Hi All, I am unsure if I am in the correct section but I would really appreciate some advice. I have recently purchased a used BMW X5 E70 - Jet Black colour with running boards. It was washed prior to my collection however it appears not to have been such a great job. The car has many swirl marks, light scratches, and water stains and the paint work appears pretty dull. I would love to restore the bodywork to its former glory but to be honest i have no idea where to begin. As discussed I am complete newbie and would love someone to point me in the right direction in terms of what equipment is required and also which products are best for me to use to restore the paintwork on this car. I would also love to know which products are best for a general weekly wash in order to maintain the cars bodywork. I thank you all for your advice in advance and look forward to your responses. Thanks, Alex
Since I'm guessing you'll end up just doing your cars and some friends and family here's what I'd recommend: Griots plus kit from Phil Nanoskin mitt, pad, or towel or clay but nano will speed up decon time ONR because it is one of the best most versatile products Sonax PF or Menzerna combo or Meg's combo for polish IPA or menz ti for cleanup of polish LSP of your choice I prefer a sealant or coating but my cars are outside 24/7 A good wash soap Grit guard or two Home Depot/lowes buckets Wheel brushes and wash mitt And at least 10 MF including a drying one Probably wouldn't hurt to have something like ironX or iron out (you can use it on the paint and the wheels for your first deep clean) For weekly maintenance I use Either onr or high quality soap like lusso, adams, or optimum Along with previously mentioned wash mitt, wheel brushes, grit guards, and buckets you want to use 2 buckets if your using the mitt a rinse bucket and a wash bucket. Good luck it becomes an addiction..
Hey Alex welcome to DB! Congrats on your new ride. When it comes to detailing as a DIY/hobby, it always ends up with how much time we have. To correct a jet black X5 is no easy task I'm afraid. It would take me 14-20 hours to fully restore a X5 depending on condition. are you good with your hands? meaning operating a tool like a buffer. if yes then a nice beginner polisher would be Griot's garage polisher http://www.detailersdomain.com/Griots-Garage-6-inch-Random-Orbital-Polisher-Swirl-Remover-Kit_p_704.html. This kit has a towels and pads, Menz compound FG400, Menz polish SF4000 and Menz powerlock sealant. The reason I like this kit is that these polishes works amazing on German cars and your paint. But lets say your not good with your hands and afraid of using a buffer and has a busy life style. The Sonax all season detail kit is a excellent choice. http://www.detailersdomain.com/Sonax-All-Season-Detail-Kit_p_1019.html. The Sonax paint cleaner works amazing on your color with little effort. It does remove some light marring and add some gloss, but not remove swirls and deep scratches. Its a great kit for starters who has a busy life style, but wants to keep their car looking good with very little effort. last thing you will need and most important is a decon kit. clay bars, clay lubes etc http://www.detailersdomain.com/Detailing-Clay-Bar-Clay-Lubricants_c_66.html, Some stoners tarminator for tar and Autofinesse ironout for any rust you may have. feel free to ask more questions on the forum. Franki
Welcome to the forum ... I would start with where are you located? Maybe a forum member can inspect your vehicle and provide you with some assistance.
