[Radioactive]

Originally Posted by flash3

Yeah, most are but seemingly the Meguiars spray ones, like the ultimate quik spray, doesn't contain 'wax' - but this one does.

I ordered a bottle today and will test it out this weekend.

Here are some links to Meguiar's web site that might answer your questions.

General Questions
http://www.meguiars.com/faq/index.cf...t=Paint%20Care

Polish vs Wax
http://www.meguiars.com/faq/index.cf...ection=_51#_51

[flash3]

Originally Posted by Radioactive

Here are some links to Meguiar's web site that might answer your questions.

General Questions
http://www.meguiars.com/faq/index.cf...t=Paint%20Care

Polish vs Wax
http://www.meguiars.com/faq/index.cf...ection=_51#_51

Thanks!

I found another site online that basically covered some of those exact comparisons as to why X might be better than Y.

[509trooper]

Originally Posted by flash3

Thanks!

I found another site online that basically covered some of those exact comparisons as to why X might be better than Y.

Please share!

[flash3]

Originally Posted by 509trooper

Please share!

I'll go back in my history and find it - it was on my iPad - but it was on another site very similar to AutoGeek.

[Nahoa]

After a quick wash and some Zaino.

[flash3]

Nice!

[509trooper]

Originally Posted by flash3

Nice!

Agreed, looks beautiful!

[flash3]

What did you use on your wheels?

[Nahoa]

Thanks. Used Zaino Z-2 and Z-CS previously, but nothing on this wash. Planning to try the Wheel Wax next. Any experience with that stuff?

[LEDZEP]

Just received my new 3" orbital, polish and wax pads, paint prep (removes wax and sealants when you don't want to wash the whole vehicle with Dawn). Three day weekend, no plans, wife is away.... looks like a long detailing weekend in the garage!!

[Nahoa]

About to do the wheels with P21s and then Wheel Wax. Anyone have experience with these products? Recommendations on use? Any thoughts on throwing Zaino Z-CS over the Wheel Wax as I do with the Z-2 on the rest of the car? I'm thinking not since it seems like it's the qualities of the Wheel Wax itself that's supposed to reduce adhesion of brake dust and the Z-CS would put a layer in between. Only considering it based on the protection the Z-CS gives to the Z-2 on the rest of the car.

[LEDZEP]

If I need more than just the car wash soap for the wheels and tires, I generally use Simple Green (amazing stuff). I do have wheel cleaner and rubber cleaner also, but tend to reach for the S.G.

I just use regular sealant/wax on the wheels - same thing the car gets. It doesn't have a long life on wheels, you usually have to apply it twice as often at least.

[sfax]

Suitably inspired by LZ and Nahoa, I washed, clayed and waxed my X3 today. Took about 6 hours and I still haven't done the inside! Some pics below

[Nahoa]

Well, tried the P21S stuff. Won't spend the money on that again. End up manually removing the stuff just as before but end up with a bunch of product on my hands and tools. Will try the Simple Green thing next time.

Bailed on the Wheel Wax, too. Read the directions and it said "Apply every 4-6 weeks". That didn't sound so good. I've had better luck with the Zaino products. So, I cleaned them (with the P21S which I could have done without) and dried them. Then applied Zaino AIO (All In One), let it set, buffed it out and gave it some time. Later applied Z-CS fairly liberally (not part of the Zaino recommendations) but buffed it out so there were no puddles or drops left to dry. After that sat for a bit I finished up with the Z-8 detailer. Seems like detailers generally aren't so durable, but this stuff also leaves a super slick surface so I thought it might be worth a shot on combating the brake dust.

Also added two coats of Z-2 to the car. Finished with Z-CS and Z-8. I think it has a good base now so I can wash and detail for a bit and then refresh occasionally with additional coats of Z-2 and Z-CS. So shiny I kinda wish I had my jet black 330i back . . . but then this whole process would have involved a LOT more work and stress about swirls marks!!

[Nahoa]

Was typing while you were posting, sfax.

Looks great! What did you use outside? I've not done the inside much, either. Still combating the "production slime" on the interior windows. Thinking I might tackle that again on Monday. Vacuum out the dog hair and clean/treat the leather.

Anyone done their leather yet? Any trouble with the contrast stitching? Any color bleeding?

