Z4-forum.com

So as i mentioned on a previous thread i've only ever driven 'run around' cars which i always got cleaned at the local hand car wash. I now have bought a Z4 2.2 that i will be using as a daily driver.

I've booked this in for a full professional details to get some of the swirls out and get me off to a great start but i need to start understanding how best to keep it looking tip top.

I was looking to purchase the below (although becoming very expensive!)

Nilfisk C110 Pressure washer - £69.99 (https://tinyurl.com/lfc447x) - Do you think the snow foam lance it comes with will do for a while?
Ultimate Finish Two Bucket set with Grit Cards - £25.90 (https://tinyurl.com/h68p2o5)
Autobrite Super Foam Pre-wash - £12 (https://tinyurl.com/n4txgwn)
Auto Finesse Aqua Deluxe Drying Towel - £13 (https://tinyurl.com/kz5fknq)
Shampoo - Undecided between;
Poorboys Super Slick & Suds £16 1L (https://tinyurl.com/lae4wug) or
Meguiar's Gold Class Shampoo £18 1.8l (https://tinyurl.com/lkp7fpe)
Microfibre Madness Incredimitt Wash mitt £18 (https://tinyurl.com/kvwlofg)

Total = £156

Anything missed? anyway i can save money as that's quite a lot

Hi, you've omitted to state the most obvious thing to protect your cars finish-stop using the local car wash!
Ps, that's a useful starting point but after a while your opinion of "quite a lot" of money will start heading north
Rob

Hi Meady. You'll do fine with all of that gear. I would also get some quality Microfibre Drying Towels and a good Detailing Spray like Sonax Extreme Brilliant Shine Detailer. Have a look on www.cleanyourcar.co.uk .....get ready to flex your credit card !

the nilfisk shampoo attachment is not great tbh...20 quid will get you a decent lance though and you can save that on the buckets, not convinced you need grit guards, Im sure others may disagree but in 30 years of always washing my own vehicles I cant say there has ever been a time Ive ever thought I could have done with them

Definitely worth investing in a DA (dual action) polisher and a selection of pads. You don't need one now as you are having it detailed, and it will instantly double your spend figure above. Maybe put it on your Christmas list if budget is a factor, plenty of time between now and then top drop hints to your nearest and dearest!

patriot66 wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2017 8:23 pm Hi Meady. You'll do fine with all of that gear. I would also get some quality Microfibre Drying Towels and a good Detailing Spray like Sonax Extreme Brilliant Shine Detailer. Have a look on www.cleanyourcar.co.uk .....get ready to flex your credit card !

I'm still not sure what Detailing Spray does? - Could you please advise? Like what is it's purpose and when is it used?

Also, do you think i need microfibre towels as well as the towel i listed above?

Thanks

mr.tourette wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2017 8:31 pm the nilfisk shampoo attachment is not great tbh...20 quid will get you a decent lance though and you can save that on the buckets, not convinced you need grit guards, Im sure others may disagree but in 30 years of always washing my own vehicles I cant say there has ever been a time Ive ever thought I could have done with them

Any you would recommend? all the ones i see are £40+ and usually sold out

+1 for the Megs Gold Class, not much in the way of suds but super smooth paintwork, topped off with Sonax BSD will be very nice

I just bought two of these yesterday. http://www.slimsdetailing.co.uk/cleanin ... guard.html
I notice the link says 15 litre but the description says 25 litre. You could save £5 + 10% off your first order and free postage over £50. As previously said - the costs soon add up....

B&Q orange buckets about £2 each and grit guards from eBay / Amazon, Massive saving right there
You haven't even got to spending on protection for after you've washed and dried it yet.

Stuart

Meady wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2017 9:54 pm

mr.tourette wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2017 8:31 pm the nilfisk shampoo attachment is not great tbh...20 quid will get you a decent lance though and you can save that on the buckets, not convinced you need grit guards, Im sure others may disagree but in 30 years of always washing my own vehicles I cant say there has ever been a time Ive ever thought I could have done with them

Any you would recommend? all the ones i see are £40+ and usually sold out

ok...a lil more than 20 quid but under 30 probably this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jet-Wash-Pres ... Swd4tUDsRG

or something a bit cheaper
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pressure-Wash ... qtDV72cbUg

another option
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Demon-Motorsp ... 1640797725

Id also start out with this drying towel, I have this one and it works a treat...does the job to get you started and you can always buy an another towel next payday...and imho a cheap noodle mitt is fine is fine for washing the car..you can save 12 quid there

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kent-Q6100-Ext ... ying+towel

actually..mitt and towel together..7 quid
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kent-Q2459-Mic ... +wash+mitt

Start off with the basics and then you can add to it and buy higher end stuff as you go

Possibly controversial, but if you are looking to save money I think the pressure washer and snow foam is not necessary. Especially if you are going to keep on top of keeping it clean.

Pre-wash can be done with a traffic film remover (TFR) and a pump sprayer. Power Maxed TFR is well rated and a big bottle of concentrate is £17. Pump sprayer for £15, job done. Personally I have found this more effective than snow foam, easier, and I feel like less of a tit doing it!!

If your car gets really dirty, then there is always petrol station jet washes that at £2 a time will spare the initial outlay.

Thanks All, I've bit the bullet and bought all of the above plus Sonax BSD and a plush microfibre towel to apply it.

I think i'm there now in terms of being able to keep it clean for a while - Need to perfect my technique and also work out what i'm going to use on the wheels?

Bilberry or Diablo for wheels