Clay Bars - for cleaning
07-28-2008 | 10:26 AM
#1
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From: Orlando, FL
My Ride: 2006 550i - Metallic Mystic Blue, Sport Package, STEPTRONIC Auto Transmission, Leather Interior, Power Front Seats w/Lumbar Support, Xeonon Head Lights (Angel Eyes), Park Distance Control (PDC), 6-CD Changer, Adaptive Head Light, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Professional Radio, Premium Sound Package 13-Speakers Logic 7, Weather Band Radio, Voice Control (for Bluetooth Telephone Operatoin), 18" Run Flats, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Front/Rear Heated Seats, Flat Tire Monitor (FTM), Moonroof, Fold Down Rear Seats, Hardwired Valentine One
Just wondering everyone's Pros/Cons from using a Clay Bar while cleaning your ride...
07-28-2008 | 10:42 AM
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My Ride: 2008 Silverstone II E60 M5 2012 E70 AW X5 50i Sport w/ LCI Aero Kit and Rocker Panels
Originally Posted by bradleyjs' post='634288' date='Jul 28 2008, 02:26 PM
Just wondering everyone's Pros/Cons from using a Clay Bar while cleaning your ride...
07-28-2008 | 10:46 AM
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From: Orlando, FL
My Ride: 2006 550i - Metallic Mystic Blue, Sport Package, STEPTRONIC Auto Transmission, Leather Interior, Power Front Seats w/Lumbar Support, Xeonon Head Lights (Angel Eyes), Park Distance Control (PDC), 6-CD Changer, Adaptive Head Light, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Professional Radio, Premium Sound Package 13-Speakers Logic 7, Weather Band Radio, Voice Control (for Bluetooth Telephone Operatoin), 18" Run Flats, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Front/Rear Heated Seats, Flat Tire Monitor (FTM), Moonroof, Fold Down Rear Seats, Hardwired Valentine One
Roger that. Appreciate the feedback... I always try to keep her in the best of shape. [Sure beats the hell out of sitting at the computer all day when I can be out sweating and making her look nice! 
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07-28-2008 | 10:49 AM
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My Ride: 2008 Silverstone II E60 M5 2012 E70 AW X5 50i Sport w/ LCI Aero Kit and Rocker Panels
And whatever you do, make sure you have plenty of spray lube in your other hand, so that the clay bar never hits a dry spot. You want that bar lubed up as much as possible (god, that sounded gross. Hahahaha!). 
07-28-2008 | 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by C's Bimmer' post='634305' date='Jul 28 2008, 02:42 PM
There are no cons. Just make sure you apply a few coats of a good protectant/wax each time you clay, as the clay strips everything off.
07-28-2008 | 10:58 AM
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From: New Jersey
My Ride: '05 545 Titanium Silver, Black Leather - Nav, Logic 7, Cold weather.
Mods:
Carbon filter removed.
M5 iDrive knob.
Umnitza license plate LEDs.
MP3
40% 3M tint
ACS Anti-Roll(sway) bars
RPI Scoop
G-tech Pro RR
CF Roundels
CF Wheel caps
Originally Posted by C's Bimmer' post='634320' date='Jul 28 2008, 02:49 PM
And whatever you do, make sure you have plenty of spray lube in your other hand, so that the clay bar never hits a dry spot. You want that bar lubed up as much as possible (god, that sounded gross. Hahahaha!).
07-28-2008 | 11:11 AM
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From: Orlando, FL
My Ride: 2006 550i - Metallic Mystic Blue, Sport Package, STEPTRONIC Auto Transmission, Leather Interior, Power Front Seats w/Lumbar Support, Xeonon Head Lights (Angel Eyes), Park Distance Control (PDC), 6-CD Changer, Adaptive Head Light, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Professional Radio, Premium Sound Package 13-Speakers Logic 7, Weather Band Radio, Voice Control (for Bluetooth Telephone Operatoin), 18" Run Flats, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Front/Rear Heated Seats, Flat Tire Monitor (FTM), Moonroof, Fold Down Rear Seats, Hardwired Valentine One
Originally Posted by C's Bimmer' post='634320' date='Jul 28 2008, 02:49 PM
And whatever you do, make sure you have plenty of spray lube in your other hand, so that the clay bar never hits a dry spot. You want that bar lubed up as much as possible (god, that sounded gross. Hahahaha!).
Yep, from the article that I read that would tend to make sense. Thanks
07-28-2008 | 12:40 PM
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My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
As others have said, use plenty of spray and don't press too hard. I would add that you should knead and reshape the clay frequently so as to avoid an impurity stuck to the clay's surface from scratching your paint. I found this the hard way, even though I thought I was doing OK. Also, take your time and do a small area at a time. The results are well worth the extra effort. GL
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