[Rudy335xi]

Okay, so I just purchased my first BMW and of course I want to keep it looking like the day I picked it up. I've been researching on here and a few other boards and I'm trying to figure out what I should use for sealer and/or wax. I've always been one that is partial to Meguiar's products from previous cars, but now I'm just confused based on what I've read here. Will a tech wax (which I now understand is a sealer) and a carnuba be good, or is Klasse Sealer or Zaino Z2 Pro really the way to go? I'm not trying to make my life too complicated, just looking for a great product that will look awesome.

[MuttGrunt]

Anything. Anything is better than nothing, and anything used often enough will make sure you always have SOME protection. Sealants will give greater slickness and overall durability while waxes last half as long but are better against etching damage (acid rain, bird bombs).

Sealants need reapplication (depending on your color and how you wash your car) ever 3-6 months. Wax every 1-3 months (once again color and wash technique dependent).

[Detailed Image]

Wash/Dry - most swirls come from this process so quality products and techniques are critical. Check out our detailing guide for this step and other steps to maximize your efforts. Here are two awesome kits if interested.
DI Packages Washing and Drying Basic Kit
DI Packages Washing and Drying Starter Package

Clay Bar - This step deep cleans the paint so it's free from stubborn build ups not removed by the washing process. This may seem complicated or different but it's pretty simple and basic. In short spray some clay lube on the paint and glide the bar side to side and picks up micro contaminants in the paint. Here is an excellent value on a clay bar and lube - DI Packages DI Gentle Fine Grade Clay Bar 100g & Clay Lube.

Protection - Waxes last about 2 - 6 weeks so we generally recommend a sealant which lasts 3 - 6 months. The Blackfire Wet Diamond with Polycharger is my favorite sealant. It provides a remarkable shine with durable protection while easy to apply. You can apply it by hand or use a blue pad and your buffer. If you really want to you can apply a wax on top of the sealant for added protection and shine. The Poorboy's World Liquid Natty's Blue Wax is a great option for a quality liquid wax that works on all colors. If you want a bit more gloss from a paste wax try the Chemical Guys 50/50 Limited Series Concourse Paste Wax or any of the Dodo Juice waxes. These options are applied by hand only but the exceptional gloss makes it well worth it.

I hand remove all of the excess product with a clean DI Microfiber All Purpose Towel. These towels are paint safe and help quickly remove the left over clay lube, polish, sealant, etc. I'd suggest getting about 3x - 6x of them.

Now step back and admire how awesome your vehicle looks. Don't forget to save 10% off with the coupon code e90post (doesn't apply to sale items, DI Packages and tools). If you have any other questions please let me know!

Take care!

Greg @ DI