2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
 

2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs Considering having my car detailed (compounded)...
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-19-2013, 02:12 PM   #1
dbs600
Colonel
266
Rep
2,247
Posts

Drives: 2011 750LXi Individual
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: New York, NY

iTrader: (0)

Considering having my car detailed (compounded)...

Considering having my car detailed (compounded) for the first time, but have some questions:

1. Is it true that any amount of compounding removes some clear coat? If so, is the amount truly negligible or does removing any amount make the paint more susceptible? (detailing / compounding / waxing is not something I do / plan to do on a regular basis)

2. Will compounding leave buffer / hologram marks, and if so, do detailers use ‘glaze’ to (temporarily) cover up same, such that I wouldn’t realize same until a few weeks later, when the ‘glaze’ wears off? (I can ask the detailer what their practices are, but who’s to say I’d receive an honest answer)

P.S.: I’d use a reputable local shop that’s been around for a long time and details all types of cars, high end exotics included.

Thanks!
Appreciate 0
      03-19-2013, 11:15 PM   #2
ibimmer954
Major
136
Rep
1,422
Posts

Drives: '23 i4 M50, '15 M3, '18 911
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Diego, California, USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbs600 View Post
Considering having my car detailed (compounded) for the first time, but have some questions:

1. Is it true that any amount of compounding removes some clear coat? If so, is the amount truly negligible or does removing any amount make the paint more susceptible? (detailing / compounding / waxing is not something I do / plan to do on a regular basis)
Yes, compounding will remove some clear coat. The idea is to remove enough clear coat to reduce the depth of the scratches in the clear coat.

Quote:

2. Will compounding leave buffer / hologram marks, and if so, do detailers use ‘glaze’ to (temporarily) cover up same, such that I wouldn’t realize same until a few weeks later, when the ‘glaze’ wears off? (I can ask the detailer what their practices are, but who’s to say I’d receive an honest answer)
Yes, if the detailer is not experienced or doesn't do the job properly, it can leave buffer trails or marks. And, yes, those marks can be temporarily covered up by a glaze that could wear off.

Quote:
P.S.: I’d use a reputable local shop that’s been around for a long time and details all types of cars, high end exotics included.
Doesn't matter... they could still leave your car to the "new guy" who could screw it up.

Unfortunately, there's no easy answer here. It's possible to do the job right. And it's possible to screw it up badly. The only advice I can give is to look for reviews from others that had work done at the shop you are thinking about.

There are dedicated auto detailer websites out there where you can get more reviews. Or maybe look at the detailing section of the *post websites. I think one of the website sponsors is in the New York area.
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2013, 06:25 AM   #3
Frank_NJ
///M Specialist
Frank_NJ's Avatar
United_States
556
Rep
1,497
Posts

Drives: E30 M3, E52 Z8, G83 M4Cx
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NJ Shore

iTrader: (0)

If you are willing to come to New Jersey I recommend the Detail Doctor in Shrewsberry, NJ great work and never had a issue.
__________________
2023 M340ix my Daily Driver

G83 M4CV, F80 M3 CS, E30 M3, Z8, other various BMW's
Ferrari F8
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2013, 06:31 AM   #4
HoustonEaDo
First Lieutenant
United_States
153
Rep
372
Posts

Drives: 2019 X3 M40i
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Houston

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Since your car is a 2011, I doubt it's paint job is in that bad of shape -- what about having it clay barred (sp?) instead of compounding?

If your paint is messed up, disregard the above suggestion !!
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2013, 06:48 AM   #5
AP
Major General
AP's Avatar
2702
Rep
5,022
Posts

Drives: G30 M550
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

have you got photos? How bad is it?

