Hey there folks, Extremely backed up on write-ups but I have the free time to put together this near 30 hour correctional on a heavily tracked E46 M3. We decided on a full correctional with Opti Coat 2.0 application for a durable coating of protection. This is the 7th E46 M that i've had the opportunity to fully correct, I enjoy every one! Correction was performed via a PC, Flex, and the Rupes 21 with various foam pads- even a surbuf pad here and there. M105/ 101 and Sonax PF used. The entire front end had been cleared a while back- bumper, headlight gels, mirrors, behind every fender well, rockers, pillars, and on the front fenders as well- the aim was to keep as much as possible and restore them via polishing and then shortly after using opti to layer on top of the film to create an incredible layer of durable protection. Before: Film was heavily swirled and marred Headlight gels and trim below headlamp were very, very yellow and faded- these were removed dull Wheels needed to be de-ironized tips needed attention good shot to see the before condition with all the defects First up was a full decon wash- pre=spray with APC on the heavily soiled areas, Sonax FE working it magic here on the wheels The tips were hit with IronX + 0000 steel whool and later polished with P21s soap Wash phase- thick suds with chem guys maxi sudz + citrus wash + Dawn to strip Correctional process: approx. 25 hours Before pics of the defects: Hood 50/50 in the hood Right front fender Pass. door Mid to lower section of door Lower section Panel area right before rear passenger tire upper rear pass. quarter Fender lip over rear pass. tire Defects very visible here in natural light!! Roof line driver side rear quarter- near rear tail light 50/50 on the rear bumper- this section was a PITA to clean up...always is on this model! Top portion of rear bumper 50/50 50/50 on driver side door Front clear film on hood after- much more clear Between compounding/ polishing/ finishing steps the M was brought outside and washed down The body was wiped down one more time with CP Eraser to ensure all oils etc. were removed BEFORE Opti app. After correctional shots- before Opti Coat app. Hood Front fender pass. side door Mirror Near the rear tail Deck lid near driver door Lower driver door Driver door Driver fender other half of hood Tires were dressed with Opti Gel tire dressing Opti Coat 2.0 application Opti Coat 2 up and ready for application! 24 hours after application of Opti Coat - pic time! GLOSS Thanks for looking all! - Dan K.
I didn't have much luck with Menz 2500/ green foam on a test spot- switched to Sonax PF on a green pad and saw 80 %- switched to orange foam and cranked down the speed a little and voila, perfect
