JetBlack-Need HELP/Suggestions....

BMW335PA · 08-21-2006, 09:05 AM

I need help guys...I love my 4 month old 3 series, BUT the stress over this JetBlack is killing me.

I wash my car, usually early on a Saturday morning, so the sun isn't too strong, then I pull it into the garage to dry it off, using a couple micro-fiber towels. BUT it seems everytime it ends up with Swirls all over the sides. I dont know what to do, I dont have time to wax it after every wash. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice? I find it really is putting a strain on my enjoyment of the car, well atleast until I get in and drive it again.
Please Help.

espo · 08-21-2006, 09:58 AM

It's how you are washing the car. Jet black is the "detailers final exam". Check the sticky at the top of this section for the right techniques.

Black looks AWSOME when properly cleaned and waxed, it's just a PITA to keep it that way.

BMW335PA · 08-21-2006, 10:48 AM

Thanks for the reply, I read the sticky at the top before I even got my car. Just read thru it again. I'm pretty much washing my car in the manner described, but I am still getting swirls, mostly on the sides. The hood, roof, and trunk, look great....I dont get it.
I use MF towels, BUT I do gently 'pull' them over the surface. The 'blotting' technique didnt work, I was left with water marks.

txusa03 · 08-21-2006, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW325

I need help guys...I love my 4 month old 3 series, BUT the stress over this JetBlack is killing me.

I wash my car, usually early on a Saturday morning, so the sun isn't too strong, then I pull it into the garage to dry it off, using a couple micro-fiber towels. BUT it seems everytime it ends up with Swirls all over the sides. I dont know what to do, I dont have time to wax it after every wash. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice? I find it really is putting a strain on my enjoyment of the car, well atleast until I get in and drive it again.
Please Help.

I used the same process as you, wash car early before the heat comes out and pull car into garage to dry. Heat + carwash soap = diaster. Only difference is i have titanium so I do not see those swirl marks that easily like on jet black.

NFS · 08-21-2006, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW325

I need help guys...I love my 4 month old 3 series, BUT the stress over this JetBlack is killing me.

I wash my car, usually early on a Saturday morning, so the sun isn't too strong, then I pull it into the garage to dry it off, using a couple micro-fiber towels. BUT it seems everytime it ends up with Swirls all over the sides. I dont know what to do, I dont have time to wax it after every wash. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice? I find it really is putting a strain on my enjoyment of the car, well atleast until I get in and drive it again.
Please Help.

You could try a liquid 'wax it wet' wax. Spray it on when the car is wet then lightly wipe of with a chamois. This might help because you are not 'polishing' the surface.

BMRu4ia · 08-21-2006, 11:38 AM

If you have "care tags" on the MF towels, make sure to rip them off and not just cut them. I some times even cut of the stitched border on all sides of all my MF towels. don't worry they won't unravel

BMW335PA · 08-21-2006, 11:45 AM

I am always careful to fold over the MF towel edge so it doesnt rub on the paint. Might look into that liguid wax. Was also thinking of just trying a different MF towel brand.
My other question is, these swirls I see, will they come off with the next washing? or do I have to wax to get them to dissappear?

ADHD · 08-21-2006, 12:13 PM

well a couple things your doing wrong already! NEVER wash a BLACK car in the sun! no matter how hot or early in the day it is! I always wait till the end of the day about 630 or so when my driveway is completly in the shade..U need to keep your car in the garage to cool the paint before you wash it too!
my car is always in the garage so no worries for me..I just pull it out of the garage making sure it never sees the sun and start washing:
1. buy 2 wash mits
2. use the 2 bucket method
3. buy what is called the "absorber!"
4. wash your car with the mits as instructed in the tutorial
5. Dry your car with the absorber and NOTHING ELSE..
6. NEVER Touch the paint with anything but the absorber or your wash mitts and your swirls will be very minimal if any!

