New to z4 ownership - best way to go

[stevengude]

Hi

I got my z4 a few days ago (pics in newbie threads).

Ive been looking at products to use for cleaning / polishing but im not too sure what is best. My Z is probably the first car ive had thst ive wanted to keep the bodywork looking prestine - so im not sure where to start

Could anyone recommend some reasonably priced products for washing / polishing and maintaining the interior?



Thanks

Steve

 

[Autovisiondetailing]

Take a look through this thread for advice. Product wise I can't recommend Waxaddict enough which can be bought from Halfords online.

Also check out Angelwax, Auto Finesse and Ez Car care for brands who stock everything you'll need.

 

[swilsco]

Was pretty much exactly in this situation about one month ago. Just made this post:

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89682

It might help. If you have access to running water/pressure washer, then i would change the wash method ... maybe snow foam lance and double-bucket method with grit guards.

Also, maybe a different wax depending on the colour of your car ... purple haze is more suited to dark paint colours.

 

[stevengude]

Was pretty much exactly in this situation about one month ago. Just made this post:

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89682

It might help. If you have access to running water/pressure washer, then i would change the wash method ... maybe snow foam lance and double-bucket method with grit guards.

Also, maybe a different wax depending on the colour of your car ... purple haze is more suited to dark paint colours.

Thanks for the advise!
Likewise i just used a bucket and sponge on my old car!

Ive got acces to running water but no pressure washer. Can i still use snow foam if i just hook it up to the hose pipe or do i need a pressure washer?

 

[swilsco]

lol yeh, i never knew how badly i was washing my car until i came across this forum!

As for snow foam lance, i think you need a pressure washer. But to be honest, this is taking it to another level ... for your first delve into detailing you don't need to do a snow foam pre-wash. Also, by time you have bought other products, a snow foam lance on top will make it an expensive start to detailing.

I would just go for simple water rinse and then the two bucket method:

http://www.detailingspot.com/?page_id=15

Maybe invest in a grit guard and a nice lambwool wash mitt. Again, this is quite the step up from our conventional cheap bucket and sponge method

As for products ... need to assess your cars current paintwork and your budget. How old is the car, is there many swirls/scratches, what colour is it. I think the following website is great for product reviews:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/

This helped me a lot when narrowing down product choices.

 

[stevengude]

lol yeh, i never knew how badly i was washing my car until i came across this forum!

As for snow foam lance, i think you need a pressure washer. But to be honest, this is taking it to another level ... for your first delve into detailing you don't need to do a snow foam pre-wash. Also, by time you have bought other products, a snow foam lance on top will make it an expensive start to detailing.

I would just go for simple water rinse and then the two bucket method:

http://www.detailingspot.com/?page_id=15

Maybe invest in a grit guard and a nice lambwool wash mitt. Again, this is quite the step up from our conventional cheap bucket and sponge method

As for products ... need to assess your cars current paintwork and your budget. How old is the car, is there many swirls/scratches, what colour is it. I think the following website is great for product reviews:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/

This helped me a lot when narrowing down product choices.

Thanks again.
My z4 is grey and the paintwork is in oretty good condition. With it being an 03 plate, there are of course some scratches and chips but nothing dramatic.

Ive got some new buckets, and im going to order a wash mit. Just choosing a product that is difficult!