Do you let other people wash your M5?

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by TLK

I suppose this ceramic coating is the latest version of the "crystal shield" or whatever that was from a few years back.

Like I said, the most important thing is that you use some type of sealant (carnuba included), and apply regularly enough so that the finish isn't going unprotected for a while.

I don't recommend carnuba because it doesn't last very long if you do your detailing research. I also used it all my life until the last couple years but have moved on because the synthetic sealants are easier to work with and are more durable, last longer so I can "wax" less often. Carnuba looks good and a lot of people like the look better, so it's a fine choice if you are up for waxing more frequently.

From my years of California experience I'd say that 6 months between waxing with carnuba is way way too long and paint isn't getting good protection, especially in the summer. If you want to stick with carnuba, wax more often, like every month or two if your car lives in the real world. And get a good carnuba, a real carnuba block is quite hard not all super soft and melty, because it is solvents and other additives in the mixture that make it so soft.

And get a random orbital regardless of what sealant you choose. The machine is much more capable of pushing the sealant into the microscopic terrain of the paint surface that messing with a pad in hand and using "elbow grease" to apply to the whole car.

I find carnuba wax is a bit harder to polish off than normal polish waxes obviously because of the wax content and turning the cloth and doing one panel at a time is the way to go.Not really keen on using a power pad.

[thxbuff2001]

The F10 is pretty dirty at the back but I brought out e39 first to clean. It was left in the garage for a while as it had a big dent that was pdr and now its going to be back for driving duty. I always remind my kids do not rub the paint of the cars but they cant help it. So you can see how thick the dirt it.


It will be dropped off the dealer and I want to clean it first before dropping it off. I always tell them not to clean any of my cars.

[FishTheStampede]

and all I got was paint swirls

[thxbuff2001]

Originally Posted by FishTheStampede

and all I got was paint swirls

When the dealer do an oil change, they put grease inside the car. Atleast they washed the car when they give it back.

[M5Rick]

Washed it with Meguirs then carnauba waxed,no swirls on my paint and I'll give the ceramic seal guys a run for their money AND put the dealer car wash to shame

[94jedi]

Gents, look into Jescar Powerlock plus Collinite 845. Supposedly, it's a pretty high level of protection (almost as good as 9H ceramic) and when maintained w/ P&S Beadmaker, it rivals a ceramic coating. Thing is, it doesn't last as long. That's the combo I'm going to use on my F10. If after a few attempts it doesn't work as well as people say, I may bite the bullet and do the ceramic coating (Cquartz or Geyon) myself. Should last at least 1 year.

[GiddyAssassin]

Originally Posted by 94jedi

Gents, look into Jescar Powerlock plus Collinite 845. Supposedly, it's a pretty high level of protection (almost as good as 9H ceramic) and when maintained w/ P&S Beadmaker, it rivals a ceramic coating. Thing is, it doesn't last as long. That's the combo I'm going to use on my F10. If after a few attempts it doesn't work as well as people say, I may bite the bullet and do the ceramic coating (Cquartz or Geyon) myself. Should last at least 1 year.

Rivals a ceramic coating on what way? It's hydrophobic properties?

You must be an Obsessed Garage dude

[M5Rick]

Carnauba all the way and apply lengthways to clinically clean car not round and round to stir the swirls

[94jedi]

Originally Posted by GiddyAssassin

Rivals a ceramic coating on what way? It's hydrophobic properties?

You must be an Obsessed Garage dude

Originally Posted by GiddyAssassin

Rivals a ceramic coating on what way? It's hydrophobic properties?

You must be an Obsessed Garage dude

You saw me coming a mile away lol! Yep, I'm an OG. We'll see how well this combo works. If it's too finicky to get it right or doesn't protect well, I'll prob switch over to ceramic and just do it myself.

[GiddyAssassin]

Originally Posted by 94jedi

You saw me coming a mile away lol! Yep, I'm an OG. We'll see how well this combo works. If it's too finicky to get it right or doesn't protect well, I'll prob switch over to ceramic and just do it myself.

I follow his channel and content as well. It was a genuine question as I am currently trying to decide on the wax/sealant versus coating for my new M5. You are talking in terms of smoothness and hydrophobics not life? I am tempted to just go the wax/sealant route being I intend to do a weekly maintenance wash and then use a drying aid. I'm currently using Ammo Hydrate, but want to try Bead Maker and Gyeon WetCoat (not at the same time) once this is gone.

[94jedi]

Originally Posted by GiddyAssassin

I follow his channel and content as well. It was a genuine question as I am currently trying to decide on the wax/sealant versus coating for my new M5. You are talking in terms of smoothness and hydrophobics not life? I am tempted to just go the wax/sealant route being I intend to do a weekly maintenance wash and then use a drying aid. I'm currently using Ammo Hydrate, but want to try Bead Maker and Gyeon WetCoat (not at the same time) once this is gone.

smoothness, hydrophobic properties but certainly not life and hardness. Also, ease of cleaning/maintenance. For the 4-6 months this combo "should last", my understanding is that w/ beadmaker as a topper/drying aid, it should be decent. The caveat being that beadmaker isn't super easy to get he application right.

I'd like to try ceramic coating on my wife's X5, simply for low maintenance, but I'm a bit scared to take the plunge and apply it myself.

How do you like Hydrate? Beadmaker has been great, even as a stand alone but it is a bit finicky to get right. If it's too humid, it doesn't apply well.