This is my method on my JET BLACK car so YES it works

BMW335PA · 08-21-2006, 12:59 PM

I have the wash mits, will try the two bucket method. Can I get the 'absorber' at any Auto Store? or just online?
ALSO, what about the swirls that are there now, will they go away with next washing?
Just to clarify, I never have washed it in the sun, the reason I do it early in morning is cause my driveway is in shade till about noon.

txusa03 · 08-21-2006, 01:03 PM

I do not use MF towel, I only use chamois (it is expansive but it think it is the best drying technique but I prefer high velocity air dry technique).

ADHD · 08-21-2006, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW325

I have the wash mits, will try the two bucket method. Can I get the 'absorber' at any Auto Store? or just online?
ALSO, what about the swirls that are there now, will they go away with next washing?
Just to clarify, I never have washed it in the sun, the reason I do it early in morning is cause my driveway is in shade till about noon.

I get the absorber at walmart...u can get them at PEPBOYS but there expensive! well there expensive either way u look at it!
for the swirls that are there now I would get the zaino kit and zaino your car by hand and if you still have swirls buy a random orbital and buff em out!

Cool glad to hear your driveway is in the shade in the morning casue any sun will really fuck everything up! its harsh on Black,,u see everything!
u dont nescarly have to use the two bucket method either heres what i do..
I just fill up one bucket with the soap and water then use the mit to wash the car but rinse it out with the hose never put it back in the bucket dirty always rinse the shit out of it with the hose before you redip for more soap!
This assures any dust particles getting spread around and causing swirls as well!

BMW335PA · 08-21-2006, 03:15 PM

Thanks, looks like i'll be busy saturday morning... but I dont mind, I just want it to look good. Will try an absorber, see how it comes with that.
wish me luck..

Hornet · 08-21-2006, 04:36 PM

I'm thinking about buying a leaf blower to dry the car.

Besides, soon it's autumn again.

neuronpetkowski · 08-21-2006, 09:24 PM

Yes, defintely use Zaino. You'll be amazed.

impulsebrklyn · 08-21-2006, 09:55 PM

well for one the swirls arent going to go away untill they are machine polished. There are way to hid them but they need to be manually removed. I like what everyone has to say except this "absorber!". I wouldnt be caught dead using one of those. High quality Waffle Weave Micro Fiber Towels only. I use these:

http://www.pakshak.com/ultra-soft-wa...l-25x36-1.html

Some might ask why no to the "absorber" its simple there is nothing plush to the fibers or the suface of the towel. The dirt / particles will stay directly on the surface of the towel and drag across the paint! No thanks.

Waffle Weave is the only way to go in my book.

Chris

impulsebrklyn · 08-21-2006, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW325

I need help guys...I love my 4 month old 3 series, BUT the stress over this JetBlack is killing me.

I wash my car, usually early on a Saturday morning, so the sun isn't too strong, then I pull it into the garage to dry it off, using a couple micro-fiber towels. BUT it seems everytime it ends up with Swirls all over the sides. I dont know what to do, I dont have time to wax it after every wash. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice? I find it really is putting a strain on my enjoyment of the car, well atleast until I get in and drive it again.
Please Help.

What type of microfiber ? they are not all created equally some are bad news.

FlyingFinn · 08-22-2006, 02:14 AM

I know what you mean. I think it is just impossible to avoid the swirls in jet black. I have tried lots of things and washed the car as carefully as possible but there will always be some marks. They are very small and really easy to buff away but visible in certain light conditions. My advice is ignore them and get your car fully detailed once or twice a year.

BMW335PA · 08-22-2006, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by impulsebrklyn

What type of microfiber ? they are not all created equally some are bad news.

Not sure, my friend who is also a car enthusiast bought them. They came in a four pack. I trusted him since I've seen how good he takes care of his car.

impulsebrklyn · 08-22-2006, 07:25 PM

everyeones preference but ive been using these mf's for 3 years now and I dont have any issues. Ive owned 2 black cars and a dark dark blue. You dont have to get so hostile about my comment. I have containers and containers of mf towels, tried tons of brands, ive got so many cleaning supplies its ridiculous. But hey to each their own, everyone has to try stuff to determine it themselves.

impulsebrklyn · 08-22-2006, 08:15 PM

ok now I have a chance to respond girlfriend was bugging the crap out of me to eat.

