New 535i and want to start off right
08-22-2009, 05:49 AM
#1
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just bought a new 535i and want to get off to a good start detailing. What besides regular washing would you recommend. Do I need to start waxing and sealing right away? Leather cleaning?
08-22-2009, 06:22 AM
#2
Contributors
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: I have an 05 545i. It's a manual with a few options. This is my first BMW but I don't know how I'll ever be able to switch to something else.
Welcome to the forums.
I would recommend looking through a couple of pages in the detailing forum here. You'll find all the info you need.
Specifically look for the Detailing Handbook, or type it in the search box at the top right.
I would recommend looking through a couple of pages in the detailing forum here. You'll find all the info you need.
Specifically look for the Detailing Handbook, or type it in the search box at the top right.
08-22-2009, 08:07 AM
#3
Members
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: fort worth
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: e60
Model Year: 2008
Originally Posted by 9wjv' post='985339' date='Aug 22 2009, 08:49 AM
Leather cleaning?
08-25-2009, 03:21 PM
#4
Members
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2006 530X, Silver Gray, Black Dakota, Premium Package, Cold Package, Park Distance Sensors, Steptronic
Why use a sealant? This is new to me. I clay, polish and wax. How is a sealant different and what are benefits?
08-25-2009, 03:25 PM
#5
Members
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: fort worth
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: e60
Model Year: 2008
Originally Posted by Pioneer530' post='988560' date='Aug 25 2009, 06:21 PM
Why use a sealant? This is new to me. I clay, polish and wax. How is a sealant different and what are benefits?
08-25-2009, 03:25 PM
#6
Contributors
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: I have an 05 545i. It's a manual with a few options. This is my first BMW but I don't know how I'll ever be able to switch to something else.
Wax is made of a mixture of beeswax, paraffin wax, carnauba wax and other solvents to soften it up. It leaves the paint with a "wet" look and gives the paint more depth, especially with a darker color car. However it usually only last a month or two, maybe longer depending on if you use a spray wax to boost it after washing.
Sealants are synthetic polymers (acrylic, poly resins, siloxane, etc) and are extremely durable and will last much longer than waxes, usually in the range of 3-6 months easy. Some are even longer, up to 10 months. It leaves the car with a slick, glossy durable coating of protection.
When it comes down to it, it's all your choice. You can go either way, or you can use both. If you decide to use both, you start with a sealant base layer, then top with a wax. This gives you "the best of both worlds".
Sealants are synthetic polymers (acrylic, poly resins, siloxane, etc) and are extremely durable and will last much longer than waxes, usually in the range of 3-6 months easy. Some are even longer, up to 10 months. It leaves the car with a slick, glossy durable coating of protection.
When it comes down to it, it's all your choice. You can go either way, or you can use both. If you decide to use both, you start with a sealant base layer, then top with a wax. This gives you "the best of both worlds".
08-25-2009, 03:36 PM
#7
Contributors
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SFV California
Posts: 2,341
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2006 530i Alpine White on Black interior, Sport and Premium Package, Steptronic, Navigation, Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Mtec V2.1 angel eyes,Hoen Fog Lights, Full M-Tech kit, ACS pedals, LED plate lights, CF Steering Wheel badge, CF Titanium trim, OE
to the forums!!! theres a bunch of ways to take good care of your ride just check out the detailing forum here!! https://5series.net/forums/index.php?showforum=15
welcome again and enjoy the forums!!!
08-28-2009, 02:15 PM
#8
Members
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by kaiten408' post='988568' date='Aug 25 2009, 06:25 PM
If you decide to use both, you start with a sealant base layer, then top with a wax. This gives you "the best of both worlds".
08-28-2009, 03:10 PM
#9
Members
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2006 530X, Silver Gray, Black Dakota, Premium Package, Cold Package, Park Distance Sensors, Steptronic
Thanks Kaiten, as always, a wealth of knowledge. I may play around with these during the fall months in prep for winter.