[jltolentino]

When I took delivery of my jet black e46 2001 330ci the car had swirl marks already that took me three weeks to get rid of them.
Now I ordered a black e90 and was wondering if any of you knew where they wash the car for the first time, because if they do it at my local dealer I want them to stop and teach them how to properly wash a car (No circles)...Any inputs?

[kobechrome]

Originally Posted by jltolentino

When I took delivery of my jet black e46 2001 330ci the car had swirl marks already that took me three weeks to get rid of them.
Now I ordered a black e90 and was wondering if any of you knew where they wash the car for the first time, because if they do it at my local dealer I want them to stop and teach them how to properly wash a car (No circles)...Any inputs?

I have another question along those lines. What exactly causes the swirl marks?

[GSRstilez]

The best thing I can tell you is to make sure they don't prep it.


When I order my 330i (about 5 months away), I am picking it up with plastic wrap still intact. I already told the BMW dealer this and they laughed, but agreed.

Check out:

www.autopia.org
www.bettercarcare.com

for detailing galore.
______________________________________________

edit: BTW, new here . I am a professional detailer. Hopefully I will be able to help out in the detailing area.

[Jimifighter]

I have heard that it arrives at the prep center coverered in a heavy film that needs to be removed with a hot wash. It is also usually washed by the dealer when they prep for delivery.

Swirls probably caused by dirty water or sponge during the wash.

[GSRstilez]

Yep, swirls are caused from poor washing and drying techniques. Simply speaking, you should use at least 2 buckets (1 wash, 1 rinse) and 2 mitts (lambswool or cotton chenille). You should do 3-4 swipes then toss the mitt into the rinse bucket and agitate with your hand. When drying, try switching to a Waffle Weave Microfiber towel as compared to a bath towel, chamois, or Absorber.

Dealerships usually use rags, dirty mitts, brushes, caustic cleaners. There are far better ways to remove the plastic film, but I agree with you, Jimifighter, you need heat to get the plastic off.

[E90Fleet]

Its the dealer

[SCA]

The exterior is coated with a protective coating otherwise known as cosmoline (helps prevent corrosion during shipping) When the cars arrive at the VPC, the cosmoline is removed with a hot kerosene bath/soak (drive through car wash type thing). After this the car is inspected and usually polished, but it appears these days that the VPC is not doing this as my car arrived with some dissolved cosmoline on the hood, roof and trunk lid.

My best advice, do not let your dealer detail the car. Do it yourself, as this is really the only way you are going to avoid the initial swirl marks.

[needashower]

Its just a car. In my opinion, an every day driver is just that. Don't sweat the small stuff. Black is the toughest to maintain. In 3 or 4 years you will own another.

[SCA]

Originally Posted by needashower

Its just a car. In my opinion, an every day driver is just that. Don't sweat the small stuff.

If it was "just a car" the majority of us would not be here.

[BMW0]

E90 Peeps who have the black need to wash their own cars to ensure there are no swirl damage done to the clearcoat. If you already have swirls, you will need to wax it with canauba wax or of similar high quality wax to minimize the swirl effects on your paint finish.

[northerncalguy]

Yep. Black is a swirl & dust magnet -- can't get away from that. Even sparkling graphite is a bit on the dust magnet side.

Anyway, the swirls are caused by the dealer -- believe it or not, my dealer uses a washing system with automatic brushes -- IDIOTS! I tell them with an exclaimation mark to keep away from my car each time I bring it it.

[LEDZEP]

It's the dealer that does the poor washing. They think they are doing you a favor - and for most of their customers, they are. But for those of us that care about our cars finish - we're much better off not letting them get (this part meant literlly) their grubby mits on it.