[snareman]

I'd think it would be nicer and easier to do it right away so you'd start with a nice fresh cleaner car.

[iatacs19]

They don't clay your car that's the protective wax that's left over. When they transport the cars they have a thick wax substance on them to protect them during the long journey. This wax is then washed off with hot water which may leave some on and look like clay bar residue. (The X3 is covered in a plastic when transported)

[picus]

That substance is called cosmoline, btw.

[Louie A]

Originally Posted by spacedogg

The serious detail guys will say...the brake dust from the freight trains and transport trucks are horrendously bad...and one should always clay after taking delivery.

Consider the source....
But seriously, I was also gung-ho about prepping my car and was interested in getting my car clay-bar'd. But the detail shop in my area said it was not necessary. They told me that Clay-Bar is to restore the luster of paint after it has weathered for a while.

Wax was all that they recomended. I found this rather interesting since they stood to make more money with a clay-bar. I guess that speaks to their integrity.... which explains why they have been in business for over 20 years.

[picus]

Clay bar has nothing to do with restoring luster; that's polish. I am all for differing opinions, but not misinformation.

Clay-barring an oxidized car will do nothing. Clay barring a car with scratches will do nothing. Leveling paint through polishing is what restores depth and luster.

Consider the source? If you don't believe me, head over to autopia.org, detail city, detail university, and ask the same question and see what they say.

[NFS13]

Originally Posted by Louie A

Consider the source....
But seriously, I was also gung-ho about prepping my car and was interested in getting my car clay-bar'd. But the detail shop in my area said it was not necessary. They told me that Clay-Bar is to restore the luster of paint after it has weathered for a while.

Wax was all that they recomended. I found this rather interesting since they stood to make more money with a clay-bar. I guess that speaks to their integrity.... which explains why they have been in business for over 20 years.

Clay-bar restores luster I think you need to replace the word integrity with the word stupidity.

[lkraven]

If they're using clay to "polish" your paint, you definitely want to stay the hell away from them!

[Ryan323i]

Originally Posted by Louie A

Consider the source....
But seriously, I was also gung-ho about prepping my car and was interested in getting my car clay-bar'd. But the detail shop in my area said it was not necessary. They told me that Clay-Bar is to restore the luster of paint after it has weathered for a while.

Wax was all that they recomended. I found this rather interesting since they stood to make more money with a clay-bar. I guess that speaks to their integrity.... which explains why they have been in business for over 20 years.

Even if not completely necessary, since the car is brand new, wouldn't you want to make sure the paint is completely clean before you put wax/sealer on for the first time? I know I would, my favorite part about eventually getting an E90 will definitely be doing the prep myself! :rocks:

[pnkflyd]

Originally Posted by DarkRyan323

Even if not completely necessary, since the car is brand new, wouldn't you want to make sure the paint is completely clean before you put wax/sealer on for the first time? I know I would, my favorite part about eventually getting an E90 will definitely be doing the prep myself! :rocks:

I will be doing my prep tommorrow . First time, dont know how it will go .

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by NFS13

Hell yes it does! It probably traveled by train to the boat, and then the trip by boat over in the sea air. The train particles embedded in the paint is the last thing you want to just wax over.

+1 This is one thing you really need to do....