[Nahoa]

Oh, I do have to add a bit of a whine. I might be getting old or something, but those 309's are harder to clean than I expected. The small "v" toward the center is a bit of a pain, and the corners on the outside seem to collect a lot more stubborn stuff than I recall on previous BMWs. Might just be getting old and soft, though . . . .

[sfax]

Originally Posted by Nahoa

Was typing while you were posting, sfax.

Looks great! What did you use outside? I've not done the inside much, either. Still combating the "production slime" on the interior windows. Thinking I might tackle that again on Monday. Vacuum out the dog hair and clean/treat the leather.

Anyone done their leather yet? Any trouble with the contrast stitching? Any color bleeding?

Outside is Meguiars shampoo and then Zaino all in one wax. Only one coat today as claying took quite a while beforehand (used Sonus Ultra Fine Detailing Clay and a detailing spray - first time I've clayed and was surprised by how much hidden dirt and contaminates it picks up - in a good way, and I like the fact you can feel how smooth the paintwork is afterwards)

I've got some autoglym leather cleaner which I'll try out tomorrow. I put some Zaino on the wheels too today. I have previously applied a few coats of Poorboys wheel wax but they still get very dirty from brake dust very quickly and I agree they are a bitch to clean!! Like a very pretty blonde: look great but high maintenance

[11x35SapphireBlk]

An AVID car enthusiast and car detailer (my own mainly and occasionally for a friend or relative). I have used many products over the years. Zaino is good, Autogeek carries a lot of options that are good. I move around from time to time just for a change. I always keep Zaino on hand, some Griots Garage products, some Meguiars, Optimum and some Wolfgang. I think they are all good.
Results depend on the user. Some people have fits with Zaino. I have no issues with it. If you are looking for a quick fix or easy way out set of car care products then I dont think any of these will work for you. Go pay a detailer. I get people asking me all the time what products I use as they want to replicate what I have. Unfortunately it is effort and elbow grease as much as the product selection.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by sfax

Suitably inspired by LZ and Nahoa, I washed, clayed and waxed my X3 today. Took about 6 hours and I still haven't done the inside! Some pics below

Beautiful sfax! Nicely done. 6 hours... yes, I know what you mean. I spent about 9 hours on the X5 yesterday (Black Sapphire). I gave it a good wash with Dawn (brand of dishwashing detergent that strips away all waxes and sealants), then used clay in a few areas, then polished out a few areas, polished the entire hood twice (going from light medium to fine), then two coats of Griot's Paint Sealant and finally, a coat of carnuba wax on top of that. The orbital makes it easier, but it is still hard work! But the results... ah... so nice.

To celebrate, I gave the X3 it's weekly bath. Today.... yard work.

Originally Posted by Nahoa

Oh, I do have to add a bit of a whine. I might be getting old or something, but those 309's are harder to clean than I expected. The small "v" toward the center is a bit of a pain, and the corners on the outside seem to collect a lot more stubborn stuff than I recall on previous BMWs. Might just be getting old and soft, though . . . .

Yep. I knew the moment I saw those 309's that they would be a bitch to clean. My X5 M Sport summer wheels have a Y spoke pattern, and they are tough. The 369M's on the X3 M Sport however, are a joy. Soooo easy to clean. Also, because I have them sealed, most of the brake dust rinses away. I could recommend a few tools to help, if you're interested. But I don't want it to seem like I'm pushing any particular products.

[Nahoa]

Appreciate any recommendations. I have a small lambswool thing with a handle that I thought would work, but it doesn't quite do it. So far a cloth has done the best job. Have the sealant on there, too, so it's mostly a question of getting to each spot rather than struggling to remove gunk. That is, except those "corners" on the outside. Not sure why they're collecting so much stubborn stuff. Maybe now that I've treated them more they'll be easier.

[LEDZEP]

Yes, those hard corners on some BMW wheels can be a bitch to clean. The 369M's have become my favorite in terms of cleaning, but on my E90 I had 159's that were great too because they had a teardrop design and NO corners!

Griot's Garage has a wheel cleaning tool that is like a stove-top cleaning pad on a stick... good for getting into corners and reaching the full depth of the wheel without killing your hands. They also have "four finger mitt" of sheepskin that I"ve recently started using and really like.

Here are a few pics of the fruits of my labor yesterday... I know it's not the X3, so forgive me.

[Nahoa]

Wow. Looks great! Love the reflection of the BMW emblem.