I’ve used the Absorber before and I still stand by my statement. Been along time since I have used it I will say. Good micro fiber should and will not scratch. The reason I use waffle weave over the absorber product is still because it is more plush. I used the word fiberous before but I don’t even think that word exists. Yes you’re drying a clean car but its never absolutely with no dirt. The micro fiber because it is plush can take in the small amount of dirt which will decrease the amount of pressure the particles are putting on your paint. This should provide you with a small cushion against scratching and marring. The absorber does not have this effect, it will produce full pressure to the paint. Please also consider when I am making this statement I am not using one waffle weave towel for the whole car. I’m usually using 2-3 for the main panels and one for the lower rock panel areas. The cleaner the better in my opinion.

As to

Quote:

TOWELS are fiberous and like you said they will SCRATCH your car..

Something plush/fiberous does not mean it will scratch your paint, i feel this is an unfair statement. Dirt and poor fabric/material is what will scratch your paint. All Micro Fiber towels are not create equal for the fact of low quality blends, bad stitching and edges.

But like I said before everyone should use what they like. This is what I use, and has proven to perform well for me.

BMW335PA · 08-28-2006, 10:31 AM

Well it rained here all weekend in PA, so I didnt get to try anything out. I talked to a friend who details cars, and he suggested this Viking MF towel from Kmart (believe it or not). Any of you guys hear anything good or bad about this?

nmulax · 08-28-2006, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW325

Well it rained here all weekend in PA, so I didnt get to try anything out. I talked to a friend who details cars, and he suggested this Viking MF towel from Kmart (believe it or not). Any of you guys hear anything good or bad about this?

I've heard good things about Viking MF's, though I've never used them.

I use the 2 bucket technique, and also make sure to spray any large particles from the mit before dipping it in the rinse bucket. To dry, I use the waffle weave MF's from PakShak. Been using this technique since I got the car (almost 6 weeks ago) and no scratches (at least none visible under normal lighting conditions).

