[zanth119]

First Full Detail - 2012 328ix Sports Wagon, Deep Sea Blue Metallic, Black Leather Interior, Brushed Aluminum Trim
Start Date: 5-5-12
Total Time: ~16 hours over 4 days

Exterior Products:

• Chemical Guys HoneyDew Snow Foam
• Zaino Z7 Wash
• DI Gentle Fine Grade Clay
• DP Rinseless Wash & Gloss (mixed for Clay Lubricant)
• Meguiar's Ultra-Cut Compound M105
• Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish M205
• Blackfire Wet Diamond Seal
• Poorboy's World Natty's Blue Paste Wax
• Pinnacle Tire Cleaner
• Poorboy's World Wheel Seal
• Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel
• Mother's Back to Black
• Nevr-Dull Metal Polish
• DP Krystal Vision Glass Cleaner

Process:

• Foam
• 2 Bucket Wash
• Sheet
• Dry using MF Waffle Weave
• Clay
• Tape Trim
• M105 with Yellow pads, speed 5
• M205 with White pads, speed 3.5
• Re-wash
• Seal by hand
• 24+ hour cure
• Wax by hand
• Windows and Dress

Interior Products:

• Leatherique Pristine Clean
• Meguiar's Supreme Shine
• Simple Green (for all weather mats and sunroof deflector/mesh)

Tools:

• Kracher K 3.67 Pressure Washer
• AG Foam Cannon HP
• Two Buckets
• Viking Chenille Wash Mitts
• 3M Painter's Tape
• PC 7424XP with LC 6" & 4" backing plates
• LC Yellow, White pads 6.5" & 4.0"
• Foam Wax Applicator Pads
• Assorted MF applicators and towels
• Pinnacle Green Wheel/Tire Brush
• Bufferstick Drill Wheel Brush
• DeWalt Cordless Drill
• Nitrile Gloves (for wheel seal application)
• Tire Gel Foam Applicator
• Autobahn 5.0 HP Vac
• California Mini Duster
• Interior Brushes

Notes:
Wagon was delivered in late February, dealer prep excluded. Car stays outside (wish I had a two car garage). Prior to this full detail, had a coat of Opti-Seal spray sealant, and fairly regular maintenance washes. Car has 3,100 miles.

Debadged using hair dryer, dental floss, and bug/tar remover prior to detail
Matte black grills and painted reflectors installed after detail

Lastly, a huge THANK YOU to Greg at DI for all his advice!!!

Request for Comment:
This was my first time using the foam gun, didn't get the mixture right , if anyone has a similar setup, what's your mix?

Was considering using Chemical Guys EZ Creme Glaze prior to sealing next time, CJ421's uses on his sparkling Le Mans Blue 335 . Thoughts? I've never used before, is the time invested in glazing worth the improvement? What's the cure time?

Does anyone know how to have the sunroof deflector fully extended so the mesh shows without running the engine?

Thanks all...

[Detailed Image]

The vehicle looks incredible! I'm thrilled to hear everything came out so well. It certainly shows that you put the time in to research many of the best techniques and products for your needs. I'm glad we could contribute a small piece of the puzzle to your hard work.

For the foam gun there is no right ratio, but I do about 6 ounces of my favorite shampoo and then 6 ounces or less of water on setting E. This produces a pretty rich lather in my experience and I usually work in sections with it.

The Chemical Guys Extreme EZ-Creme Glaze with Acrylic Shine II is a very popular product because it's a light polish that adds gloss and it bonds with sealants very well. You certainly don't have to use it but I think it could only help if interested. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be happy to help.

Greg @ DI

[OTDet]

I love CG EZ creme glaze as a paint cleaner before a sealant is applied. You won't be disappointed. It a must have for any detailer and car enthusiast.

[zanth119]

Thanks guys, I'll give the CG glaze a shot. I'm planning to do a full detail on my silver E46 next month, so can test it out then. As for the E91, is it worth glazing without polishing? I'll probably strip off the seal towards the end of the summer and reseal in preparation for the winter months, just wasn't sure if glazing in that situation works well. Really appreciate all the input!