New 2011 Alpine White ... what to do...

[jwarner]

Hey there, I searched the forums but couldn't find what I was looking for.

I just bought a 2011 AW E92 and want to get the paint in order. The car now has about 500 miles on it. I've noticed some light swirl marks on the rear boot lid and I'm sure there are more on the hood (I bought it used with 200 miles on it, and am sure the dealer took it through their mechanical washer several times).

I would be grateful for some help on what I should do to get the paint looking as good as possible. I'm not a detail expert, and have always used Meguiar's products on less expensive vehicles that I have owned, two-bucket system, quality car washing liquid, etc.

I am thinking the best results will be from washing the car, drying, claying the car, and then I am not sure if I should polish it and then wax or try some other approach.

Product recommendations appreciated. I own a Porter Cable high-quality random orbital polisher and some good pads.

Also, should I treat the leather and if so what products should I use?

I live in Seattle and could stop by Griots and was thinking of stopping in (they are an hour south) and picking up some supplied on a business trip to Portland.

Any help appreciated.

Jason

[MDSKIER]

I like this for detailing. http://www.zainostore.com/

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by MDSKIER

I like this for detailing. http://www.zainostore.com/

Reviews on all their products seem great. You are on the right path to getting your car looking great. Like you said here are the steps:
1. Wash/dry
2. Clay
3. Polish
4. Wax/sealant

Meguiars has all the right stuff and so does alot of other companies. You just have to read up and see what each brand has to offer. It really comes down to personal preference I think. Checkout sites like detailersdomain.com, detailedimage.com, or autogeek.net. They have all the right tools you'll need.

[Envious Eric]

you need to polish and protect! polish to remove the paint defects, and seal it with a sealant wax for protection. Then maintain with a tight wash regimen.

[Hawk Lax]

What Eric said I have an AW M and have been very happy using Chemical Guys EZ glaze II topped with blackfire wet diamond sealant after a good polishing.

[Grail05]

i need to do this as well.

can any give me brands on this

Reviews on all their products seem great. You are on the right path to getting your car looking great. Like you said here are the steps:
1. Wash/dry = i have this
2. Clay = i have this
3. Polish = WHAT BRAND AND WHAT KIND
4. Wax/sealant = WHAT BRAND AND WHAT KIND.

[Hawk Lax]

Originally Posted by Sean05

i need to do this as well.

can any give me brands on this

Reviews on all their products seem great. You are on the right path to getting your car looking great. Like you said here are the steps:
1. Wash/dry = i have this
2. Clay = i have this
3. Polish = WHAT BRAND AND WHAT KIND
4. Wax/sealant = WHAT BRAND AND WHAT KIND.

Polish meguiars 105 and 205 or menzerma or optimum
wax/sealant big fan of Blackfire wet diamond sealent but after a good prep any wax or sealent should look great.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by Hawk Lax

Polish meguiars 105 and 205 or menzerma or optimum
wax/sealant big fan of Blackfire wet diamond sealent but after a good prep any wax or sealent should look great.

+1 i dont think you can go wrong with any wax/sealent. try them out and see what works best for you. i have the chemical guys wax and it's really good. i wouldnt mind trying out swissvax too