08-21-2006, 09:05 AM	#1
BMW335PA Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 240 Posts Drives: '08 335i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Haverford, PA. iTrader: (0)	JetBlack-Need HELP/Suggestions.... I need help guys...I love my 4 month old 3 series, BUT the stress over this JetBlack is killing me. I wash my car, usually early on a Saturday morning, so the sun isn't too strong, then I pull it into the garage to dry it off, using a couple micro-fiber towels. BUT it seems everytime it ends up with Swirls all over the sides. I dont know what to do, I dont have time to wax it after every wash. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice? I find it really is putting a strain on my enjoyment of the car, well atleast until I get in and drive it again. Please Help. __________________ 2008 335i: Platinum Bronze/Terra/Burl, Prem, Sport, Cold, I-Drive/Nav., Comfort Access, Logic 7, I-Pod/USB, Paddle Shifters, Alarm 2006 325i: JetBlack/Terra/Burl, Prem, Sport, Cold, Xenon, I-Drive/Nav., Alarm. - DECEASED (totaled by 19yo driver)
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08-21-2006, 09:58 AM	#2
espo Captain 12 Rep 715 Posts Drives: 2014 M235i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sugar Land TX iTrader: (0)	It's how you are washing the car. Jet black is the "detailers final exam". Check the sticky at the top of this section for the right techniques. Black looks AWSOME when properly cleaned and waxed, it's just a PITA to keep it that way. __________________ E46 325xi Oxford Green/Sand Leatherette/Myrtle Wood Auto ZCW - Retired E90 330xi Mystic Blue/Black Leather/Aluminum 6sp Manual ZSP/ZPP/ZCW/CA - Retired F22 M235i Mineral Gray/Red Leather/Aluminum 6sp Manual ZPP/ZTP
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08-21-2006, 10:48 AM	#3
BMW335PA Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 240 Posts Drives: '08 335i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Haverford, PA. iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the reply, I read the sticky at the top before I even got my car. Just read thru it again. I'm pretty much washing my car in the manner described, but I am still getting swirls, mostly on the sides. The hood, roof, and trunk, look great....I dont get it. I use MF towels, BUT I do gently 'pull' them over the surface. The 'blotting' technique didnt work, I was left with water marks. __________________ 2008 335i: Platinum Bronze/Terra/Burl, Prem, Sport, Cold, I-Drive/Nav., Comfort Access, Logic 7, I-Pod/USB, Paddle Shifters, Alarm 2006 325i: JetBlack/Terra/Burl, Prem, Sport, Cold, Xenon, I-Drive/Nav., Alarm. - DECEASED (totaled by 19yo driver) Last edited by BMW335PA; 08-21-2006 at 11:06 AM..
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08-21-2006, 11:38 AM	#6
BMRu4ia Private First Class 29 Rep 182 Posts Drives: 2013 X3 28i VR Join Date: May 2005 Location: Foster City iTrader: (0)	If you have "care tags" on the MF towels, make sure to rip them off and not just cut them. I some times even cut of the stitched border on all sides of all my MF towels. don't worry they won't unravel
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08-21-2006, 11:45 AM	#7
BMW335PA Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 240 Posts Drives: '08 335i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Haverford, PA. iTrader: (0)	I am always careful to fold over the MF towel edge so it doesnt rub on the paint. Might look into that liguid wax. Was also thinking of just trying a different MF towel brand. My other question is, these swirls I see, will they come off with the next washing? or do I have to wax to get them to dissappear? __________________ 2008 335i: Platinum Bronze/Terra/Burl, Prem, Sport, Cold, I-Drive/Nav., Comfort Access, Logic 7, I-Pod/USB, Paddle Shifters, Alarm 2006 325i: JetBlack/Terra/Burl, Prem, Sport, Cold, Xenon, I-Drive/Nav., Alarm. - DECEASED (totaled by 19yo driver)
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08-21-2006, 12:13 PM	#8
ADHD Brigadier General 254 Rep 4,201 Posts Drives: F30 328i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Magic Mountain iTrader: (38) Garage List 21 M540i [0.00] 07 e90 335 [0.00]	well a couple things your doing wrong already! NEVER wash a BLACK car in the sun! no matter how hot or early in the day it is! I always wait till the end of the day about 630 or so when my driveway is completly in the shade..U need to keep your car in the garage to cool the paint before you wash it too! my car is always in the garage so no worries for me..I just pull it out of the garage making sure it never sees the sun and start washing: 1. buy 2 wash mits 2. use the 2 bucket method 3. buy what is called the "absorber!" 4. wash your car with the mits as instructed in the tutorial 5. Dry your car with the absorber and NOTHING ELSE.. 6. NEVER Touch the paint with anything but the absorber or your wash mitts and your swirls will be very minimal if any! This is my method on my JET BLACK car so YES it works __________________
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08-21-2006, 12:59 PM	#9
