[Mogwai888]

......paint looks lovely when clean, but I can see it requiring regular attention.

Do any of you, especially carbon black owners, have any tips to maintain the car looking 'clean' between washes?

I've read detailing sprays can be quite good....any recommendations?

Thanks

[MrPogle]

Get a detailer to polish out all the fine scratches and apply a ceramic-type coating. Wash the car before it gets horribly filthy using as little physical rubbing as possible. After each wash apply something to give a strong hydrophobic finish. I use Sonax BSD which I find works very well on Azurite Black which is similar to Carbon Black.

www.detailingworld.co.uk might be a place to check out but it's a bit like going to a beer-festival when you want a pint.

[Mogwai888]

Thanks for the link MrPogle

Have been contemplating a detailer, but call me weird but there's some satisfaction and pride in keeping your own car clean. That's if I can find the time.

Will check out the Sonax product. Cheers.

Oh - nice motor BTW

[The Beast]

Agree with Mr Pogle, get a two stage correction done by a reputable detailer and have a ceramic coating plus a glossifier applied. I had this done to mine and the coating reduces the amount of dirt and grime that sticks to the car, the dirt also comes away easier when you jet the car. This will get your paintwork back to or better than the original factory finish and remove all blemishes.

Then you can maintain it yourself, always use the two bucket method when washing and use a snow foam to lift dirt beforehand if you can. My E70 was carbon black and this colour is stunning when polished up and in the sunlight

[MrPogle]

You can't go wrong with the 2 bucket system but you may want to try the following which I find easier and works well.

1. Use 1 large bucket filled with clean water but must contain a grit-guard.
2. Put the correct amount of car-shampoo for a bucket-full into your snow-foam lance with 1 litre of water.
3. Use a proper wash-mitt not a sponge.

Then, spray on the soap a couple of panels at a time and wash down with the clean water and mitt. The soap won't be as foamy as snow-foam but it is very easy to see if you have missed any bits with the mitt as it tends to visually "cling" to the dirt.

The grit guard should ensure you have no serious contamination to the rinse water and you aren't rubbing the panels quite as much as when you use 2 buckets.

Below is my shiny car.

[shiner]

My last car before my current one was a Carbon Black 530D. I struggled to keep it clean. It shows up the slightest dirt.