BMW 1-Series Forum (F20) 135i - 1Addicts.com > Second Generation 1 Series Forum > 2012 BMW 1-Series Sporthatch (F20) Discussion > Cleaning products and techniques
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      04-25-2013, 04:44 AM   #1
Mr Buck
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Cleaning products and techniques

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After a commute to Leeds yesterday I stumbled across a black 125d M Sport in the Trinity Centre car park. After seeing it sat there in pretty much showroom condition I decided despite having had a black car previously, and telling myself never again, that I have to go for a black M135i when I place my order in the next week or so.

With my first ever car being black and being at such a young age, where maintainance wasn't a priority, I've never given a black car the treatment it needs to really shine. I personally think they are unrivalled when clean, but I do admit they look awful when dirty and show the muck more than any other colour car

I was just wondering if any owners have any recommendations for maintainance of a black BMW and have any favourate products and techniques for cleaning in order to get the best results when cleaning?
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      04-25-2013, 04:56 AM   #2
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When I used to detail the car myself (now I leave it to a friend who is a professional detailer) I found that the best products in terms of protection, shine and value for money are the ones from ZAINO (www.zainoeurope.com/). I also used for a year or so Swisswax products, which are excellent as well but quite expensive.

If you apply the Zaino products properly, then they can last for as long as 6 months under harsh conditions (i.e. rain, mud and sun). A recommended process is the folowing:

1. Wash the car (2 bucket technique)
2. Clay
3. Wash again
4. Apply ZAIO (all in one)
5. Apply Zaino Z3 or Z5 (with ZFX even better) and do 2 or 3 coats with Z6 between coats.
6. Finish with Z-CS
Maintain with Z6 or Z8 (even better!) and wash with Z7.

Of course all of the above give an excellent result but take ALOT of time!! You can break the steps and do 1-4 in one day and then another day, wash again the car and do steps 5 and 6.
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      04-25-2013, 05:15 AM   #3
Mr Buck
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Cheers pal. I'll have a look through that link when I get a minute later. It'll be my first car to take proper pride in so time consumption in order for great results is well worth it imo. I'm about 70% stuck on black now 20% Alpine and 10% Valencia, so blacks a clear front runner, but I'm well aware its going to keep me the busiest
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      04-25-2013, 06:25 AM   #4
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www.cleanyourcar.co.uk has loads of good advice.

Never buying a black car again though
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      04-25-2013, 07:11 AM   #5
Mr Buck
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ripkord View Post
www.cleanyourcar.co.uk has loads of good advice.

Never buying a black car again though
They really are a pain aren't they! I think if you can commit to keeping it immaculate then you can't look past black, but if your a fortnightly hose and bucket kind of guy (I have admittedly been that person) then your better suited to another colour
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      04-25-2013, 07:55 AM   #6
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There's an episode of Fifth Gear when Johnny goes detailing an expensive car. Not for everyday practice but something can definitely be taken out of of it....


Cheers

Last edited by westphone; 04-25-2013 at 07:57 AM.. Reason: bad spelling
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      04-25-2013, 10:33 AM   #7
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The thing about a black car

There are many issues with a black car that you shouldn't ignore
1. With the roads in the UK at least 4 out of 5 drives will result in your car looking dirty....as a consequence it looks dirty most of the time.
2. Unlike other colour cars black also highlights pollen, so even when the weather is nice and dry, it still looks dusty and less than pristine
3. Black will not tolerate anything other than expert treatment. Use a simple bucket and sponge and it'll instantly show a multitude of swirl marks. That's not to say that other colours aren't damaged by poor washing techniques, but most colours don't highlight the defects the way black does.
4. Even when it comes to polishing black is a bitch. Apply a little too much polish or leave it to cure a bit too long and you'll really struggle to get a nice shiny, even finish.
5. Every joint in the bodywork will show up excess polish or polish 'dust' unless you spend ages trying to remove it with the edge of your microfiber towel.
6. Stone chips? Yep, you'll see every one

I owned an immaculate low mileage black Z4M which I loved when it stood on the driveway sparkling in the sun after a couple of hours of intense washing and polishing... the nice thing about it was it spent most of its time tucked up in the garage, but I'm guessing I washed it close to the same number of times I drove it.

Last edited by SteveC; 04-25-2013 at 10:38 AM..
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      04-25-2013, 10:53 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveC View Post
I'm guessing I washed it close to the same number of times I drove it.
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      04-26-2013, 12:49 AM   #9
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I agree on the black colour. Out of my 5 previous cars the 4 were black (not my choice, I do not like black that much!) and they were a pain in the a** to keep the clean. The Z4 looked gorgeoys when clean and shiny, but just after a couple of days it started to look dirty and within a week it needed a wash again!! Definetely black is the toughest colour to keep clean and shiny.
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      04-26-2013, 12:03 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveC View Post
I'm guessing I washed it close to the same number of times I drove it.
Bloody hell, I thought my white one was bad at once a week
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