dsms detail - Carbon Black M3 Back for more Gloss

E46 M3 in for a complete detail minus paint correction. This car got full correction earlier this year and since then the owner has done a tremendous job keeping the car swirl free using a proper 2 bucket wash method and quality microfiber towels.

I always tell my customers the first detail is the most extensive and from there on out (with proper care) only light maintenance is needed, this car is proof of that :thumb:

The goal this time around was to prep the car and get it well protected for winter. I apologize for the lack of step by step pictures in this writeup, with more cars coming and going I dont always have the time to document each step or even get a writeup together at all.

Started with the CSL wheels using Sonax applied to the wheel dry and let it sit for 10 minutes, I get to work cleaning when the gel turns BLOOD RED, not just pink. After rinsing tar spots were removed using Tardis and the tires and wheel wells were degreased and scrubbed clean of old dressing.



Car beading nicely in the rain...



Car was gently clayed using Sonus green clay and then 4 or so IPA wipedowns were done to make sure all prior protection was full stripped.

Quick check under the LED, almost zero swirls on the finish, time for protection.



Applying Menzerna powerlock by machine, first of 2 coats



Glass coating applied to windshield and left to cure



Several hours after powerlock I applied Collinite 915 wax, first coat on day one and second coat the following morning. Wheels treated with Rejex for protection

915 is one of only a couple waxes that I own, it looks really nice but it is an absolute pain to apply properly without caking up. This wax cures hard and relatively fast but its durability is outstanding hence why I used it. Oh and wear gloves when applying this stuff unless you want your palms to bead water... this isnt me being sarcastic, it actually happens :shakehead:



All cured and ready to be removed



The interior is kept in great shape just a light cleaning of the leather followed by conditioning plus all plastics trim and carpet were tidied up. End result a very matte natural look, just what I like.

All exterior plastic trim, tires, wheel wells, exhaust etc. was dressed and cleaned as needed.



Some finished shots outside







Close up of the carbon black









Back inside for the final wipedown using distilled water.







Refection off hood














Thanks for looking :thumb:

 

Beautiful finish man.

 

"Got Gloss" would be a good slogan for this one. Outstanding work Dave, that thing is sliiiick.

 

That looks absolutely amazing...

 

Client followed directions= less cash going out........ tightness maintained.

 

Stunning Dave!

 

Very nice!

 

great job

 

Truly a wet finish, good to see that customers can maintain their investment in paint correction.

 

Good job!

 

is that a black with a blue pearl coat in it?

 

Nice work Dave.

What's your thoughts on 915 vs. 845?

 

looks sick dave. that looks as wet as....you know. something smooth and wet.

 

that looks sick man. you take your photos at the perfect time. Is that sun up or sun down?

Either way it looks great.

 

have you asked your client what his wash process is or what he uses? it would be interesting. Really would like to find out what he used to wash it like a sponge or mitt.

amazing job btw

 

Another great Work as usual Dave!!

 

Same here. Soap to maintain?

 

nice job

 

Looks great Dave!

 

When I was going to get a GTO I had plans to get CSL replica wheels. I think they are one of the best looking wheels produced that I've seen. Car looks great, but how come you decided to do a final wipedown with distilled water? Do you always do that or is it a 915 sorta thing?