BMW335PA Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 240 Posts Drives: '08 335i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Haverford, PA. iTrader: (0)	I have the wash mits, will try the two bucket method. Can I get the 'absorber' at any Auto Store? or just online? ALSO, what about the swirls that are there now, will they go away with next washing? Just to clarify, I never have washed it in the sun, the reason I do it early in morning is cause my driveway is in shade till about noon. __________________ 2008 335i: Platinum Bronze/Terra/Burl, Prem, Sport, Cold, I-Drive/Nav., Comfort Access, Logic 7, I-Pod/USB, Paddle Shifters, Alarm 2006 325i: JetBlack/Terra/Burl, Prem, Sport, Cold, Xenon, I-Drive/Nav., Alarm. - DECEASED (totaled by 19yo driver)
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08-21-2006, 01:03 PM	#10
txusa03 Major General 602 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	I do not use MF towel, I only use chamois (it is expansive but it think it is the best drying technique but I prefer high velocity air dry technique).
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08-21-2006, 03:15 PM	#12
BMW335PA Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 240 Posts Drives: '08 335i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Haverford, PA. iTrader: (0)	Thanks, looks like i'll be busy saturday morning... but I dont mind, I just want it to look good. Will try an absorber, see how it comes with that. wish me luck.. __________________ 2008 335i: Platinum Bronze/Terra/Burl, Prem, Sport, Cold, I-Drive/Nav., Comfort Access, Logic 7, I-Pod/USB, Paddle Shifters, Alarm 2006 325i: JetBlack/Terra/Burl, Prem, Sport, Cold, Xenon, I-Drive/Nav., Alarm. - DECEASED (totaled by 19yo driver)
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08-21-2006, 04:36 PM	#13
Hornet Lieutenant 59 Rep 410 Posts Drives: g20 330d xdrive Join Date: May 2005 Location: Finland iTrader: (0)	I'm thinking about buying a leaf blower to dry the car. Besides, soon it's autumn again.
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08-21-2006, 09:24 PM	#14
neuronpetkowski Captain 105 Rep 761 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 M3 [Sold] Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Greater Detroit Area iTrader: (13)	Yes, defintely use Zaino. You'll be amazed. __________________
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08-21-2006, 09:55 PM	#15
impulsebrklyn First Lieutenant 19 Rep 387 Posts Drives: BMW 330i Jet Black Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (1)	well for one the swirls arent going to go away untill they are machine polished. There are way to hid them but they need to be manually removed. I like what everyone has to say except this "absorber!". I wouldnt be caught dead using one of those. High quality Waffle Weave Micro Fiber Towels only. I use these: http://www.pakshak.com/ultra-soft-wa...l-25x36-1.html Some might ask why no to the "absorber" its simple there is nothing plush to the fibers or the suface of the towel. The dirt / particles will stay directly on the surface of the towel and drag across the paint! No thanks. Waffle Weave is the only way to go in my book. Chris __________________ 2006 BMW 330i - Jet Black - Terra - Burl Walnut - Premuim Package - Sports Package - Fold Down Seats - Heated Front Seats - Strut Brace - Sunglass Tray - Carbon Fiber Front Lips - Alarm - Blacklines - ACS Roof Wing - Breyton Trunk Spoiler - 19" Breyton Spirits wrapped in Michelin PS2
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08-22-2006, 02:14 AM	#17
FlyingFinn Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 294 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Finland iTrader: (0)	I know what you mean. I think it is just impossible to avoid the swirls in jet black. I have tried lots of things and washed the car as carefully as possible but there will always be some marks. They are very small and really easy to buff away but visible in certain light conditions. My advice is ignore them and get your car fully detailed once or twice a year.
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08-22-2006, 07:25 PM	#19
impulsebrklyn First Lieutenant 19 Rep 387 Posts Drives: BMW 330i Jet Black Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (1)	everyeones preference but ive been using these mf's for 3 years now and I dont have any issues. Ive owned 2 black cars and a dark dark blue. You dont have to get so hostile about my comment. I have containers and containers of mf towels, tried tons of brands, ive got so many cleaning supplies its ridiculous. But hey to each their own, everyone has to try stuff to determine it themselves. __________________ 2006 BMW 330i - Jet Black - Terra - Burl Walnut - Premuim Package - Sports Package - Fold Down Seats - Heated Front Seats - Strut Brace - Sunglass Tray - Carbon Fiber Front Lips - Alarm - Blacklines - ACS Roof Wing - Breyton Trunk Spoiler - 19" Breyton Spirits wrapped in Michelin PS2
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08-28-2006, 10:31 AM	#21
BMW335PA Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 240 Posts Drives: '08 335i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Haverford, PA. iTrader: (0)	Well it rained here all weekend in PA, so I didnt get to try anything out. I talked to a friend who details cars, and he suggested this Viking MF towel from Kmart (believe it or not). Any of you guys hear anything good or bad about this? __________________ 2008 335i: Platinum Bronze/Terra/Burl, Prem, Sport, Cold, I-Drive/Nav., Comfort Access, Logic 7, I-Pod/USB, Paddle Shifters, Alarm 2006 325i: JetBlack/Terra/Burl, Prem, Sport, Cold, Xenon, I-Drive/Nav., Alarm. - DECEASED (totaled by 19yo driver)
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