[Mikey240]

Hi all - so, my 2026 m240i only has 1400 miles on it thus far. I am scheduled to have a $1,000 correction/prep/ceramic/ job done in a few weeks at a local shop. Ive always enjoyed washing and detailing my own cars but figured as this car is still very new now would be the time to do this. here is my use case which needs to be considered:

- Not a daily driver, weekend/toy only.
- Will be garaged quite often. Will see about 5,000-6,000 miles a year or so.
- Stored in garage during winter and "off the road" until spring.
- Limited use as a commuter if at all.

So, part of me still says that $1000 bucks isnt a bad investment in my car. I plan on keeping it for a while and like the idea of easier washing, etc.

However, due to the car being somewhat pampered() one could surmise that Im overdoing it and would be just as well served doing my own washes with a detail spray sealant applied afterwards. I do this now and the car shines quite nicely & remains quite hydrophobic too.

For the record, this shop uses Car Pro CQuartz professional coating and then a layer of car pro Gliss on top of that. Proper decon wash, light polish & whatever else ahead of time.

[tracer bullet]

As far as the results, I think you'll be happy. Starting off with a fairly pristine and swirl free finish will be a nice thing to admire in the sun every time you walk to or away from the car. The coating itself will definitely make washing easier as well (be sure to look into how to do that, i.e. pre-washing, using the "2 bucket" method or 1 bucket with a number of microfibers, this is its own subject).

If they do a good job and use a good coating (small bottle, high percentage stuff, not a spray-on), it seems to be a reasonable going rate.

If you are a DIYer in general, it's really not a difficult job to save most of that cost and try it on your own.

[Mikey240]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

As far as the results, I think you'll be happy. Starting off with a fairly pristine and swirl free finish will be a nice thing to admire in the sun every time you walk to or away from the car. The coating itself will definitely make washing easier as well (be sure to look into how to do that, i.e. pre-washing, using the "2 bucket" method or 1 bucket with a number of microfibers, this is its own subject).

If they do a good job and use a good coating (small bottle, high percentage stuff, not a spray-on), it seems to be a reasonable going rate.

If you are a DIYer in general, it's really not a difficult job to save most of that cost and try it on your own.

Thanks - I am generally a detail-myself guy but this one time I thought it'd be nice way to start of the cars life as far as paint goes. I also lack a lot of the equipment/tools/etc. to really do a full prep and all that. Really dont want to acquire it all for one use.

They will be using the professional grade CQuartz coating. My car doesnt have much for swirls or issues right now but I know the light clay and polish before hand will make it perfect. The have great reviews and have been in business for many years. They also need the car for 3 days for proper curing which is nice to hear, I think

Here they are:

https://www.areteautosalon.com/?gad_...SAAEgJDkfD_BwE

[tracer bullet]

I'd still consider DIY

I was able to do a (IMO) fairly surprising job on my 12 year old X3 with this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Auto-Spa-...ssType=REGULAR

And this: https://adamspolishes.com/products/a...h&_ss=e&_v=1.0

The polisher is small, cheap, and worked. And not a total waste of $ since in a few years you might want to do it again. It's not pro quality but it's DA and cheap and does the job.

For the coating itself you'll get quite close to a pro job for about $150 or so from a variety of brands. Or even less: https://gyeonusa.com/collections/pai.../q-one-evo-kit

Just one of 100 examples. Your very first time going slowly and carefully would take about 2 hours. Next time about 1 hour. It'd last at least a year for you and potentially be part of a "spring cleaning" routine.

If cost or interest is a factor. Otherwise it seems like you're on the right track to hand it off as well which seems to be your preference and is fine of course.

[Mikey240]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

I'd still consider DIY

I was able to do a (IMO) fairly surprising job on my 12 year old X3 with this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Auto-Spa-...ssType=REGULAR

And this: https://adamspolishes.com/products/a...h&_ss=e&_v=1.0

The polisher is small, cheap, and worked. And not a total waste of $ since in a few years you might want to do it again. It's not pro quality but it's DA and cheap and does the job.

For the coating itself you'll get quite close to a pro job for about $150 or so from a variety of brands. Or even less: https://gyeonusa.com/collections/pai.../q-one-evo-kit

Just one of 100 examples. Your very first time going slowly and carefully would take about 2 hours. Next time about 1 hour. It'd last at least a year for you and potentially be part of a "spring cleaning" routine.

If cost or interest is a factor. Otherwise it seems like you're on the right track to hand it off as well which seems to be your preference and is fine of course.

I hear ya - I have done my own detailing since forever but I'll admit this one time does feel like the right time to hand it off.

It will be a once and done. Eventually, all coatings wear out and from there on out I'll handle it myself.

Glad your effort paid off with your car.

[Westside Guy]

As you live in upstate NY you should really consider doing the front in PPF. 😉