Hi!

While I don't own an S any more, I found this forum to be the most friendly and informative. So I pose the following question:

I currently have a white 3 series BMW and was hoping that you guys can recommend some starting products to purchase. I’m starting from scratch with basically no car cleaning/washing experience. I've read through pages of the forum, but I don't even know what products I need aside from the wash and a bucket.

I just had my car detailed and would like to start cleaning it myself from here on out.


Can you please recommend some products to get me starting on my cleaning way? My budget is a couple hundred dollars.

Thanks!

 

This should be a starter https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/index.php...-Black-Audi-A5

 

Thanks! I think the paint correction is a bit passed my current level and of what I want to try right now, the rest is good info.

 

ill try to list some basics.

quality wash soap
2 or 3 buckets - rinse, soap, rims/tires
Grit guards - Optional for buckets to keep dirt trapped at the bottom
2 wash mitts - qualitly wash mitt for paint and a decent one for rims
rim brush - Optional but helps get in between areas which are harder to reach like cracks, crevices. should be flagged tipped or soft bristled
tire brush - This brush is a harder bristled.
Qualitly microfiber towel
spray wax and/or quick detailer
clay bar kit
liquid/paste wax

These are some basic things to buy to keep your car looking clean. A basic method to learn is the two bucket wash method.

As far as what brand to buy, id say any thing meguiars is great for stuff that you can find locally ie walmart, pepboys, auto zone, etc



Also youtube AMMONYC, Autogeek, junkman, garry dean to name a few. Alot of information can be found through youtube.

for online products, detailersdomain and autogeek have a wide variety of stuff and often offer coupon codes and discounts.

 

ill try to list some basics.

quality wash soap
2 or 3 buckets - rinse, soap, rims/tires
Grit guards - Optional for buckets to keep dirt trapped at the bottom
2 wash mitts - qualitly wash mitt for paint and a decent one for rims
rim brush - Optional but helps get in between areas which are harder to reach like cracks, crevices. should be flagged tipped or soft bristled
tire brush - This brush is a harder bristled.
Qualitly microfiber towel
spray wax and/or quick detailer
clay bar kit
liquid/paste wax

These are some basic things to buy to keep your car looking clean. A basic method to learn is the two bucket wash method.

As far as what brand to buy, id say any thing meguiars is great for stuff that you can find locally ie walmart, pepboys, auto zone, etc



Also youtube AMMONYC, Autogeek, junkman, garry dean to name a few. Alot of information can be found through youtube.

for online products, detailersdomain and autogeek have a wide variety of stuff and often offer coupon codes and discounts.
[/quote]

Wow thanks so much! Going to get a lot of this. I feel like I need to spend a couple of hours on youtube to learn how to do the basics.

Thanks again!

 

yea take your time do alot of research cause there are a lot of products and different techniques. It is an investment though especially since you already got your car detail, because most of the damages put on the paint is from poor washing technique.

heres a link to washing technique
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0Sqi...D52AF54166C886

 

I took the three bucket system a little further. I use all 3 buckets for the car wash. The first 2 are rinse buckets, then the soap bucket. It's amazing how much dirt comes off the mitt with two rinses before going back into the soap bucket. All buckets I use have double Grit-Guards. The wash water is then used to clean the wheels and tires.

 

I did a lot more research and am building the list of products I plan on getting (after posting it here). I have two additional questions.

1. My windows are tinted, can I use all of the normal cleaning products or do I need to use special products when cleaning the windows (from the inside)

2. I'm a bit confused as the order of things in regards to quick sealant/quick wax and quick detail spray. I believe when I clay bar it will remove the current sealant/wax (not sure if that is correct)? With that being said if I was washing my car ever 1-2 months should I reply a quick wax or sealant?

From my understanding I initially thought that quick detail would protect but it looks like it's more for clay bar lubrication as well as dust/smudge removal between washes.

Thanks!

Edit: To reply to AZS2KDancer I plan on using 3 buckets. 2 bucket method with one for wheels/tires.

 

1. Ammonia in certain glass cleaners is the thing that damages tints, plastic trim, leather etc. When looking for a glass cleaner look for "ammonia free" or safe for "tinted windows"

2. Clay bar will remove some wax/sealant, this varies but it is an abbrasive product so it will be pulling protection off your paint. It is recommended to apply wax/sealant after clay barring. Normal wax sealants vary as far as how long the last on the paint with wax being 1-3 months and sealants being 3-6 months, id say the car needs to be clayed every 3-6 months depending on the conditions its being put through.

Normally quick detail spray does not add any protection, but there are some products that contain wax/polymers which do add protection. Most spray waxes can be used as quick detailer as well, although this could be pricey.

I personally after every wash apply a spray wax to help add to the longevity of the sealant applied to my vehicle.

 

Thanks for the answers! Do you apply the spray wax even if you don't clay? Or do you clay after every wash?