also use a Quick Detailer (QD) spray after every weekly wash and that keeps it looking like it was just waxed. My previous E46 coupe was washed religiously once a week (sometimes twice) and after 3 years still looked almost perfect (I am into the whole detailing thang and will admit I practiced some of the more hard core efforts like machine polishing etc. on a regular schedule).

Again, congrats and good luck. You don't need to spend a lot of time on it to maintain its look. It just takes a little time frequently practiced.

UncleWede · 09-22-2007, 01:11 PM

If you invest time in the new car prep and pick a quality system, the maintenance is just a few extra minutes. I think I probably add 20 minutes to a normal weekly wash by finishing with the QD step, and it saves teh shine as well as the paint.

Freden · 09-23-2007, 01:51 AM

Thanks for the advice! I had a Montego Blue which meet it's unfortunate demise, and so I thought the crimson would look sportier, but I red is always very touchy!

Freden · 09-23-2007, 01:52 AM

Which QD spray do you guys recommend?

pander5 · 09-23-2007, 09:59 AM

Because I'm using Zaino products I use Z8.

Detailed Image · 09-24-2007, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freden

Which QD spray do you guys recommend?

Quote:

Originally Posted by pander5

Because I'm using Zaino products I use Z8.

Pander brings up a great point for the QD sprays. Typically you will get the best results if you top your paint sealant or wax with the brand QD that is specifically formulated for that product.

If you are looking for more of a low maintenance protection, a synthetic paint sealant would be a better choice for you since they will last anywhere from 3 - 6 months.

If you are looking for additional pop, depth and gloss and to add an additional layer of protection, consider topping the sealant with a natural carnauba wax. The durability of waxes ranges from 2 weeks to 2 months, so they are usually not the choice of someone who wants to do a quick detail every month or so to maximize the use of a wax.

There are lots of options out there. The best thing you can do is invest in quality washing and drying tools and learn the best techniques, then follow up with a sealant.

If you have any questions, let us know.

George

UncleWede · 09-24-2007, 10:12 AM

I use the Zaino, so my QD is either Z6 or Z8, depends on just what kind of QD I'm doing, and which vehicle. IE I went for a sunset ride on my motorcycle last night, down the coast to Neptune's Net. There was a decent amount of spray from teh ocean, so when I got home I knew I needed a bit more "cleaning" and used the Z6 to wipe everything. IDEALLY I should have rinsed and then wiped with QD, but as it was already dark I had to just QD it in a lighted area.

09-22-2007, 12:55 AM	#1
Freden New Member 0 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2007 328i E90 Crimson Red, Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Getting New Crimson Red 328i I'm getting a new crimson red 328i, and was wondering what I can do to help protect the paint. I don't have a lot of time, so the "car show" quality shine isn't as important as protecting the paint for a couple of years. I'd like to keep her looking good... Anybody have suggestions?
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09-22-2007, 01:43 AM	#2
Carl Johnson New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 04 BMW X5 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	3m clearbar + collinite wax
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09-22-2007, 09:59 AM	#3
pander5 Special Forces - Discretion is superior 32 Rep 1,011 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe Sapphire Black Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i Coupe [0.00]	Congrats, beautiful color! The first thing to do is to read Detailing 101 (the sticky above in this forum). Another good read is New Car Prep (also stickied) however that goes into what you might want to do yourself after immediate dealer delivery and discusses things you DONT want the dealer to do because of their history of not having our anal interests in mind. The New Car Prep is outstanding for it's step by step advice on how to do what really should be done to your new car as soon as you get it home however for some people it might be a little beyond their comfort zone in being new to the whole detailing thing. That's OK however I followed most of Picus' recommendations as that is what I was comfortable with. In any event, as a basic effort, get it home and wash it thoroughly before waxing or sealing. I would also suggest using a clay bar after you first wash it. I was amazed at how many "hidden" gems were removed from my brand spankin' new E92! Basically wash it immediately and then get a good layer or two of wax or sealant on it. If you elect to use a carnauba wax plan to reapply maybe once a month to keep it up. Then plan to wash it frequently to keep it looking good. I also use a Quick Detailer (QD) spray after every weekly wash and that keeps it looking like it was just waxed. My previous E46 coupe was washed religiously once a week (sometimes twice) and after 3 years still looked almost perfect (I am into the whole detailing thang and will admit I practiced some of the more hard core efforts like machine polishing etc. on a regular schedule). Again, congrats and good luck. You don't need to spend a lot of time on it to maintain its look. It just takes a little time frequently practiced. __________________ M3 + trailer hitch = oxymoron Last edited by pander5; 09-23-2007 at 10:35 AM..
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09-22-2007, 01:11 PM	#4
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 18405 Rep 9,422 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	If you invest time in the new car prep and pick a quality system, the maintenance is just a few extra minutes. I think I probably add 20 minutes to a normal weekly wash by finishing with the QD step, and it saves teh shine as well as the paint.
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09-23-2007, 01:51 AM	#5
Freden New Member 0 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2007 328i E90 Crimson Red, Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the advice! I had a Montego Blue which meet it's unfortunate demise, and so I thought the crimson would look sportier, but I red is always very touchy!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-23-2007, 01:52 AM	#6
Freden New Member 0 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2007 328i E90 Crimson Red, Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Which QD spray do you guys recommend?
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09-23-2007, 09:59 AM	#7
pander5 Special Forces - Discretion is superior 32 Rep 1,011 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe Sapphire Black Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i Coupe [0.00]	Because I'm using Zaino products I use Z8. __________________ M3 + trailer hitch = oxymoron
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09-24-2007, 10:12 AM	#9
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 18405 Rep 9,422 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	I use the Zaino, so my QD is either Z6 or Z8, depends on just what kind of QD I'm doing, and which vehicle. IE I went for a sunset ride on my motorcycle last night, down the coast to Neptune's Net. There was a decent amount of spray from teh ocean, so when I got home I knew I needed a bit more "cleaning" and used the Z6 to wipe everything. IDEALLY I should have rinsed and then wiped with QD, but as it was already dark I had to just QD it in a lighted area.
	Appreciate 0 Quote