I was walking around teh used car showroom on a BMW dealership some week bad killing time whilst i had some work done and noticed how bad teh paintwork was on just about every used car they had. Aware that indoors with strip lighting probably highlights the issue but was surprised how bad the paintwork was. I can only assume most people are using automatic washes or not really caring about who does the washing (grit in sponges etc)
My car which I've looked after with just autoglym shampoo and extragloss protection and just using a lambswool mitten looks brand new in comparison.(despite being a year old)
some polish may help to some extent possibly, worth you posting some photos thoughso people here can see how bad (or not) the issue is.
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2013, 07:33 AM   #6
Chili Palmer
Master Of My Domain
United_States
89
Rep
669
Posts

Drives: 2015 650i Gran Coupe
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (3)

I'm currently having my car paint corrected - as the dealer at no charge buffed out my hood, fenders, and doors as a bonus only to have buffer trails and holograms appear after the glaze was gone after I washed it the next week. I called the dealer and they said that they'd take care of it, but the last thing I wanted was them to touch the car again. I should have gotten BMW of North America involved, but I waited too long.

Oh by the way, don't let the morons at Century West BMW in North Hollywood California touch your car for any reason. Just good advice.
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2013, 10:40 AM   #7
dbs600
Colonel
266
Rep
2,247
Posts

Drives: 2011 750LXi Individual
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: New York, NY

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ibimmer346 View Post
Yes, compounding will remove some clear coat. The idea is to remove enough clear coat to reduce the depth of the scratches in the clear coat.
Thanks for your entire post, ibimmer; on point with every question!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank_NJ View Post
If you are willing to come to New Jersey I recommend the Detail Doctor in Shrewsberry, NJ great work and never had a issue.
Thanks for the referral(!), but planning to stay closer.

Quote:
Originally Posted by u080570 View Post
Since your car is a 2011, I doubt it's paint job is in that bad of shape -- what about having it clay barred (sp?) instead of compounding?
Paint it not bad, so may take you up on the clay bar suggestion!

Quote:
Originally Posted by AP View Post
have you got photos? How bad is it?
No photos, but it's not bad. I have a similar story with my nearest dealer. Every single car in the showroom was damaged! Pointed it out and salesperson was very embarrassed and said fix all upon close. My thoughts were: (1) how didn't they see this themselves and (2) future owners may never know; not good!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chili Palmer View Post
I'm currently having my car paint corrected - as the dealer at no charge buffed out my hood, fenders, and doors as a bonus only to have buffer trails and holograms appear after the glaze was gone after I washed it the next week.
Thanks, yes, I'm just concerned for holograms, as I've had bodywork done to another car in the past and they left 'fish eyes', to which I complained, to which I believe the used a rotary buffer and glaze cover-up. I thought the car looked fine when leaving, but a month or so later I realized massive holograms.
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2013, 05:55 PM   #8
zeemagicman
New Member
0
Rep
5
Posts

Drives: 550xi
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

clay bar always better if paint not terrible imho
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2013, 08:22 PM   #9
ibimmer954
Major
136
Rep
1,422
Posts

Drives: '23 i4 M50, '15 M3, '18 911
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Diego, California, USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
The problem is that if you use an aggressive clay bar, then it will mar the paint and you'll have to do some correction anyway. So be careful if you go down that path. The clay bar is used to remove contaminants that don't come off in a standard car wash. Leaving your paint feeling smooth. However, the CB will not fix scratches and swirls in your paint. Be sure to use lots and lots of lube if you use the CB. The more lube, the better. Where have we heard that before?

And you'll have to reapply paint protection (sealants/wax) after using the CB.
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2013, 08:56 PM   #10
dbs600
Colonel
266
Rep
2,247
Posts

Drives: 2011 750LXi Individual
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: New York, NY

iTrader: (0)

Detail done for $200 and very happy with the results!

Let's see how it holds up...

Thanks guys!

Last edited by dbs600; 03-22-2013 at 09:53 PM..
Appreciate 0
      03-25-2013, 01:06 PM   #11
twelve535i
Major
twelve535i's Avatar
United_States
478
Rep
1,363
Posts

Drives: 2015 X5 35i M Sport
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: New York

iTrader: (3)

post some pics!
Appreciate 0
      03-25-2013, 02:48 PM   #12
dbs600
Colonel
266
Rep
2,247
Posts

Drives: 2011 750LXi Individual
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: New York, NY

iTrader: (0)

Didn't take any pics, unfortunately. You can find three or four pictures of my car (the Black 7 Series Individual) at this event, however, which was one day after detailing:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...=672724&page=6

Enjoy!
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:33 AM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST